Staff Writer
As part of the 21st Century Learning program, a structured after school environment, where participating students are offered assistance with their school work, physical fitness and a number of enrichment activities, they also have the chance to some unique hands-on learning.
Courtney Theriault, left, and Harley Shaw instantly became senoritas during the Cinco De Mayo celebration.
Throughout the school year, students enrolled in the after school program periodically visit other schools and a favorite is the Caribou High School Technology Center. During the time spent at the Tech Center, visiting students find themselves learning how to weld, to change a tire, making birdhouses and as was the case very recently learning to cook, under the direction of Juanita Campbell, instructor in the vocational food service class. “In addition to my regular classes I teach ( she also tutors high school students) I have chosen to work with these kids after school,” said Campbell.
With May 5 celebrated as Cinco De Mayo, Campbell, in the days leading up to the special day, opened her food lab to a number of interested seventh and eighth-grade students and taught them how to read a recipe, prepare a special dish and the proper way to set a table for their guests. Of course with the festive food on Cinco De Mayo, one also needs to dress accordingly and to decorate. The result of her efforts were proven, as participating students, wearing sombreros, greeted and served their guests a menu of wonderful smelling entrees. Of course as one approached the Viking’s Kitchen, the catchy strains of music filled the hallway.
“The best thing that comes from doing this type of project,” said Campbell, “is that the kids learned team work, they have to get along with each other in order to be successful and that is the best part of this program.”
Aroostook Republican photos/Barb Scott
Celebrating Cinco De Mayo Day as part of the 21st Century Learning after school program are, from left, Caribou Technology student Dusty Skidgel, Sandy Hallowell, teacher at the Caribou Middle School and counselor with the 21st Learning project; grade-eighth students Rebecca Johnson and Tanya Corbin, and Juanita Campbell, vocational food service instructor.
A festive atmosphere was created within the vocational foods lab at the Caribou Technology Center when Juanita Campbell and several 21st Century Learning students prepared a Cinco De Mayo feast. The late afternoon menu included six Mexican dishes, two desserts and punch. The project allowed students to learn about the history of Cinco De Mayo, took part in decorating for the event and learned the importance of teamwork.
Michael Hogan, left and Dusty Skidgel transform themselves from students to Mexican cowboys during the Cinco De Mayo event at the Caribou Technology Center.
Rebecca Johnson is the perfect Spanish hostess as she pours green punch for her guests.
Juanita Campbell, left,vocational food service instructor and Sandy Hallowell, CMS teacher and 21st Century Learning counselor, welcome students and guests during a special after school Cinco De Mayo event.
Tanya Corbin is ready to liven things up with a little maraca music at the Cinco De Mayo celebration held in the Viking’s Kitchen at the Caribou Technology Center.
