Student-run coffee cart teaches skills, benefits classrooms

Students in Ms. Margaret Flynn’s class and Mrs. Tracy Stevens’ class run a coffee cart for teachers and students every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Assistant Principal Shaun Rohland was inspired by another local school that was running a similar program and wanted to try it at his school. After speaking with Ms. Flynn and Mrs. Stevens, it was decided their class was the best option.

When the cart first started, students had one urn for coffee donated by our food service provider. They made the coffee in the classroom and only operated about once a week. As the cart has grown in popularity, it runs three days a week and offers more than just coffee. Staff members can chose from coffee, tea and baked goods that are either donated by local businesses or made by some of the teachers themselves. The cart is also equipped with different creamers and syrup flavors for patrons to add to their coffee.

The cart charges a small amount for their coffee, tea and baked goods that all goes back into the classroom. The students in Ms. Flynn and Mrs. Stevens’ class set up, manage and clean up the cart each day it is operational. The cart teaches students independence, teamwork and social skills.