Learning vocational skills has never been so delicious!

In March of 2022, Islip High School teacher Melissa Horn implemented a unique learning program for her Functional Academic’s class; at the Bucs Brew coffee station, students fulfill coffee orders placed by teachers, brewing the coffee themselves and delivering it to their classroom. Along with the support of her two teaching assistants, Alison and Rebecca, Horn has brought work-based learning opportunities for her students within the walls of Islip High School.

“They learn communication skills, problem-solving skills, time management, organization, and work ethic, which is really important,” explained Horn. “It is giving these kids the opportunity to learn real-life job skills, but here in the classroom.”

The Bucs Brew menu is sent out on Sunday night or Monday morning to the staff, who put in their drink orders and what period they want it delivered. A board in Horn’s classroom displays the students’ names and what period they are working. When the students enter her classroom, they check the board and know if they are on duty. If they are working, they check the orders for the period that they are working, giving them a sense of task-oriented functional skills that they would need in a workplace.

The menu includes tea, hot chocolate, and a variety of coffee drinks. Still, the menu stays fresh by offering seasonal changes.

“Right now, in the month of March, we are making Irish cream coffees with Irish cream cold foam, so we try to keep the menu interesting,” shared Horn. “We dye it green and try to keep it festive.”

The delicious offerings are beloved by the staff, who reap the delicious benefits of the program, including Islip High School principal Dr. Lara Gonzalez.   

“We are so incredibly proud of the Bucs Brew team. I have been a loyal Bucs Brew member for my entire time as Islip High School principal. Getting the opportunity to interact every morning with one of my students as they make their morning deliveries is a highlight of my day,” shared Dr. Gonzalez. “Although they have a wide array of offerings of beverages, I consistently order my favorite: hot green tea.”

Bucs Brew is a self-funded program, so the proceeds made on a regular basis go right back into Bucs Brew, funding the purchases of the coffee, milks, creamers, and other supplies. The students that operate Bucs Brew still raise money in schoolwide fundraisers through their sales. Bucs Brew sold $1 cookies at their coffee stand during the weeklong P.S. I Love You Day celebration, raising funds for the local organization founded to ultimately prevent suicide through spreading kindness and mental health awareness.

As the program continues, students will learn valuable life skills in the comforts of their own school.