Wisconsin School for the Deaf - The Wisconsin Times Vol. 135 No. 1 Fall 2013 | Page 7

Adaptive Education Department News

by Heather Martens

STAR Café
The STAR program is an adult learning program conceived by Julie Holma, one of WSD’s high school teachers, with the support of Marla Walsh and the WSD administration. STAR stands for “Students Learning as
Adults in the Real World.” It is learning based on life skills and the community. There are 6 STAR teachers
who work together to offer real life transition skills to WSD students who have already had 4 years of high
school.
The STAR Cafe is a school-based business operated by the
STAR students. They are responsible for purchasing, making,
baking, and selling. Mike Coates, a HS AED teacher, has now
taken the lead in running the STAR canteen/coffee shop as an
advisor to the STAR students.
The students came together to vote on a name and what to sell.
Cindy Martinez, Kadedra Jackson, Charlie Fleege, and Chandre
Kimble are working to make this a successful adventure. These
student discuss their budget focus on what they need to purchase from the Otis Company as well as how much money
they need to earn to cover their expenses. When they balance their budget, they will be able to see how they
either break even or make pro t. Wallets, key chains, bracelets, baked goods, coffee, and hot chocolate are
sold on Mondays and Wednesdays from 2:38 pm until 3:10 pm. This has been a brand-new experience for
Mr. Coates since he has never run a business and is learning r