Meadow View Elementary School has been recognized as a 2026 CLAS School of Distinction for its innovative International Coffee Trolley program. The school was honored April 27 during the annual awards luncheon in Montgomery, where schools from across the state were celebrated for creating meaningful and impactful learning opportunities for students.
The recognition was presented by the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools, an organization dedicated to supporting public school administrators and promoting excellence in Alabama education. Since its founding in 1969, CLAS has served as the state’s premier professional learning provider for public school leaders and annually recognizes schools that demonstrate outstanding innovation and student achievement.
Meadow View Elementary earned the distinction for its International Coffee Trolley, a student-led initiative that provides English Learner students with hands-on opportunities to build language and life skills through real-world experiences.
Launched in 2022, the Coffee Trolley serves as an engaging weekly activity for English Learner students in kindergarten through third grade. Students work together to deliver drinks and snacks to teachers throughout the school while taking on important roles such as driver, delivery specialist, cashier, rewards manager, and closer.
Through the program, students strengthen speaking and listening skills, practice reading order forms, count money and make change, and use maps to navigate the school building. More importantly, the Coffee Trolley creates authentic opportunities for students to interact with teachers and peers, helping them build confidence and develop communication skills in a supportive environment.
The program has quickly become a beloved tradition at Meadow View Elementary and continues to demonstrate the power of experiential learning.
“Congratulations to these outstanding Alabama public schools for exemplifying meaningful learning experiences happening across our state,” said Farrell Seymore, Executive Director of CLAS. “Their success reflects the dedication of educators, students, and communities working together to create impactful opportunities every day. We commend each school’s stakeholders for their continued commitment to excellence and their relentless pursuit of growth and achievement.”
This recognition highlights Meadow View Elementary’s ongoing commitment to creating innovative programs that support student growth and success while reflecting the excellence found throughout Alabaster City Schools.