Introducing “Common Grounds” Café: Brewing Community at Steel Valley High School

Steel Valley High School is proud to announce the grand opening of “Common Grounds” Café – a brand-new coffee shop located right in the heart of our school, with a mission that goes far beyond serving coffee.

A Collaborative Effort Rooted in Inclusion

“Common Grounds” is more than just a place to grab your morning cup of coffee — it’s a powerful symbol of unity, inclusion, and student leadership. Sponsored by Bocce Coaches Shawn and Beth McCallister, the Steel Valley Unified Bocce team, and the students from our Chick-fil-A Leader Academy, the café is the product of collaboration, dedication, and a shared vision of bringing people together. The café is an environment where all students feel welcome, seen, and valued. This represents the best of Steel Valley — hard work, compassion, teamwork, and the belief that everyone has something unique to contribute.

A Place to Connect

The goal of Common Grounds Café is simple but powerful: to create a space where students from all walks of life can come together, share time, build friendships, and celebrate both differences and shared experiences.

Whether it’s over a cup of coffee, a morning pastry, or a simple conversation, the café encourages us all to slow down, connect, and appreciate the diversity that makes our school community so strong.

Why “Common Grounds”?

The name “Common Grounds” reflects the very essence of the café’s mission. It’s a nod to the coffee being served, of course, but more importantly, it highlights the shared space and shared values that bring us together. While we may differ in our abilities, backgrounds, or interests, we all have common ground — a desire for friendship, belonging, and respect.

More Than a Coffee Shop

Through this initiative, students involved in running the café are developing important life and job skills, from customer service and teamwork to money handling and time management. It’s a hands-on learning experience that prepares them for future opportunities while making a meaningful impact in the school today.

For the student body as a whole, it’s an opportunity to engage with peers in new ways, foster empathy, and celebrate what makes our school community special.

As the café opens its doors, Steel Valley High School is excited to see the connections, conversations, and community spirit that will grow from this special project. Whether you're grabbing your favorite drink or lending a hand behind the counter, everyone is welcome at Common Grounds — where we come together, one cup at a time.

Official opening date will be Friday, September 12, 2025 at 7:15am.  Don’t forget to stop by, say hello, and support your fellow students!