Connolly’s Culinary Students Cook Up Recipes and Life Skills
In Connolly Middle School’s Culinary Arts elective class, there’s no such thing as too many cooks in the kitchen. Instead, teacher Jennifer Westfall believes that her class provides students with skills that will help them thrive and grow. To that, her attitude is the more the merrier!
“Connolly Middle School Culinary Arts is unique, and I love to see kids try new things and get new experiences,” Westfall shared. “We're so into convenience and fast food. This class gives kids an opportunity to cook at home, eat healthier and better, and build confidence and self-esteem.”
In tune with providing unique experiences for students in the kitchen, Westfall also invites students to create recipes of their own. On this particular Thursday in October, her class is preparing ramen. But this isn’t your typical middle school ramen. Instead, students are adding their own flair to the generally instant dish. It’s gourmet ramen.
“Students studied different cooking methods and different popular, trendy things to add to ramen from other chefs on social media,” Westfall explained. “Then they got to go shopping on a shopping list and create their own recipe with their team.”
Getting to the experimentation phase of the class doesn’t start right away. First, Westfall helped students focus on setting a strong foundation, including mastering skills like reading a recipe and correct measuring techniques.
“We started really slow. Now, there's very little involvement from me at this point,” Westfall shared. “Everything has its purpose and process and we've worked up to it. So our recipes will just keep getting more difficult. They're ready to go. They're very capable and confident.”
Westfall also appreciates the other soft skills students gain through her class, including group dynamics, learning to thrive in different roles, and challenging yourself to get out of your comfort zone.
“Whatever you have in your family is what your family knows,” she reflected. “You can broaden your opinions and knowledge by taking a class like this.”
Elective classes like Culinary Arts allow students to explore new skills and interests that their core academic classes don’t cover. They provide students with the opportunity to be successful while also providing a safe place to fail.
About Connolly Middle School
Connolly Middle School serves students from sixth to eighth grade. It is home to the ASPIRE Academy for gifted students, is a National AVID Demonstration Site, and is designated an A+ School by the National Education Association. Connolly’s mission is to prepare students for college readiness and success in a global society through rigorous coursework and critical thinking. Learn more about Connolly Middle School.