Outside of room 15, a coffee shop comes to life during passing periods, and in the morning before school. Organized by the Special Education Program, high schoolers and staff members line up to order  $1 hot drinks, while behind the table student baristas greet customers and handle payments. 

Most importantly, the coffee shop gives the community of special education students a chance to practice real-world work experience tools. 

“It helps them learn communication skills, how to handle money [and] how to keep track of the money that comes in,” Patricia Dempsey, special education teacher and shop manager, said.

The shop evolved over time. Prior to the pandemic, the operation used to be larger, with both hot and cold drink stations. After shutting down during the Covid-19 outbreak, the program faced challenges in re-location. 

“We just [re]-started it in January,” Dempsey said. 

The structure of the coffee shop mirrors a real workplace. Students help in setting up and taking down the station. For guidance, scripted prompts offering greetings and conversation starters on laminated papers can be found on the table. 

Students manage different forms of payment, including cash, Apple Pay, and debit card as well as deliver drinks to teachers for a $2 fee. 

For student worker JJ Jones (10), the human connection she creates is something she enjoys. 

 “What I like about the coffee shop is how I get to serve people…[and] interacting [with them],” Jones said. 

Jones started working at the coffee shop earlier this year and has quickly found her favorite part of the job. 

“My all time favorite… is making the coffee… adding creamer, it’s fun,” Jones said. 

Working mornings and passing periods a few times a week,  Jones has noticed a positive energy on both sides of the counter. 

“The customers are very nice and I love working with my friends,” Jones said.