From: Debra Gastelum [mailto:mrs.g@jmsreads.com]
Sent: Tuesday, February 03, 2009 5:25 PM
To: 'LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU'
Subject: Coffee Shop Woes
Hello Everyone,
If there ever was a time I needed some advice from a collective source of
wisdom, this is it!
Yesterday had to be one of the lowest days I've had so far in my entire
career. Only a few months ago, after seeing the success of coffee shops in
other libraries, I decided to take the plunge and WOW! Suddenly I had more
students in the media center than ever! In a school with a population of
about 650, I see anywhere from 60 to 90 students in the mornings from 7:15
until 7:45. We sell hot chocolate, cappucino, and breakfast foods such as
muffins and doughnuts at great prices. In fact you can get a doughnut and a
hot chocolate for just a dollar. It's been a HUGE hit and many teachers
have made very positive comments about the impact it's had on our "school
atmosphere" and some even allow their first period kids to come down in the
morning as a reward. Having a positive place available to them makes these
kids happy. (Talk about stating the obvious.)
But, there's always some unhappy person lurking in the dark. Yesterday, our
cafeteria manager came to the library to help herself to 20 yards of
bulletin board paper to cover some shelves. Today I was told that "someone"
had complained about my coffee shoe and our county Food Service division
manager had called and stated that I am "infringing" on the cafeteria. The
cafeteria offers FREE breakfast and many kids do go to that daily. After
all, we are one of the poorest counties in Florida and 55% of our kids are
eligible for free or reduced lunch. Breakfast is offered free to ALL
students, but others won't go simply because the food is often bad,
consisting of halved, re-warmed pizza slices or dried-out link sausages that
look like something that should NEVER be put on a plate.
What I need to know is this: I KNOW there are MANY schools that have coffee
shops in their media centers. I know there are many in Florida. If Federal
Food Service rules are being used to show me that I can't do it, how are
others managing to keep their coffee shops? Our school board policy states
that no food or drink items may be sold "during the regular school day". I
open from 7:15 until 7:40. School officially starts at 7:45 AM. So I'm not
violating our school board policy even though my principal feels I'm in
competition with the cafeteria. I've tried to explain that if they are
offering FREE breakfast and I'm charging for items they don't offer, it's
not a competition. I can also verify that the cafeteria's number of
students who do get breakfast has not dropped AT ALL since I stated this
little venture. It makes me so sad to lose something that really does make
a big difference at our school. We're a poor county and the money I make
helps us keep up with the latest books as well as gives me a way to purchase
equipment and supplies we would normally have to do without. It's been a
win-win for the kids and teachers. If you can help me with any advice, I
will be truly grateful.
Sincerely,
Debra Gastelum
Media Specialist
Jenkins Middle School
1100 North 19th Street
Palatka, FL 32177
http://jmsreads.com
mrs.g@jmsreads.com
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