Newark High School Brews Up Solution to Tardiness with Student-Run Coffee Shop
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Newark High School is tackling tardiness with a creative and caffeinated solution: the Wildcat Cafe, a student-run coffee shop that’s brewing positive changes for punctuality.
The cafe, which opens 25 minutes before the first bell, has already helped reduce late arrivals by approximately 30%, according to Principal Tom Bowman. By giving students a reason to arrive early, the initiative is not only cutting down on tardiness but also energizing kids before the school day begins.
Brandon Woltz, a student who helps run the cafe, is among those benefiting from the new routine. “I get up and get to school around 6:30. I come in. I’m one of the early people to arrive,” Woltz shared.
For Woltz, the experience is more than just a part-time job. It’s preparing him for his future. After high school, he plans to enlist in the U.S. Army, where punctuality and discipline will be critical. “I’m going to have a really strict schedule, and this allows me to get on top of it before I even go,” he said.
A Broader Challenge
While the Wildcat Cafe is making a dent in tardiness, Bowman acknowledges that it’s only part of the solution. Chronic absenteeism remains a persistent issue, driven by factors like transportation challenges, family responsibilities, and general apathy.
“Transportation issues are a big one,” Bowman explained. “Some students are dropping off siblings at other buildings, which can make them late. And honestly, some just don’t see the importance of timeliness.”
The pandemic exacerbated these challenges, disrupting routines for many students. In response, Newark High School is experimenting with incentives to encourage positive behavior. Students who consistently arrive on time can earn “Cat Cards,” which can be redeemed for rewards like trips to Topgolf or bowling alleys.
A Nationwide Trend
Newark isn’t alone in grappling with absenteeism. According to Arya Ansari, a researcher at Ohio State University who studies the issue, schools across Ohio are confronting similar trends. The reasons are often deeply rooted in students’ personal lives, including housing instability, food insecurity, and mental health struggles.
“It’s a multifaceted issue,” Ansari said. “Building routines early can help prevent smaller habits from turning into long-term problems.”
Research shows that students who miss school frequently face significant disadvantages later in life. They’re less likely to engage in their communities, secure stable employment, or achieve economic stability.
Small Steps, Big Impact
Programs like the Wildcat Cafe may seem modest, but experts believe they can have a profound impact. By fostering accountability and routine, such initiatives help students develop habits that extend beyond high school.
For Woltz, the cafe is already making a difference. “This is teaching me discipline and responsibility,” he said.
As Newark High School continues to innovate, the Wildcat Cafe serves as a reminder that sometimes, the simplest solutions can brew the sweetest results.
— Reported by Nexio News
