The special education department at Potosi High School offers a morning coffee shop pick-me-up for the teachers. Over the past couple of years, the special education teachers have put together a program offering the students an opportunity to gain life skills, but also provide and benefit the teachers who are customers. This year, we have gained a new teacher in the special education department, Katie Droeszler. She was previously employed at Potosi schools as a fifth-grade teacher, and we are thankful to have her back.
Early this school year, Ms. Droeszler was offered a tour of Verena Street Coffee in Dubuque, Iowa. “It started out as a field trip.” The students were given a tour, they were shown how to make the coffee, and they were taught where the coffee originally came from and how the business was started. Once the tour ended, the students and Ms.Droezler were offered a donation of free coffee for a year to the Potosi Schools' coffee shop. Ms. Droezler took them up on their offer. “It's been going over really well.”
Changing the menu came with a few steps. “First, we ordered samples of every kind they had.” Ms. Droezler and the two students went around to all the teachers with samples of every flavor offered, then the students made a list of the most popular flavors. That was how they decided what to ask for in donations from Verena Street.
“On average, we make about ten coffees a day; depending on the week it might be more or less.” The students involved are not only learning about the coffee, but they are also learning customer service skills and business. This can be a challenge; they are expected to make the product, keep supplies clean, write out bills, deliver the bills at the end of each month, and stock inventory. “There is a lot that goes into it.”
Ms. Droezler was asked what is done with the money made from the coffee they sell. “The money goes back into the coffee shop, but we also use the money to make a sweet treat for all the teachers who ordered coffee throughout the month.” The coffee shop has been a hit at Potosi schools. This tradition will carry on next year to benefit those students who are in need of extra practice with life skills.