Building skills, fostering community with new ‘Eagle Ridge Roast’ coffee cart  

This spring, students in Eagle Ridge Middle School special education teacher Laura Hermansen’s FOCUS program have the opportunity to run the school’s first-ever coffee cart, called the Eagle Ridge Roast. 

While instruction and direction comes from teachers Hermansen and Mark Gonnella, students in the FOCUS program — a specialized classroom designed for individuals with developmental cognitive disabilities, emotional/behavior disorders, neuro-biological disorders and Autism Spectrum Disorders — take part in all aspects of Eagle Ridge Roast, which delivers tea, coffee, hot chocolate and bottled water to staff on Fridays.

Eagle Ridge Roast starts taking orders on Monday through a Google form. Staff members submit their orders by Tuesday, and then Hermansen and Gonnella organize the orders. Over the next couple of days, with minimal help from support staff, students write labels for and put sleeves on cups, and prepare the carts with cups and supplies. On Friday morning, students boil water, make coffee and load drinks onto the cart before splitting into groups and delivering orders to classrooms. 

Throughout the week, from helping with orders and prepping the cart to delivering beverages, handling money, and interacting with staff, students build and develop a variety of skills — including communication skills, fine motor skills, social skills, safety skills and many more.

Students are eager and motivated to engage in coffee cart activities. 

“We have one student who has really struggled to come to school,” said Hermansen. “But, when she got her first taste of the coffee cart, she was at school and ready to work on Friday morning. I have not seen her so motivated to show up to school, move around the building and complete school work in such a long time!”

Not only are students learning how to stay on task, adapt to frequent changes and take constructive feedback, but students also engage in positive interactions with both staff and students as they walk through the building delivering beverages to classrooms. 

“The coffee cart has become a highlight of our week,” said teacher Janelle Gruenich. “It is a great bridge between our programs and brings a ton of joy to our ERMS community. My seventh-grade students love seeing the coffee cart roll up each Friday. They literally cheered for the kids when my hot chocolate arrived for the first time. Students running the cart are doing an amazing job. They are professional and handle the money accurately while fulfilling the orders. It is awesome to see their confidence build while practicing real life skills.”

John Galland, library media specialist, added: “The service is always so friendly. What a great way to start the day with a tasty cup of coffee served up with great big smiles.”

“General education students are interested in the coffee cart program and its purpose,” noted teacher Michael Klubberud. “It has created dialogue and connection in the school.”

“I can't even begin to explain how proud I am of our students,” said Hermansen. “They are doing this job with such pride and joy. I think it’s so crucial for our school climate to get our kids out in the community. I am so proud of the work the students are doing and the work we’re doing as a program to bring new and meaningful learning to the classroom.” 

For now, Eagle Ridge Roast offers tea, coffee, hot chocolate and bottled water. As students gain more experience and confidence, the team plans to add additional drinks, like flavored coffee and sparkling water, along with pre-packaged snacks.