The kitchen bustled with activity, friendly chatter filled the dining room, and the smell of fresh rolls wafted down the hallway…at school. Thanksgiving came on November 17th to Brownwood Middle School, thanks to the Home Economics class.
Ann Costa, Home Economics teacher, has been preparing a Thanksgiving meal for the Middle School staff and guests for six years, but the meal is not a one-woman job. About 130 seventh and eighth graders work together over two days to serve a traditional turkey and dressing feast.
How does one coordinate 130 students over six class periods to create such a wonderful meal? “Recipes,” says Mrs. Costa. “They followed the recipes really well.”
“We get started the day before,” said Mrs. Costa. All of the classes cook during their class period. “One class will start on a dish, and the next class will finish,” she said. Students leave each other notes on where they left-off for the next class to pick-up again. The day of the meal, Mrs. Costa arrives early, along with extra helpers. Students who are in class between 11am and 1pm serve the meal. Afterwards, everyone works together to clean up.
According to Mrs. Costa, the students love to cook, and the staff of the Middle School are glad they do! Also invited to the feast were the Board of Trustee members and staff of the Central Administration Office.
Not only is it a fun day for the students, but it has learning applications, as well.
“The students learn how to work together, and how to get stuff out on time,” said Mrs. Costa. They also must know how to make a good presentation; the table must be set and the room ready for the next wave of guests. Above all, the students learn how to give. “We are thankful for the teachers; they work hard all year,” said Mrs. Costa.
In addition to the annual Thanksgiving feast, the class also gives to community projects. The same week as the Middle School feast, students also made dishes for a community Senor Citizen Thanksgiving meal and cakes for soldiers at Camp Bowie.
