At Williamson High School, students in the life skills program are gaining hands-on experience in cooking, customer service, and money management through the Take a Break Cafe. This student-led initiative, which started last year when the program moved to the high school, has quickly become a beloved part of the school community.

The idea for Take a Break Cafe was inspired by a parent who came up with the name. Each month, students collaborate to brainstorm different recipe ideas, vote on a selection, and then carry out the entire process from start to finish. They create grocery lists, shop for ingredients, prepare the food, and handle customer interactions by taking orders, making change, and delivering meals to staff members.

“I like cooking,” shared Molly, one of the students in the program. Hannah agreed, adding, “That I get to cook. I learned how to use fractions.” Alana enjoys the variety of tasks, saying, “I like the different jobs I get to do. I learned how to make food.” Meanwhile, Logan finds fulfillment in keeping things tidy, noting, “I like washing dishes. I learned how to cook.”

Beyond cooking, Take a Break Cafe teaches essential life skills that students can carry into adulthood. The program emphasizes grocery shopping, safe food handling, teamwork, and maintaining a clean workspace. In addition to the monthly cafe, students also run a Bring Your Own Mug (BYOM) coffee shop, allowing them to further practice customer service and money-handling skills.

“My goal for each of the students in the class is for them to be as independent as possible,” said Lindsay Klemmer, the program’s instructor. “We use every opportunity we can to build that independence.”

To support this goal, students are assigned classroom jobs each week, such as librarian, gardener, custodian, and secretary. Each role comes with responsibilities that help them develop valuable skill sets. The life skills program is designed to prepare students for an independent life beyond high school by blending academics with real-world experiences.

For Mrs. Klemmer, seeing students grow and gain confidence is the most rewarding aspect of the program. “It is hard to pick my favorite part of the program,” she said. “I have worked with some of my students for years, and it is a pleasure watching how much they have grown. Between the students and the amazing team I get to work with, it’s difficult to have a bad day.”

Kelly Colling, Director of Pupil Personnel Services also shared her thoughts on the program’s success: “I would say that it is an honor to watch the program grow. We have built this program from the ground up, and it continues to evolve each year, ensuring that the activities and skills introduced are supporting students as they grow in their independence.”

Past events have included a variety of successful cafe days, with students perfecting recipes and serving meals with enthusiasm. Looking ahead, the program continues to thrive, offering new learning experiences and delicious creations each month. The impact of Take a Break Cafe extends far beyond the kitchen—it fosters confidence, independence, and valuable life skills that will benefit students long after they graduate.