On Sept. 6, 2024, Special Ed Work Coordinator David Greisen walked into local coffee shop Edina Coffee Roasters unexpectedly with nothing but an idea; they could supply coffee, and Edina High School’s Unified students would distribute it to teachers. On the last day of the 2024–25 school year, Edina Coffee Roasters installed The Common Grounds’ coffee brewer in the teachers’ lounge.

Teachers fill out a form requesting coffee and Unified students make the order and bring it on a cart to the teacher’s class. In addition to the coffee cart, The Common Grounds is also beginning to operate in the concession space next to the Commons during certain times during the school day, open to everyone in EHS.

Special Education Facilitator Annie Ormiston explained that in order for Unified students to get the most authentic work experience, it was important to reach the entire school.

“Over the years, we’ve had a small coffee cart; we’ve used that and made coffee in our own kitchen and delivered [only] to Special Ed teachers, but we knew we wanted more,” Ormiston said.

The Common Grounds teaches interpersonal, customer service, and time management skills, which can be beneficial for students’ post-secondary plans. “Students are working on foundational work skills and more advanced work skills to prepare for jobs that they might have in the future,” Ormiston said.

Senior Jonah Rubin helps make and serve the coffee. Rubin said he enjoys being a part of The Common Grounds, citing the “good environment with students and staff” as one of the highlights.

On Dec. 2, The Common Grounds gave out hot chocolate free of charge in the concession space before and during the Choral Festival. The plan is to eventually have the commons space up and running on a set schedule during the school day, but for now, The Common Grounds is starting small and slow.

This piece was originally published in Zephyrus’ print edition on Dec. 18, 2025