Sundance Elementary Schoolteacher Puts Magic In Fifth-Grade Classroom

BEAUMONT, CA — The joy of teaching is not lost on Carrie Griffin.

The Sundance Elementary School educator teaches fifth grade at the 8th Street campus in Beaumont, and she's been at the job of educating for two decades.

Griffin believes every student deserves to feel special and nurtured, so she works to create a cozy, creative learning environment designed to help kids thrive.

This year, her classroom is a take on a neighborhood coffeehouse sans the caffeine — a place where patrons gather to sip and chat. The classroom walls are lined with faux brickwork; a "menu" board lays out the day's learning specials. Student shoutouts are found everywhere, and inspirational quotes like "Be yourself, everyone else is already taken" abound.

The classroom looks like a destination, an immersive experience full of opportunities yet to be discovered.

"Having a theme adds so much fun to a classroom," Griffin explained. "It creates a welcoming environment where kids can feel like they are a part of something special."

In a nod to Starbucks, the classroom has its own Sunbucks Cafe. With a functioning "cafe cash" system, students not only learn academics but also get an introduction to earning, saving and spending — blending financial literacy into everyday lessons.

There is even a "Barista of the Week" at Sunbucks. The program acknowledges and celebrates students' achievements, efforts and kindness, and reinforces that their actions — big or small — are appreciated.

Each week, the chosen barista dons a green apron and sits at a desk on stage in the classroom. The student helps lead learning activities and each Wednesday gets treated to a real Starbucks drink courtesy of Griffin.

Sunbucks Cafe was a mission embraced by many — Griffin, her family, the students' families, and even local businesses, who all poured their resources and effort into the idea, according to Beaumont Unified School District officials.

"It was worth all that extra time when my kiddos walked in on their first day of fifth grade," Griffin said.

Deelan Pugh was in Griffin's class last year, where a theme was also in place. Deelan remembers the "cafe cash" and how students could purchase items from the little classroom store.

"I kept the prizes I got last year in a drawer at home," Deelan said. "It reminds me of Mrs. Griffin and what she means to me."