Farmingdale students brew confidence with Daler Perks
Teachers place their drink orders online, and the students take care of the rest, from preparing beverages to delivering them throughout the school.
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It’s not just coffee, it’s confidence in a cup. Students at Albany Avenue Elementary School in North Massapequa are getting hands-on experience thanks to a unique program called Daler Perks, a mobile café run by eight third- through fifth graders in the Farmingdale School District.
Teachers place their drink orders online, and the students take care of the rest, from preparing beverages to delivering them throughout the school. But educators say the goal goes far beyond serving coffee. “We’ve been trying to incorporate those real-world experiences into the classroom,” said teacher Gianna Ventiere, who created the program alongside speech pathologist Olivia Lechner.
The café helps students practice practical life skills like math, money handling, communication, and mobility. Staff say lessons even extend outside the classroom, including a field trip to a local grocery store to learn vocabulary and practice purchasing supplies. Each student has a specific role, including barista, cashier, ice scooper and door greeter, helping them build functional communication skills and independence.
The program has also received support from the community. Arizona Beverage Company donated drinks to help launch the initiative. “Their confidence has grown so much and that’s truly the best part,” said Lechner. “That’s the reason why we did this.”
Money raised through the café helps restock supplies and could fund future field trips. School staff say programs like this show how real-world learning opportunities can make a lasting impact, one cup at a time.
