The Watermark a 3030 Park

Connecticut Post (Bridgeport, CT)

January 24, 2008
Section: News
Article ID: 8071070

Students learn lessons from lunch

KEILA TORRES ktorres@ctpost.com
BRIDGEPORT - As the servers hurried nervously from table to table, making sure each piece of silverware was in its proper place, they couldn't help but chatter excitedly about their first big event. Then, fellow sixth-graders emerged from the kitchen, taking a break from preparing the Thursday luncheon of French onion soup, chicken francaise with artichokes, rice and chocolate mousse.

The skills exhibited by the student chefs and serving crew were honed through an enrichment program established between their school, the city's Classical Studies Academy, and the Watermark at 3030 Park retirement community.

The meal was prepared and served at Watermark. As part of the specialized curriculum at the school, all of its sixth-graders participate in some sort of enrichment activity such as the culinary arts program.
"I like the experience and the chance to do hands-on stuff," 11-year-old Giselle Ramos said of the program.
Watermark's chef, John Gramesty, said, "This may not be their lifelong career," but added that the experience might help students "to work through school."

Gramesty and his staff taught the youngsters how to serve and cook a meal. He said the children also learned about table etiquette, cooking safety and food-borne diseases.

The idea for the partnership, that began in September, was proposed last May. At the time, Shannon Ruedlinger, executive director of Watermark, was chosen by the School Volunteer Association to be principal for a day at the Classical Studies Academy. He said he was surprised at how respectful and mature the children seemed. Ruedlinger then offered to forge a partnership with the school on intergenerational activities designed to benefit both the students and older residents of the retirement community. "They teach us and we teach them," he said. "It's fun," said Jonathan Council, 11. "I meet so many people that I don't know half of their names." He said besides meeting new people he enjoyed learning about cuisine from cultures he's never even heard of. The partnership consists of two 15-week sessions during the academic year in which the children travel to Watermark to learn about knitting, dancing, crafts or cooking. Some residents of the retirement community also go to the Classical Studies Academy to volunteer as teaching aides.

"We are a family now, not a partnership," said Helen Giles, the school's principal.

Frances Barry, Sylvia Washton and Elaine DePolo, residents of Watermark, all participate in the program. They describe the students as "amazing," "impressive" and "wonderful."

"Everyone looks forward to their company," Washton said. The children were allowed to invite some of their families to Thursday's wind-up luncheon.

Alex Barreiro said his daughter, Desteny Etheredge, 11, talked about the program every day when she got home. Tina Le said her son Timmy reacted the same way. She said her 9-year-old daughter Cynthia can't wait to advance to the sixth grade so she can participate.

Several city officials and school board members, including Supt. of Schools John J. Ramos, also attended the event.

Other students in the culinary program include: Eric Allen, 11; Michael Iasparro, 11; Divya Kapoor, 12; Rosana Neang, 11; Kiera Tucker, 12; and Chelsie Roan, 12, who, as a result of the program, is now considering becoming a professional chef.

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