Educational Grant Opens

A Back Door To Parents

By Tanjua Damon

Most of the time parents do not come to school with their children, let alone teach them lessons. But thanks to a grant, the Back Door Café has been able to initiate a new program involving parents in their children’s education.

The 2002 Together in Education Grant sponsored by the Tri-State MacDonald’s has allowed the high school student-run program to gain recipes from their very own homes to add to their business menu.

Parents of the students have been coming to the Back Door Café located at St John’s Episcopal Church in Sandy Hook, which is a restaurant business where high school students prepare and deliver the food to local businesses that order. Teacher Dru Saren believes the program is an opportunity for parents to be a part of their children’s education as well as for the students to gain more knowledge from their parents.

“It’s a sense of the students working with someone different other than the teacher,” Ms Saren said. “It gives more of a family feel to the Back Door Café.”

Ms Saren admitted that at first the students were not too sure about having their parents come in to teach a class. Many felt their parents might embarrass them, but now the students talk about how their parents are coming in to teach. Parents have even requested to come and teach again.

“I can’t believe the response,” Ms Saren said. “The parents and students are so excited.”

Donna Liska taught the students how to make sweet and sour chicken. Her son Josh is a part of the business.

“I think it’s a neat opportunity to be able to work with the students, especially the older children,” Ms Liska said.

The students have been learning a lot of different recipes they can add to their weekly menu. After all the parents have participated, a book will be complied with all the recipes for the students and the restaurant.

“It’s a thrilling experience,” Josh said. “It’s weird but fun at the same time. It gives the teachers a chance to get to know our parents.”

John Gill’s mother came in and taught the students how to make spaghetti sauce. He enjoys the going to the Back Door Café because it helps to give him skills he can use forever.

“It breaks up the day. It’s off campus. It’s a lot of fun,” John said. “Kids direct kids rather than teachers directing kids. I find it easier working with a peer than an authority figure.”

The students have also learned how to make low-fat bread dip and gingersnaps. The Lambo family donated a food processor so the students could try more of a variety of recipes.

More than 42 students participate in the phone-in delivery food service that provides healthy balanced meals for professionals in the community. The program has been in existence for 14 years. To order from the Back Door Café call 426-9535.