San Joaquin Serves Up Life Skills One Order at a Time
A Monthly Opportunity to Learn and Lead
Students at Sierra School of San Joaquin are putting classroom skills into practice through Sierra Eats, a monthly student-led program that gives them hands-on experience preparing and serving food to their school community.
Sierra Eats operates monthly from 1 to 2 p.m. as an incentive program for students who demonstrate positive behavior and reach top step status. Instead of a fixed menu, Associate Director Jessica Chavarin selects themed treats for each event. Past offerings have included refresher drinks and s’mores, while an upcoming event will feature a special sweet treat in honor of National Dessert Day.
Students Take Charge
During each event, a rotating team of two to three students takes charge of preparing, assembling and selling the featured items. Students choose their roles based on their interests, whether they prefer making the food, taking orders or serving customers.
Sierra Eats operates monthly from 1 to 2 p.m. as an incentive program for students who demonstrate positive behavior and reach top step status. Instead of a fixed menu, Associate Director Jessica Chavarin selects themed treats for each event. Past offerings have included refresher drinks and s’mores, while an upcoming event will feature a special sweet treat in honor of National Dessert Day.
A Monthly Opportunity to Learn and Lead
Students at Sierra School of San Joaquin are putting classroom skills into practice through Sierra Eats, a monthly student-led program that gives them hands-on experience preparing and serving food to their school community.
Before putting on an apron, every participant learns important food safety and customer service protocols, including proper handwashing, wearing gloves and greeting customers appropriately.
Putting Classroom Skills Into Practice
Sierra Eats gives students an opportunity to apply skills they are learning in the classroom. Students use math to count portions for each plate, practice reading and communication skills by following customer scripts and build patience while serving peers who need extra time to place orders.
Staff members guide students through busy moments with questions and prompts that encourage them to work through challenges, helping them build problem-solving skills and become more comfortable asking for help when needed.
“The skills practiced at Sierra Eats directly support our ultimate goal for these students,” said Program Director Dustin Hefner. “By practicing job skills, patience and teamwork in a hands-on environment, students learn to generalize their classroom skills to new settings. These experiences build the confidence and regulation they need to transition back to their home schools and succeed in their long-term academic journeys.”
Building Confidence One Order at a Time
The monthly event has become a favorite tradition for students and staff, breaking up the standard schedule with a fun, high-energy activity. Through Sierra Eats, students can take on new responsibilities, work alongside their peers and see what they are capable of accomplishing.
About Sierra School of San Joaquin
Sierra School of San Joaquin serves students with diverse academic, behavioral and emotional needs through individualized instruction, therapeutic supports and a highly structured learning environment.
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