The School District of Washington’s buildings and grounds staff renovated the Cocoa Cafe space at Washington High School over the summer.
Monday, September 12, was the first day Cocoa Café has been open for business for the 2022-23 school year.
Cocoa Cafe is open daily at WHS before school from 8-8:20 a.m., and is run by Life Skills students.
The students’ functions include working as cashiers, taking orders, microwaving, toasting, pouring drinks and serving orders. The goal is to provide them with job experience, and in the process, they learn life skills such as communication skills, social skills, team work, following a check list to see a job through from start to finish, independence, self-advocacy, money skills, and job skills that will transfer into other work settings after they graduate.
The students use the money they make to go into the community and volunteer with Downtown Washington, Inc., to help set up for several events held in Washington. They also sponsor a family at Christmas, support Loving Hearts, and donate to charities like the Children's Relay for Life and Friends of Kids With Cancer.
Buildings and ground staff met with WHS teachers and administration last school year about renovating the Cocoa Cafe space. All of the work was done in-house. The renovation involved:
• Opening a wall to add more space for food preparation and storage.
• Opening a second serving window.
• Replacing all cabinets, sinks and countertops.
• New electrical outlets.
• New flooring.
• New ceiling tiles.
• A new paint scheme for the area.
“The buildings and grounds staff went above and beyond to make this project happen,” said Jeff Solter, Director of Buildings and Grounds. “Ben Hoemann was the carpenter and led the project. Joe Goodman, electrician, and Jacob Martin, painter, also worked on the project. We appreciate their attention to detail for the staff and students.”
