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Long before the first bell rings, Eagle Ridge Elementary’s SSN Learning Specialist Lisa Herman brews coffee and tea and gathers supplies for the Friday coffee bar. This enterprise features students in the significant support needs (SSN) program serving as baristas while developing skills and having fun.
The activity provides these K-6 students with the opportunity to interact with adults while practicing social and life skills. Herman says it’s all part of a larger plan to help her students build independence and self-sufficiency.
“We’ve even taught them how to use a microwave,” Herman said.
On Fridays, students in the SSN program report to their posts at the Herman Cafe in the school’s lobby, serving refreshments and providing beverage essentials from the condiment station.
Like any good establishment, it’s important to know your customers and their preferences. To that end, the students invite staff to place their beverage orders on Wednesdays. On Fridays, the students fulfill the orders. Each order includes a staff member's photo to help students recognize those who pick up their beverages at the cafe. Some teachers pick up their drinks when they arrive, while others choose to have their orders delivered to them in their classrooms. The students aim to please, fulfilling the cafe’s moniker, “Bringing Joy to Your Day.”
Herman said she got the idea for the coffee bar from a colleague who started a similar program. But like any new venture, there’s always a learning curve.
“Each week we tweak something. We learn something new and modify it for next time,” said Herman.
The Eagle Ridge community supports the operation. Second-grade teacher Stephanie Kopet made the staff and students their branded barista aprons promoting the Herman Cafe.
Staff tips the baristas and that money helps replenish funds to purchase the coffee, tea, hot chocolate mix, whipped cream, marshmallows, creamer, sugar, and paper products.
The students are drinking this up! Herman said they love how the teachers make them feel so special when serving them.
Some students shared their thoughts about the program:
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Jazmine said it's a lot of fun, and she enjoys making the hot chocolate.
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Talon said he loves serving the coffee to the teachers.
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Solomon, Daniel, and Brady said it’s fun to deliver the coffee to the teachers and hear them say, ‘Thank you.’
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Khushi and Charley like taking the money.
What a great way to celebrate Fridays with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate at Eagle Ridge Elementary!