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Pond Road students showcase 'Night and Day Cafe' in autism‑awareness spotlight
Summary
Students in Robbinsville’s Pond Road Middle School demonstrated a student‑run 'Night and Day Cafe' that teaches life and job skills as part of autism awareness month.
Students and staff from Pond Road Middle School delivered a demonstration for the Robbinsville Board of Education on a program the school calls the Night and Day Cafe, which the presenters described as a long‑running, in‑school barista program that teaches students practical job and social skills.
Teachers Janette Castiglione and Lauren DiRienzo described the cafe, established in 2018, as a structured weekly routine where students learn to take orders, prepare beverages, count money and practice safe procedures. Presenters emphasized the program’s role in building communication, flexibility and independence for students with autism spectrum disorder and other needs.
Several students spoke to the board, using a mix of verbal remarks and augmentative communication, describing how the cafe improved their confidence, social interactions and counting skills. The board and superintendent praised staff and PTA support and noted the cafe as an example of inclusive, experiential learning.
The administration thanked the Sharon PTA for support of district assemblies and said the Night and Day Cafe will continue as part of the school’s programming.
