Students in Chefs II classes prepared a meal for 150 people and served it to the homeless at the Community Action Program of Bergen County’s Crisis Center walk-in kitchen. Students became
“Point-in-Time Volunteers” and worked with various social service agencies on January 29, 2008 when the federal government conducted its Point-in-Time annual count of the homeless population.
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Consumer, Family & Life Skills, Social Studies, Math, Character & Ethics Point-in-Time Volunteers: Feeding the Homeless
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By: Denise Schachter Teaching Team:
Jennifer Bozek Denise Schachter
School: Teaneck High School Grade Levels:
10-12, Chefs II classes
Academic Focus/
Core Curriculum Standards: Visual and Performing Arts
1.1, 1.2
Comprehensive Health and Physical Education
2.1, 2.2,
Language Arts Literacy
3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4
Mathematics
4.1, 4.5
Social Studies
6.2, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6
World Languages
7.1, 7.2
Technology
8.1B
Consumer, Family & Life Skills
9.1A, 9.1B, 9.2A, 9.2B, 9.2C, 9.2D
Core Ethical Values:
Respect, Responsibility, Caring, Empathy, Civic Mindedness Hurdles Encountered: Hurdles
How to transport hot food
Solution
Brainstormed ideas
Celebration:
Students had a pizza party when they returned to school |
Project Description:
Students in Chefs II classes prepared a meal for 150 people and served it to the homeless at the Community Action Program of Bergen County’s Crisis Center walk-in kitchen. Students became “Point-in-Time Volunteers” and worked with various social service agencies on January 29, 2008 when the federal government conducted its Point-in-Time annual count of the homeless population. Target Audience: Homeless population served by CAP; Bergen County Department of Social Services Timeline: One week
Project Scheduling:
Planning and cooking took place during class time. Equipment Needed:
Food, beverages, ovens, stoves, refrigerators, cooking utensils, pots, pans, paper products, aprons, gloves, transportation, cameras, film Academic Focus:
Visual and Performing Arts Students prepared and served a visually pleasing meal in a professional manner Comprehensive Health and Physical Education Students learned responsibility and how to advocate for others, and became aware of the effect of homelessness on individual health and well being Language Arts and Literacy Students utilized reading and comprehension skills planning a menu, listening and speaking skills interacting with target audience and during post activity group discussion, and writing skills completing a reflection paper. Mathematics Students used basic math skills and measurements planning and cooking the meal and problem solving to determine how to package and transport the food. Social Studies Students developed civic responsibility as they became aware of the local homeless problem and the causes and effects of homelessness World Languages Students learned about the homeless culture and communicated with a new segment of the population. Technology Students learned to use various kitchen appliances
Consumer, Family & Life Skills Students used critical thinking when menu planning and self-management and interpersonal skills when working with the target audience. They explored new careers, developed employability skills and demonstrated compassion for their fellow man Educational Strategies:
Performance-based Education Students planned, prepared and served the meal
Cooperative Learning
Students worked together and with outside agencies Personal Growth Outcomes: Students have a new found respect for homeless people. By connecting with those in need they developed a sense of responsibility, good citizenship and a desire to continue helping others. They learned to appreciate their lives and what they have. |
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Recognition:
Newspaper article in the Record, pictures posted in school, a presentation to the PTO & Bd. of Ed, thank you letters from the Inter-religious Fellowship for the Homeless, the Bergen County Executive, and the Bergen County Department of Social Services Key Findings:
When given the opportunity to help others the students rose to the occasion. They were proud of what they accomplished and found it personally rewarding |
Community Involvement:
Inter-religious Fellowship for the Homeless, Bergen County Division of Human Services, local homeless population Parents and Volunteer Involvement:
Students worked with other Point-in-Time volunteers and will make a presentation to the Board of Education and parents. Reflection Activities:
Students reflected through group discussion and a reflection paper. The reflection focused on the way if any the experience changed a student’s preconceptions about the homeless. Means of Assessment:
Students felt it was successful because of how they felt and the smiles they brought to those they served. Outside agencies applauded our students for their caring, kindness, and willingness to help those in need. As a result of this experience, several students joined the Inter-religious Fellowship Youth Council for the Homeless. |