I suggest you upgrade to windows 8.1 and get your start *button* back, secondly learn to use windows 8 how it was designed, ask me for a 2 minute demo for your light bulb moment. But, if after that you still want to get your old start *menu* back then have a look at this product.
It's $5 per PC so it won't break the bank.
http://www.stardock.com/products/start8/
Their blurb:
The Windows® 8 start menu returns with Start8®! Download the world's most popular Windows 8 start menu.
- Add the best Windows 8 start menu to your desktop
- Windows 7-styled start menu enhanced for Windows 8
- Pin Modern applications to the Windows 8 start menu
- Boot directly to the Windows 8 desktop