On October 25, Natalie Malick’s third through fifth-grade students relaunched the Byron-Bergen Elementary School beverage service. Formerly known as the Coffee Cart, the students renamed the program Busy Bee Cafe and created a new logo, menu, and loyalty program cards.
“The idea for the rebrand really started with the students,” said Malick, a 12:1:1 Teacher at Byron-Bergen Elementary School.
Busy Bee Cafe is more than a beverage service. Students learn small business skills such as money management, inventory, ordering, and comparison shopping.
“I like the money part,” said a participating student. “They give me one dollar and I give them fifty cents back.”
“One of the great aspects of this project is that the kids work toward short-term and long-term goals,” said Malick. “They need to get the service ready for Friday, but they also need to plan for every additional Friday this year.”
usy Bee Cafe is a stationary self-serve beverage counter outside of Malick’s classroom. Previously a morning service, the cafe now opens at 11 a.m. every Friday and offers a wider variety of beverages including sparkling flavored waters.
“Mrs. Malick and Mrs. Ladley do a great job working with students to put all of this together,” said Byron-Bergen Elementary Principal Kristin Loftus. “It is a wonderful lesson in all the pieces that are necessary for starting and running a business! What better way to help students understand why learning math, reading, and problem solving in school is so important.”
All proceeds from Busy Bee Cafe are put toward the continuation of the program.
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