"We knew we needed more life skills activities. I knew we needed to work on social skills," Webb says, noting that during the delivery, students practice manners and making change when paid for the $5 lunches.
"It's helped get students more comfortable talking to teachers and helped with their money skills."
One student, Travis Layport, says he especially likes making deliveries to Jenny Smiley and Mark Wade and even helps more at home.
Webb says getting an occasional tip from these teachers doesn't hurt with the favoritism.
"We kind of have to take turns with those two," she says.
Teachers appreciate the service, says Webb, who is in her seventh year of teaching.
"Teachers get to the point where they're asking about it," she says, "and I've got e-mails I kept, thanking us."
'The kids all put it together...'
This fall, a year's worth of menus were prepared and offered on a monthly basis to teachers at the high school and Boyle County Middle School.
"The kids all put it together and brainstormed what to have," Webb says.
For November, teachers could choose from sloppy Joe sandwich with baked potato with all the trimmings or pimento cheese sandwich with chips and a pickle slice. Drinks are included. Dessert choices were an apple or pumpkin or apple pie. Apple pie was the hands-down favorite. They were delicious-looking slices of Sarah Lee boxed pies.
"I think I just about bought all the apple pies," Webb says of the supply at Kroger, who sponsors the program. Red Rooster also supplies boxes.
Webb chose not to focus as much on teaching cooking skills as those of courtesy, shopping for groceries and making change. For instance, in December, lasagna will be served and she hopes Fazoli's will furnish it.
The students do enter the kitchen to whip up a birthday cake to celebrate teachers' birthdays. She knows teachers love this.
"I don't know, it's corny. I've had some become emotional. They're just touched."
In addition to running the monthly cafe, the students work in the community at a couple of places. They work with teaching commands at Heartland Veterinary Hospital.
Travis also enjoys this aspect of class. It involves teaching tricks to dogs.
"When they do what we tell them, we give them a treat."
