New Café Gives Barnegat Students A Spot To Learn & Work

BARNEGAT, NJ — A new café at Barnegat High School is giving students a place to connect and get some real world working experience.

The six-year vision was realized recently as a ribbon cutting was held for Benny’s Bengal Bites, a café located in the BHS media center, which will officially open for students on Nov. 13, the district shared in a news release.

“The goal was to create a welcoming space where students could come together and make the most of their school life,” said Barnegat Township School District Superintendent Brian Latwis. “This space will allow students to share ideas, support one another, and become a hub for creativity, conversation, and community.”

Benny’s Bengal Bites is a collaborative effort between the district’s food service program, Nutri-Serve, and work-based learning programs. Students will manage food and service operations, as well as provide BHS’s special needs students with hands on experience in food service and customer engagement – enhancing BHS’s workplace education program.

BHS students can participate in the Career Learning Awareness and Workplace Skills program at the school store, Clawmart, where they gain simulated work experience by selling BTSD merchandise. The workplace transition program for students has grown exponentially since its inception, partnering with nearly 60 establishments for real-world learning and work experience.

“This is not only a safe space for students to enjoy, but also a place where they can gain practical skills and a broader perspective, preparing them to succeed and make meaningful contributions in society after high school,” said Latwis.

Many individuals are responsible for making this vision a reality, according to the district. Facility Director Dean Adams, and his staff Mike Palladino, Bob Murdock, Art Walshe, and Russ Zeleznok worked tirelessly to complete the project in time for the ribbon cutting held on Oct. 29 prior to a Board of Education meeting. HS Vice Principal Tracee Dubeck in collaboration with Nutri-Serve staff, including Chef Dan, Kelly Pavan, Michelle Stahlman, Tina Nelson, and Andrew Burt, are all responsible for designing the space. Additionally, BHS work-based learning teachers Kirsten Sciallo, Tom Duralek, Jamie Kelly and Kevin Peters put in significant effort to bring all the pieces together.

Starting Nov. 13, BHS students and staff will be able to purchase quick bites such as breakfast sandwiches, a variety of salads and even paninis. For more information on Benny’s Bengal Bites, BHS’s work based learning opportunities or other programs, visit www.barnegatschools.com/.