What began as a small, informal idea has grown into a structured learning opportunity for students in Ms. Heather Henderson’s cross-categorical classroom, along with students participating in BMS’s Peer-to-Peer program.

The Coffee Cart was originally created as a less-structured, fun way for students to work alongside Speech Pathologist Olivia Bustamante and a social worker. As the program developed, it evolved into an opportunity specifically for students in the cross-categorical classroom to learn valuable skills through a real-world experience.

Today, the BMS Coffee Cart operates on Thursdays, when teachers place orders for coffee, tea, hot chocolate, baked goods, bagels and other treats. Students work together to read order forms, complete receipts, prepare orders and deliver items throughout the building. Seasonal favorites, including pumpkin spice treats, are also part of the fun!

Teachers place their orders by the beginning of the day Wednesday. On Wednesday mornings, students in the cross-categorical and Peer-to-Peer programs work together to read the orders and fill out receipts. Then, on Thursday, they get to work preparing and delivering the orders.

But the Coffee Cart doesn’t stop there.

On Fridays, students operate Coffee Cart Express, offering leftover items from Thursday’s Coffee Cart at just $1. It gives students another opportunity to interact with staff while practicing the same workplace skills they use during Thursday’s deliveries.

The Coffee Cart is about much more than coffee, said Bustamente.. “It provides students with hands-on experience in skills they can use in future employment - including following directions, completing orders, handling money, communicating with others, working as a team and taking pride in a job well done,” she said.

It also connects beautifully with BMS’s Peer-to-Peer program. Last school year was the first year the program was offered as a class at BMS. Three days each week, students participating in Peer-to-Peer push into an elective with their buddy or peer, creating structured opportunities to interact, build friendships and develop meaningful connections. 

The Coffee Cart adds another dimension to those relationships by giving students the opportunity to work together toward a common goal. Students train alongside one another, share responsibilities and learn what it means to work as part of a team. While the Coffee Cart is not as structured as a traditional class, it provides an authentic setting where students can put those skills and relationships into practice.

And the benefits extend beyond the classroom. Proceeds from the Coffee Cart, along with the BMS ice cream store, help fund student field trips throughout the school year.

The first Coffee Cart delivery of the new school year is coming up next Friday, and BMS teachers are already looking forward to it. The Coffee Cart has become a favorite around the building -and for the students who run it, it’s an experience that serves up a whole lot more than coffee.

At BMS, every cup comes with a side of connection, confidence and opportunity - and that’s something worth celebrating.