In one corner of Harrisburg Middle School, students are learning lessons that won’t show up on a standardized test but will shape the rest of their lives. Thanks to teachers Haleigh Mayer and Nicole Storms, the school’s functional program for seventh- and eighth-grade students with special needs is thriving—and at the heart of it is a partnership built on trust, compromise, and a shared passion for helping their students succeed.

Three years ago, Harrisburg’s functional program was reimagined. Instead of placing all responsibility on a single teacher, administrators paired Mayer, a recent graduate eager to put her training to use, with Storms, a seasoned educator with years of experience in special education. It was a decision that proved pivotal. “In our previous districts, one teacher handled the entire program alone,” Mayer explained. “Here, they realized it was too much for one person. Splitting the load has made it sustainable, and our students benefit because they get the best of both of us.”

Together, Mayer and Storms serve eight students who face significant academic and social challenges, in addition to the other classes they teach. Some use assistive communication devices; others struggle with social interactions as much as academics. The two teachers divide responsibilities by subject and schedule but approach the program as one family. “We celebrate birthdays together, plan lessons together, and talk through challenges together,” Storms said. “It’s not just a team—it’s a family. These kids spend more time with us than with their own families some days, and we take that seriously.”

Their complementary styles have been crucial. Storms teaches life skills, science, and math in the mornings, while Mayer handles language arts, literature, and social studies in the afternoons—often when the students are tired and need extra motivation. Each builds incentives into lessons, knowing that small rewards keep students engaged. They also share a planning period, allowing them to meet two or three times a week. “We problem-solve, plan future events, and figure out how to support each student,” Mayer said. “We don’t always agree, but we always come back together and find a way forward.”

Out of that partnership has grown a project that blends academics, life skills, and community connection: the Bulldog Bark and Brew. What started as a simple idea—teaching students job skills—has blossomed into a coffee business run entirely by the functional program. Every other Friday, staff place orders through a Google Doc, and students prepare coffee, tea, and specialty drinks. They wear gloves, practice hygiene and safety rules, and deliver orders with growing confidence.

The project didn’t stop at the middle school. With support from community donors who provided startup funds for machines, aprons, and supplies, the Bulldog Bark and Brew expanded. Now the students load their cart onto a bus and serve at every school in the district, even at school board meetings. “The board members love it,” Mayer said. “And the kids take so much pride in it.”

Every part of the process reinforces a skill. Reading orders builds literacy. Writing names sharpens penmanship. Counting money reinforces math. Wearing gloves properly and following safety rules tie back to life skills. “It’s all connected,” Storms said. “You can’t just learn to make coffee without reading, writing, and math. This business gives them a reason to use those skills.”

Profits go toward more supplies and special outings. In the first year, the students saved enough to take a trip to the zoo. They budgeted for transportation, parking, tickets, and lunch, learning how to allocate money toward a goal. This year’s plans include a pumpkin patch visit and more community-based experiences. “Some of these kids have never done things like this before,” Mayer explained. “We want to give them opportunities while teaching them responsibility.”

Perhaps most importantly, the Bulldog Bark and Brew is teaching the students independence and confidence. They know they are running a real business, serving real customers, and making real money. “When they reap the rewards, it’s incredible to see their faces,” Storms said. “They realize, ‘I did this. I can contribute. I have a purpose.’ That’s what it’s all about.”

Looking ahead, Mayer and Storms hope to build even stronger connections with the high school program, ensuring a smooth transition for their students after eighth grade. They also want to expand the emphasis on giving back, encouraging their students to use their business not only for trips but also for community service projects.

Through all of it, the heart of the program remains the same: a partnership between two teachers who chose to see differences as strengths and challenges as opportunities. “We couldn’t do this without each other,” Mayer said. “It’s truly a team effort.” Storms agreed. “I couldn’t do it without her. Our kids deserve the best, and together we can give them that.”