Spartan Cafe Express Opens At North Springs

SANDY SPRINGS, GA -- North Springs Charter High School students, teachers, parents, administrators and staff involved in the school’s Community Based Instruction program came together on Tuesday, Nov. 7 to celebrate the grand opening of the Spartan Café Express.

The new coffee shop run by students in the program was decorated with Spartan orange and blue balloons and an orange chrysanthemum, but it was the students themselves, wearing big smiles and new aprons made by teacher Monica Brown, that made the occasion special.

“This isn’t about me,” Brown said in remarks thanking those attending the ribbon cutting. “It’s about our kids learning to serve others. We all really have a heart for these kids and we couldn’t do it without everyone’s support.”

The apron’s logo design, a steaming cup of coffee decorated with a heart reflect this core belief. Brown credited her "amazing mentor," senior art magnet student Marie Fetherston, for its creation.

“I wanted to reflect the love in CBI, and when I told Mrs. Brown, she said, 'that’s it!'” the student said. The café, located in the school’s indoor concession stand, around the corner from the theater, is open from 7:30 a.m. to 8:10 a.m. Monday through Thursday. It serves just North Springs teachers and staff.

Brown, who said the service also delivers coffee or tea to educators who order online during their first period, added that once the students get more practice, the shop seeks to open for students. Opening the cafe allows students to practice team-building skills and life lessons so they can gain independence and "have an employable skill when they graduate," she added.

“Students learn personal finance and responsibility,” she pointed out. “Christian helps count the money, Drew makes deposits and he, Wesley and Tyndale deliver coffee. Caroline comes first thing - right from the bus - to open up and start the coffee, and Grant welcomes everyone with a huge smile. “

Drew, who said the activity is "fun," added he likes counting money and managing the cash register. In addition to their special aprons the students painted canvasses with a variety of coffee cups that now decorate the café walls.

According to Adrienne Melnyk, program coordinator for Fulton County Schools, CBI services are now offered to students with intellectual disabilities and autism in their home schools. This is the second year North Springs has had the CBI program.

“Our students love it,” said Principal Scott Hanson, before cutting the ribbon. “Not just the CBI students who thrive in the program, but all our students who cheer them on and want them to succeed. It’s who we are and I couldn’t be more proud of everyone.”

Photo 1: North Springs Principal Scott Hanson does the honors, using the Sandy Springs Perimeter Chamber's big scissors to cut the ribbon for the grand opening of the school's new Spartan Café Express created and run by the students in the Community Based Instruction program. Sharing in the ribbon cutting are from left FCS Area Executive Director for the Central Learning Community Kirk Shrum, FCS School Board member Julia Bernath, Assistant Administrator and Special Education Dean Gail Ritchie, Grant Tillman, Drew Caso, Transition Services ID/CBI Coordinator Jennifer Erickson and Special Education teacher Monica Brown.

Photo 2: Wesley Huang, Christian Edwards, and student peer facilitator Delonte Harris finish the coffee order for Bernath.

Photo 3: North Springs Caroline Grayson, Grant Tillman, Wesley Huang, Tyndale Madubike, Christian Edwards, Special Education teacher Monica Brown, and Drew Caso proudly hold the ribbon to be cut for their new Spartan Café Express.

Photo 4: Grant Tillman and his mother Eleanor Tillman with a cup of freshly brewed coffee from the Spartan Café Express.

Photo credits: North Springs Charter High School