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On International Coffee Day, the student-run coffee business Creative Blends at Coal City High School was recognized for its contributions to the school community. The initiative is managed by students in Sarah Bell’s Transitions Course, who are supported by their instructor and paraprofessionals.
Creative Blends assigns each student specific tasks such as managing online orders, customizing sleeves, brewing beverages, making deliveries, and processing payments through cash or prepaid punch cards. The menu is created by the students and includes seasonal options along with standard favorites. Now in its fourth year, Creative Blends continues to provide daily drinks for staff while offering students practical learning experiences.
"For staff members, the only thing better than their morning beverage is the group of students who prepare and deliver it with a smile," said the release.
The Coal City Community Unit School District 1 includes several schools across Grundy and Will counties, such as Coal City High School where Creative Blends operates. More information about the district can be found at https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/.
According to data from the Illinois State Board of Education, there are 153 teachers in Coal City Community Unit School District 1 with an average salary of $69,297 before pension contributions; about 78 percent are women and 22 percent are men. The district reports that no teachers have more than ten absences in a school year (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/).
Demographically, Coal City Community Unit School District 1's student body is nearly 87 percent White, almost 10 percent Hispanic, with small percentages of Black and Asian students (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/).
In terms of financials, the district spent $21,619 per student in 2020 for a total expenditure of $47 million (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/).
"Creative Blends is operated entirely by students in Sarah Bell’s Transitions Course, with guidance from their instructor and a dedicated team of paraprofessionals. Each student takes on an important role—whether it’s managing online orders, customizing coffee sleeves, brewing drinks, handling deliveries, or processing payments through cash or prepaid punch cards."
"The menu is designed by the students themselves, who carefully plan seasonal flavors alongside everyday favorites. Now in its fourth year of operation, Creative Blends continues to be a daily highlight for staff and a meaningful, hands-on learning opportunity for students."
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