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Seventh-grader Jessy Butler carefully read the instructions to the brownie recipe — two eggs, one-half cup oil, one-fourth cup water and one package of brownie mix.
One by one, he put them into a large mixing bowl and began to stir.
“My favorite part is when I get to cook,” said Butler, while concentrating on the task at hand.
Butler was one of the 12 special education students at Central Junior High who cooked lunch Thursday afternoon in the school’s new Life Skills kitchen, which opened this month.
Located in the old dish washing room, the kitchen — equipped with a stove, sink, refrigerator, washer, dryer, counter space and many appliances — is the brainchild of special education teachers Susie Ortman and Gretchen Vance.
“We’re teaching the kids how to cook, how to do laundry, how to take care of themselves,” said Ortman, who teaches students with emotional behavioral disorders.
“We have seen students who maybe have not been very successful in other areas shine in here. These are life skills that they will need forever,” added Vance, who teaches life skills.
Both teachers approached the school’s administration last year when construction on the new addition was under way. They knew with the new cafeteria being built, the old dish washing room would be left open.
Eric Scroggs, director of special services, said the department was able to move forward with the idea after securing $8,020 in funding with the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act. Additional appliances were purchased with a $500 District 86 Foundation mini-grant and a $200 donation from the Parent Club.
“We’re always looking for opportunities to build their independence,” he said. “We don’t want to wait until high school to teach these skills. ... It’s been a great opportunity.”
Although still in its beginning stages, the students have already served breakfast to thank everyone involved in the project, such as maintenance personnel and special education staff. In addition, the students hosted an open house two weeks ago for District 86 school board members
“The kids are thrilled. They want to be down here every day,” Vance said.
After completing the lunch Thursday, which consisted of grilled cheese, chicken and noodle soup and brownies, the students were able to enjoy their meal they worked hard preparing.
Principal Dan Mair also stopped by to taste their creations.
“It’s been very good every time,” said Mair.
Mair further explained the importance of the kitchen.
Seventh-grader Jessy Butler carefully read the instructions to the brownie recipe — two eggs, one-half cup oil, one-fourth cup water and one package of brownie mix.
One by one, he put them into a large mixing bowl and began to stir.
“My favorite part is when I get to cook,” said Butler, while concentrating on the task at hand.
Butler was one of the 12 special education students at Central Junior High who cooked lunch Thursday afternoon in the school’s new Life Skills kitchen, which opened this month.
Located in the old dish washing room, the kitchen — equipped with a stove, sink, refrigerator, washer, dryer, counter space and many appliances — is the brainchild of special education teachers Susie Ortman and Gretchen Vance.
“We’re teaching the kids how to cook, how to do laundry, how to take care of themselves,” said Ortman, who teaches students with emotional behavioral disorders.
“We have seen students who maybe have not been very successful in other areas shine in here. These are life skills that they will need forever,” added Vance, who teaches life skills.
Both teachers approached the school’s administration last year when construction on the new addition was under way. They knew with the new cafeteria being built, the old dish washing room would be left open.
Eric Scroggs, director of special services, said the department was able to move forward with the idea after securing $8,020 in funding with the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act. Additional appliances were purchased with a $500 District 86 Foundation mini-grant and a $200 donation from the Parent Club.
“We’re always looking for opportunities to build their independence,” he said. “We don’t want to wait until high school to teach these skills. ... It’s been a great opportunity.”
Although still in its beginning stages, the students have already served breakfast to thank everyone involved in the project, such as maintenance personnel and special education staff. In addition, the students hosted an open house two weeks ago for District 86 school board members
“The kids are thrilled. They want to be down here every day,” Vance said.
After completing the lunch Thursday, which consisted of grilled cheese, chicken and noodle soup and brownies, the students were able to enjoy their meal they worked hard preparing.
Principal Dan Mair also stopped by to taste their creations.
“It’s been very good every time,” said Mair.
Mair further explained the importance of the kitchen.
“I don’t know of any junior high or middle school that has this to offer,” he said. “Their behavior and determination is significantly different when they’re able to prepare things for others.”
Both Ortman and Vance said they hope to use the space weekly as part of their curriculum. In addition, the space will be available for the city’s grade schools to use.
This week, special education students at Glendale and Bolin Schools used the kitchen for a Thanksgiving program for their families.
“The biggest benefit we have seen so far is the sheer pride these kids have when they take part in preparing a meal,” said Tony Ingold, superintendant of District 86. “This is just a starting point, and our hope is to expand down the road.”
