Sunny Side Up!
submitted by Frank Caracciolo,
Pedagogical Consultant for Art Education and Culture in Schools
How a breakfast program is cultivating life skills and building community at the Ed-Venture Program at Horizon High School.
I recently visited Horizon High School to meet with Principal Ben Matlin to see how the school year was kicking off. For those unfamiliar with Horizon High School, it’s an alternative school with a small population where there are various programs tailored and suited for students. I often come to Horizon to offer talks about the arts and/or participate in art activities such as mural painting, printmaking and drawing classes. Every year I work with the Ed-Venture program doing art classes. On any visit to the school, I always make sure to make my way to the Ed-Venture program to say hello to everyone and see what the students are currently working on. As I made my way toward the Ed-Venture wing on my most recent visit, I smelled the delicious aroma of cinnamon, toast and coffee. I immediately investigated and, as I passed by the cafeteria, I found the Ed-Venture students and teachers prepping breakfast.
I was immediately greeted by Julian who has worked with me over the last two years “Are we doing art today?” he asked. “Not today,” I replied. Julian then informed me that the students were making breakfast. Heather Laframboise, coordinator of the program, explained that this activity is part of The Breakfast Club of Canada, a nation-wide program that provides food for students.
The Breakfast program is a part of the life-skills component of the Ed-Venture curriculum. The program is comprised of Neurodiverse students who come in every morning and prepare the food under the guidance and supervision of staff.
Specific tasks are given to students such as setting the table, cooking and serving food. Staff and students then enjoy a warm breakfast together. After the maple syrup drenched waffles were all gone, everyone helped clean up. The tasks are given, and students try different jobs throughout the week.
As an educator for thirty years I wanted to share what I witnessed at the Ed-Venture Breakfast Program. Tasks that we may take for granted in our everyday lives become important learning tools for the students while also empowering them to participate and be a part of a team. The staff is extremely well organized and understands the needs of the students. For their part, the students were eager to help each other and with each day they improve and help build a sense of community within their program.
It’s very exciting to see educators create environments for learning and the staff. Heather Laframboise, Catherine Burrell, Maria Nanos, Beverlee Gauthier and Sara Abbott do just that! It takes a lot of energy, but these students are making a difference for themselves and each other thanks to the dedication of their mentors. You cannot leave Ed-Venture without a smile and that’s a great way to start any day. And, rest assured, breakfast and a smile will always be on the menu at Ed-Venture,
Congratulations to students and the entire team!
