Every Tuesday morning at Dunwoody High School, there's a line outside Kerry Brown's classroom, which doubles as a unique cafe.
It's named for the school's mascot, and it's run by students with mild intellectual disabilities, like autism and down syndrome.
"I enjoy welcoming people and saying 'Hi, how may I help you?'" said sophomore Prince Montalvo.
The program started a few years ago. The goal is to give students an in-school vocational experience.
At the end of the week, the students in the program get a paycheck for their work.
"We're really busy, so it's like a real restaurant," said teacher Carol Gage. "They have to problem-solve like they would in the real work place and work as a team."
What makes the program even more special is the fact that the rest of the student body embraces it.
"It's natural," said Ahirra Dennis. "You see them as your own friends. And if you don't, you get shunned."
Every week, the place is packed as students line up with empty stomachs and open hearts.
"There's a lot of acceptance," Gage added.
This was an email I received, (I get lots) and thought it was worth sharing.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great story and what a great thing for the students and teachers to do.....
Years ago, like 25, my son's high school had only three colleges come to speak to Jr's about picking a college and two parents (one was me) thought that wasn't enough exposure...
So we started a campaign that every Wed. before classes in the fall we had a different college rep come and we supplied donuts and OJ and had stickers made that said "I'm going, Ask Me" and the students became the advertisers....
Once that started it lasted for years after our children gradated, but what we accomplished is children who might never have looked at some schools went all over the country and 20 years later have become very successful adults....
Parents can sometimes move mountains....
Thought you might like to hear more positive stories....