Windsor students run a 'Wildcat Cafe' to build social and academic skills

Heather Wilson introduced a classroom project she called the Windsor Wildcat Cafe and asked Jessica Moer, the K-2 special-education teacher, to explain the program and its learning goals.

"Hello, I'm Jessica Moer. I am the K32 special education teacher at Windsor Elementary School," Moer said as she described a student-run cafe cart where students offer coffee, hot chocolate and homemade treats to staff. With adult support, students prepare food, handle orders, deliver items and log donations in a spreadsheet.

Moer said about 35 students have taken part; older students count money, record donations and expenses, and the remaining funds at the end of the year are given to charities or school causes chosen by the children (Moer named the Humane Society and Windsor's playground fund as examples). She emphasized that the activity is intentionally inclusive: students rotate through roles that fit their strengths, practicing communication, social-emotional skills, following recipes (math and measurement), reading and writing order labels, and basic kitchen and hand-hygiene routines.

Moer read short responses from students about what they enjoy most: "My favorite part of the Wildcat Cafe is passing out cookies because it's fun," one card said; another read, "My favorite part of the Wildcat Cafe is making labels and food because I like delivering them." The teacher also flagged plans to possibly connect the cafe work to the student council and a learning showcase night at the school.

The board asked about logistics (rotating students, whether the cafe serves adults or entire classes) and Moer described staff volunteers, shift rotations for special-education students and occasional collaborations with other classes.

The presentation closed with the board thanking Moer and Heather Wilson for sharing the classroom project.