Students in Mrs. Palmer’s class, known as Palmer’s Pac, at Margaret K. Lewis School, are gaining real-world experience through their student-run business, Soaring Sips. This student-led coffee shop allows students to take drink orders throughout the week and prepare and deliver those drinks to staff across campus on Wednesdays.
Each student plays an important role in keeping the business running smoothly. Some students craft drinks, others deliver orders, and some assist with processing orders or maintaining the workspace by cleaning dishes and wiping down counters. Through teamwork and shared responsibility, students ensure each order is completed with care. When asked about their favorite part of the business, students shared that they enjoy making drinks, working as a team, and interacting with customers.
Through Soaring Sips, students are developing meaningful life and job skills that extend beyond the classroom. Staff members shared that students are practicing communication, teamwork, accountability, and practical life skills such as following directions, counting money, and cleaning. One staff member noted that students are learning responsibility and recognizing that others depend on them to do their job.
Students also expressed pride and joy in their work. When asked how it feels when someone says they love their drink, one student shared, “It feels great.” Others described feeling “good” and even “silly,” reflecting the excitement and sense of accomplishment they experience.
Beyond skill-building, Soaring Sips is helping create a strong sense of community within the classroom. Students support one another throughout the process, demonstrating teamwork and care. In one example, a student helped a classmate return to his workspace after the classmate became overwhelmed, demonstrating both leadership and compassion. Additionally, a new student who joined the class mid-year quickly became part of the team through participation in the coffee shop.
Looking ahead, students will soon begin completing applications and participating in interviews for specific roles within the business, adding another layer of real-world preparation.
At MKL, opportunities like Soaring Sips allow students to learn, lead, and continue SOARing toward success.
— Kimber Blount, Assistant Principal