On Nov. 11, Red, White & Brew opened during blocks 4 and 8, allowing students who have study hall during that time to go to the cafe. This is all because of their student staff.
Independence’s Red, White & Brew has decided to open up during the last block of the day to let students and staff have their afternoon coffee. Previously, it was only open during the first two blocks of the day, letting only students that have study hall those blocks go.
The coffee shop is staffed by Independence students; each has an assigned job. “They make it happen,” says Dr. VonEnde Coleman, learning resources department chair. “They have now been fully trained, and they run the shop themselves.”
Not only do they make coffee, but these students also gain job and socialization skills while helping. They learn how to communicate with their peers while taking customers’ orders and, while organizing and working in the shop, they develop very good job skills. The students run the shop mostly on their own.
The entire staff also appreciates all the hype they are getting from the school and on social media, especially on Instagram, with many of the students commenting on the posts to express their excitement. From the announcement of the opening to the Pac-Man machine, the official Independence High School page posts all of it. One of the coffee shop student-workers, Chris Sola, especially likes the Pac-Man machine, holding the current high score. “They keep trying to beat it,” he says about head football coach Mr. R.J. Windows and assistant principal Mr. Jonathan Bonner. “I hope I’ll have the highest score at the end of the year.”
Along with selling coffee, the cafe serves as a lounge space. Many students come to the coffee shop to get work done and hang out with friends. Sometimes, they don’t even buy anything. “We couldn’t ask for a better place for students to socialize,” said Coleman. The student staff also has their own drink favorites to serve. “I like making the Snickers coffee,” says one of the student staff members, Nick Petraetis.
Many think that the coffee shop has become a very important part of Independence, all while giving students opportunities. “It gives students the chance to take a break and come down, get out of their classrooms, and come to an environment that’s not your typical classroom environment,” remarked Mr. Joseph McDonald, transition teacher.
At the time of publication, the coffee shop will be open all blocks, except lunch block.
