Students in Mrs. Ashlee Adams’s period 1, 2, 3, and 5 classes are in charge of a new concession opportunity “Ramtastic Refreshments.” Students involved in the business are Brayden Anderson, Lila Danials, Jay ‘Vion Osborne, Avery Hanus, Michael Eldridge, Adreona Gardet, Bradyen Gunter, and Vaneishka Cruz-Santigo.

“February 21 was our first delivery day, but we have been building the business since the second semester started,” stated Mrs. Adams.

This small business teaches the kids about how to use money, budgeting, and how to run a successful business. 

“Our class sold candy before Christmas and we called it “Candy Corner” and we enjoyed working together and having a business-type experience, so we discussed what we could do weekly that would work at our school,” Mrs. Adams expressed

The drink cart business also enhances language arts by creating menus, reading ingredients, reading customer orders, reviews, and suggestions.

“In math, we work on skills such as calculating prices and handling and managing money. In Independent Living class, we learn responsibility by managing inventory, organizing the cart, and shopping for groceries. In Communications class, we practice effective communication when taking orders, working together to make the orders, and interacting with customers. Through this hands-on project-based learning experience, we are developing valuable real-world skills in a fun and real-life way,” said Mrs. Adams.

Not only does coffee make a lot of people happy but so does getting to see these students dropping off the drinks in the hallways.

“My favorite thing about this is selling the coffees, getting to know new people everywhere we go and we do it as a family should,” Said Jay ‘Vion Osborne, ‘25.

“ I love business. It’s very fun to make drinks for the teachers and others,” added Lila Daniels, ‘26.

Not only do they sell coffee but they also make other drinks as well.

“The menu includes hot and iced coffees, teas, lemonade and our signature drink the Ramsicle. The most popular drinks so far have been the Ramsicle, sweet tea, and Caramel Macchiato iced coffee,” stated Mrs. Adams.

“I would say the sweet tea is my favorite since I like the taste of tea in general,”  added Brayden Anderson, ‘25.

The drinks are good and affordable.

Mrs. Adams said, “Plain hot coffee costs $2. Flavored hot coffees and iced coffees cost $3. Teas cost $2. The Ramsicle and strawberry lemonade cost $3. We know our prices are cheaper than most drink places and we did that on purpose to provide something affordable for our customers and to encourage people to order.”  

“I like the business because I am stepping out of my comfort zone when I am making the drinks. added Michael Eldridge, ‘24

How do you order?

“The Google order form is sent to all MV staff through email and paper order forms are put in offices, mailrooms and teachers’ classrooms. Staff can order and orders are due on Tuesdays by the end of 2nd period. The drinks are delivered during 2nd and 3rd periods on Wednesdays. Staff may order a drink for a student or students but the drink(s) must stay in that teacher’s room and not be taken somewhere else, as not all teachers will want drinks in their rooms,” Mrs. Adams Explained.

This is hands-on experience for students in Mrs. Adams’s class helping out with the cart. 

“My favorite part about this is making the drinks and going to shop for the ingredients,” stated Adreona Gardet, ‘27.

Starting a small business like this isn’t easy or inexpensive to start.

“We had a lot of start-up costs, around $800 and we have been working on paying back our loan and keeping supplies in stock. We have made and delivered drinks for 3 weeks now and we are finally in the black. We celebrated this week. We were able to do this so quickly due to donations from generous people. We are so appreciative. We plan to use the money for various projects of kindness. We are actively looking for, voting on and discussing ways to use the money to help others. That’s been our plan since we began our business. We are planning to put out a bi-monthly newsletter to show how we use the money and how our business works.” Mrs. Adams expressed

“The experience for me at the very least was a bit messy at first but, over time I slowly got used to doing the task at hand so far, “ added Anderson