Interest percolating in Lyons Township High School’s new coffee business

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Kirby Wilson, 20, takes an order electronically for a coffee order in the Lyons Township High School transition services program. | Tamara Bell~Sun Times Media

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Updated: March 3, 2012 8:09AM

Steaming coffee delivered to your desk just the way you like it is becoming quite the draw at the Lyons Township High School South Campus in Western Springs, especially after lunch.

Sorry, students, the newly launched Transition Perks coffee service is just for staff from third period at 9:39 a.m. until the end of the day.

The program operated by five students with special needs in LT’s transition program already is building a base of loyal customers in its second week.

“I love it. It’s great for the kids, and it’s great for us,” said Roxanne Gerardi, library circulation manager. “I try to switch it up so the kids have to look at my order every day.

“The other day, I got a little busy and didn’t order. They came down to see if I was OK,” Gerardi said and laughed.

Naturally, such personal attention merited an order that day, too, she said.

By e-mailing an electronic order form, staff members can choose from four coffee blends for $1.50 or two kinds of tea and hot chocolate for 50 cents. Customers providing their own insulated, capped cup get a 50-cent discount on coffee, but not the other beverages.

“The coffee business has been great for us,” said Jaclyn Gay, transition teacher, who developed the program. “Now we’re getting our students up on the second floor at least once a day, and it’s providing awareness to our other students.”

At a conference, Gay said she heard about another school’s coffee service run by transition students, 18 to 22 years old, who have completed state requirements for graduation. State law allows students to receive additional school services to develop independent living and vocational skills until their 22nd birthday.

“With a Keurig single-serve coffee maker, it’s really simple. You just drop the cup in,” Gay said.

Following some inquiries, a coffee maker with a touch-screen and samples were donated by the Office Depot store in Carol Stream, and Gay began preparing her students to run a business using an iPad. Various applications help students make change, keep track of inventory or thank customers.

Teachers and aides in the program pour water into the coffee maker, stir coffee and place lids on beverages, but involve students as much as possible.

With assistance from Gay, Kirby Wilson, 20, of Western Springs presses a button on the iPad during a delivery. Wilson, who relies on an amplification device with earphones, uses a wheelchair or a structure with straps that helps her stand.

“Here is the drink you ordered. It will be $1.50,” says the iPad recording. “Thank you for choosing Transition Perks. Have a wonderful day.”

Dan Lulic, 21, from Countryside takes a more active role, counting inventory and checking the cash box before the business opens third period. Lulic practiced counting money and making change for three weeks before the operation launched.

“After I count this, I clear the table and make sure the spoon is washed,” Lulic said.

Gay and Lulic checked Wilson’s student e-mail account for orders, which come in throughout the day, signaled by a chime on the computer.

Gay quizzed Lulic on the orders, helping him set priorities for the day. They began with a delivery to Gerardi in the library, followed by orders for Gay and Julia Gordon, classroom nurse in the transition program. Other deliveries or pick-ups are scheduled for later.

“This ties together all of our curriculum, math skills, currency and how to run a business, keeping track of inventory and being dependable,” Gay said. “There’s also time management, customer service and learning to navigate the entire school.”

So far, the class is using proceeds to buy more inventory. But as funds accumulate, the money could be spent on video games for the Wii system students use or field trips on Fridays, Gay said.

Other program participants are Izzy DalSanto, 18 of La Grange, Ben Dose, 21 from Western Springs and Adam Van Beveren, 19, of Countryside

Gay’s class began their work experience by helping transition students in a second class make and package coasters, one of the products in their Transition Works business.

“We would put the cork on the coaster tiles, cut the ribbons or help deliver the orders, but jobs for us were sporadic,” Gay said. The coffee enterprise offers a steady opportunity, she said.

Lulic admits there’s a lot to remember in the coffee business, but it’s getting easier. After concentrating to complete each task, he smiled at a job well done.

During one of several fill-in-the-blank exchanges,” Gay prompted, “Keep the customer… ”

“Happy,” Lulic said and grinned.