Story by student reporter, Alina Akimbekova
A group of Thomas County Central High School students are preparing for the future one cup at a time.
Students in the school’s special education program have begun a unique project, “Creative Baristas.” Teacher Melody Garland was looking for an idea that would promote life skills, job skills and social skills.
“I looked on Pinterest and found a coffee business that another teacher had already tried,” Garland said. “It seemed to be something that we could easily incorporate into our classroom that all students, regardless of their abilities, could take part in.”
The name “Creative Baristas” comes from Garland wanting to include a uniqueness in the name that would describe the students along with a word that people would relate to an actual job.
This service’s motto is “Brewing Independence.” Students are learning skills to be independent such as how to greet others appropriately and using manners.
“This is just a few of the skills that most people learn through daily interactions that our students need specific tasks to learn,” Garland said.
Two classes currently participate. The project is implemented by paraprofessionals Terrie Barnes and Jennifer Palmer, and teachers Todd Wilson and Melody Garland.
The project serves various purposes and gives students the opportunity to learn the anticipated skills using a hands on technique. It allows them to be able to relate what is being taught with real life scenarios.
On days the service is available, an alert email with the day’s offerings is sent out to all school staff. Beverages are offered twice a day, once to get everyone going in the mornings and again around lunchtime to give customers an afternoon caffeine boost. Students check order forms, write down each person’s requested item(s) on premade stickers and pass these to the students who make the beverages. Once ready, drinks are delivered to the customers.
Delivering orders provides these special need students the opportunity to communicate with students and staff outside of their program.
“?They are also getting out into the school and becoming part of the student body through interactions with a variety of different people in different positions throughout the school,” Garland said.
Beverages currently offered include various coffees -- medium roast, dark roast, and decaf -- green tea and made from scratch hot chocolate. A variety of cream and sweetener options also are available per cup.
Students make anywhere from 6 to 18 cups a day. Since it began, “Creative Baristas” has sold more than 100 cups.
Teacher and customer Brian Burton says the coffee is good, though he hasn’t tried other menu offerings.
“I like to drink coffee and support activities at TCC,” he said. “The students are very friendly, and I am [a] loyal [customer].”
The service offers two sizes: 12 ounces for $1.50 and 16 ounces for $2. The money earned goes to buying supplies to continue the service and to support TCCHS special education students’ community based instructional activities.
The goal is to have students run the entire business. Tasks include sending out daily emails, collecting and counting money, recording orders, making the product and delivering it.
“My hope is that students will take from this project a wide array of skills and knowledge that will follow them after high school,” Garland said. “The most important thing is a sense of worth, that they are able to accomplish the same things that all students their age are able to achieve, even if they have to do it differently.”