The student-run coffee shop at Rio Rico High School does a booming business on chilly winter mornings when as many as 40 teenagers stand in line for their cappuccino, coffee or hot chocolate and a muffin or granola bar before the bell rings and school begins.

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The coffee shop, called “Helpful Hawks,” is operated by students with special needs, such as learning disabilities or other issues, said Melisa Lunderville, special education director for Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District No. 35.

Tania Delgado, 19, said she enjoys working at the coffee shop because “it’s fun” and she gets to meet and talk with other students. Eric Sellman, 17, said, “I like to help out, and sometimes it’s more interesting than my classes.” Adriana Osuna, 18, also works at Garrett’s IGA supermarket and enjoys both, she said.

All three agreed that the cash register is probably the most daunting aspect because it rings up purchases but doesn’t display the change owed, so students have to count that out themselves.

The coffee shop, in Building C, is open from 7 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 25 to 30 students have the opportunity to work there with no more than three at working at a time. Instructional assistant Jill Grijalva stays at the coffee shop to answer questions and provide guidance.

Students not in special education also work at the coffee shop to earn credit for their required RSI, or Responsible Social Involvement.

Now self-sustaining, the coffee shop has been open for three years, Lunderville said. Coffee supplies and machines come from Farmer Brothers, which delivers to the campus. None of the food is prepared on site but comes pre-packaged.

Coffee is 75 cents, hot tea is 50 cents, and cappuccino and cocoa are $1. Muffins and bagels sell for $1.25 and doughnuts are featured on Wednesdays and Fridays.

High school students are allowed to purchase items before school and between classes, but they can’t take the coffee inside a classroom or be late to class. Coffee shop workers are kept busy delivering orders to teachers who have a planning period when no students are in their classroom. Deliveries are also made to Mountain View Elementary School, within easy walking distance.

“Students who qualify to participate are those who have identified goals on their IEP,” or Individual Educational Program, Lunderville said. “This is considered part of their transition program. It gives them some experience in a situation they may be able to take out into the community.”

As well as making the drinks and handling sales, the students keep a daily inventory. And once a month they determine a theme that will guide what snacks are featured. “The students are responsible for every aspect of what they’re doing during the day,” Lunderville said.

Grijalva said the students do well working at the shop and she observes “a lot of student interaction. They get to make friends,” she said.

And they make many others very happy with a daily shot of caffeine.

(Reach the writer at kathleenvan@msn.com.)