Canon-McMillan’s Big Mac Beanery is brewing success for students and staff

Courtesy of Canon-McMillan School District

Stepping into Canon-McMillan High School on a brisk Tuesday morning, one is greeted with an aroma that’s not the usual scent of textbooks and science labs. Instead, it’s the rich, inviting smell of coffee from the Big Mac Beanery, the school’s newest venture. Launched the week of Halloween, the coffee shop is open to all students and staff. It’s a real-world classroom on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 7:45 to 9:20 a.m., where students with autism and those in the Life Skills program gain vocational experience by running the day-to-day operations.

The Big Mac Beanery is a non-profit initiative by the Canon-McMillan School District, crafted to give these students a unique hands-on learning experience. From the tactile action of grinding coffee beans to the mathematics involved in handling transactions, students are picking up vital life skills. They learn the nuances of personal and environmental hygiene, master fine motor skills and engage in critical thinking to keep inventory checks. These experiences are priceless for students, preparing them for life beyond the school’s walls.

But it’s not just about the practical skills. Verbal communication is key in any service industry, and the Big Mac Beanery is the perfect setting for students to interact with peers and teachers, taking their orders and engaging in the kind of small talk that stitches the social fabric of everyday life.

The convenience of having a coffee shop within the school is unmatched for the staff and student body. The Beanery offers a warm, social space to come together, discuss ideas or simply enjoy a quiet cup of coffee. It’s also a lesson in community and inclusion, as every cup sold supports this innovative program and fosters a culture of encouragement and support for all students.

As for the products, the Big Mac Beanery is savvy about its offerings. The beverages meet the “Smart Snacks in School” standards, ensuring that taste does not come at the expense of nutrition. With the menu created and shared by classroom teachers, the coffee shop is a testament to collaboration, practical education and the pursuit of post-secondary readiness.

The initiative clearly reflects Canon-McMillan High School’s commitment to practical education and community building. With the Big Mac Beanery, the school doesn’t just serve coffee; it nurtures a spirit of independence, instills a sense of responsibility and cultivates essential life skills in its students.