For seventh and eighth graders at Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES Ridgecrest Academy, getting their first job at the Ridgecrest Café is a learning opportunity. Interested students go through all the steps any job seeker would navigate. They fill out a job application and answer tough job interview questions. They explain their qualifications and why they want the job. Along the way they are coached by Transition Specialist Kim Spagnola, who helps them prepare, shares tips and feedback, and explains how to navigate the difficult process of getting and keeping a job.
The Café is currently run by three student teams – each comprised of a Greeter, Order Taker and Cashier – who take turns keeping the business open every Wednesday morning. “The students are very responsible. They understand the expectations they’ll be held to if they want to maintain employment and are eager to learn transferable work skills,” said Spagnola. “They learn to work together as a team; have ideas for new products and for ways to increase sales.”