Michell Lutes teaches in a regular classroom with a white board and white walls, but after receiving a grant she will watch part of her classroom transform into a restaurant.

The FALS department received a grant on December 1, 2009 for $2,779 to create a cowboy themed café. The students will work in the restaurant serving MISD employees in order to gain skills necessary to succeed after graduation.

“I want the kids to become as independent as possible,” Ms. Lutes said. “I want them to gain employability and every day living skills. I really hope they gain confidence and see all of the things they can do.”

After Ms. Lutes received the grant she asked art teacher, David Mason, if any of his students would be interested in painting the room in accordance with the Legacy Kowbell theme. He assigned the task to Art III students Catherine Vacca, 12, Ashley Lenz and Andi Redman, 11.

“When you write a grant, they look at how many students the grant will impact,” Ms. Lutes said. “I knew the kids would paint for us. I can’t wait to see the final results.”

After Ms. Lutes chose the theme, the girls decided to paint a cowboy and horse on one wall and a window, with a prairie in the distance, on the other.

“I enjoy painting, so that’s what I’m most looking forward to, it’s why I said ‘yes’ to Mr. Mason,” Vacca said. “And I thought it would be cool to leave my mark on the school.”

Although Ms. Lutes’ students will not participate in the painting, they will have responsibility in all of the other decoration, giving the art students a chance to work with them.

“My niece has special needs,” Lenz said. “People aren’t always respectful, and I would like to help them because I can relate to them.”

Until they work everything out, the restaurant will open once a month, then they will try serving every other week. Anyone wishing to eat at the café must make reservations since the seating only accommodates 20 people.

“Our students will gain job skills as well as every day living skills,” Ms. Lutes said. “I am looking forward to seeing the kids gain confidence.”