Milford High School's special education classes have been running a small coffee shop on Friday mornings for years as a way to fundraise for their students. Previously, only staff were able to purchase items but this year they are opening it up to students, as well. All items are only $1.00 and can be found in room 501 during first and second hours every Friday. There is often an assortment of baked goods, as well as coffee (both hot and iced), hot chocolate and tea.
“It’s meaningful to see students growing their communication and social skills in a fun, real-world setting,” explains Speech Pathologist Elizabeth Carlson.
First hour helper, Mira Bender, agrees, "I think the coffee cart is a good idea because it helps them learn life skills like counting money when the customers hand it to them. By learning to make different drinks, if they ever had a job that required that, they would already know how."
Junior Laylah Zamora says exactly that- “I like doing the barista job and handing the drinks out to people.” Laylah’s friend and classmate, Madison Seebaldt, says she likes making people happy.
When asked what the best part of running Coffee House is, students Maddalyn Presnell and Braidyn Ellsworth both agree- deliveries!
The money raised is put towards field trips and classroom events and projects. Low income families may not be able to provide extra for their special needs student(s) and these funds help cover costs, allowing all classmates to attend and participate in the same activities.
