JACKSON — A $4,700 Toolbox for Education grant from Lowe’s will bring about numerous upgrades to a cooking classroom at the Christa McAuliffe Middle School.
“In this day and age it is important for us to be as aggressive as we can in securing grant funds and, thankfully, we are successful in doing that,” Jackson Superintendent of Schools Thomas Gialanella. “Every little bit helps.”
Assistant Principal Debra Phillips cowrote the grant application with teacher John Pollack. She said the cooking classroom was in need of upgrading.
“We thought about renovating the cooking classroom, since we use it for so many students and activities here at the school,” Phillips said. “The school has been open for about 17 years, and the appliances in the classroom are all original.”
The grant will replace six electric stoves, a washer and dryer, and several microwave ovens. The classroom is used as instructional space for a course on nutrition and basic cooking.
There is also a work readiness program in which students get involved with budgeting, planning a menu and preparing food for luncheons that are held during the year, Phillips said.
“It’s a great opportunity for them,” she said. “They also learn a little more about the [food] business.”
Phillips said administrators are working with Lowe’s of Howell to order the new equipment. The upgrades are expected to be ready for the start of the 2010-11 school year.
“This is a wonderful opportunity in light of the economic times, and we are fortunate to be awarded such a grant. We are looking forward to working with and establishing a good relationship with Lowe’s,” she said.
Phillips said the cooking equipment in the classroom is also used when larger events are held at the McAuliffe School.
Pollack, who teaches in the room, said it will look a lot different next year.
“My classes make chicken stir fry and learn about grains, pizzas and twice-baked potatoes,” said Pollack, who has a background in restaurant foods. “I change the recipes all the time, so they have lots of fun, and these kids are always hungry.”
Pollack said that when students get to high school they have the opportunity to look into vocational programs in the field if they choose to do so.
Appliance manager Vincent Castellano and operations manager Laura Risi from Lowe’s of Howell attended the presentation of the grant. Castellano said the current equipment will be upgraded with energy-saving equipment.
McAuliffe School Principal Kevin DiEugenio said, “I am more excited that we are thinking outside the box and trying to save some money outside the budget, and the $4,700 is going to go directly to the kids. We are very excited about the initiative. No one gives you a grant and puts it in your lap. It takes teachers and administrators to make that happen.”
Jackson Board of Education Vice President Barbara Fiero said teachers and administrators never know what will stir a student’s interest in learning and keep him or her involved.
“That is why we have to offer the widest variety of courses,” said Fiero. “Some of these can spark a lifelong career choice that they would not have considered unless they were exposed to this.”