Reeths-Puffer Intermediate students explore, experience Tech Center
The energy in the Student Commons area of the Muskegon Area Career Tech Center was bubbling as 36 Reeths-Puffer Intermediate students, hand selected by their teachers and school Counselor Kelly Peel, waited for Hospitality and Tourism students to greet them. The sixth graders partnered with the Tech Center teens on Thursday, November 30, 2017, to prepare cookies for the Run the Spruce with Dr. Seuss race. By the end of the day, Peel’s students left with something greater than a paper chef’s hat and cookies.
Reeths-Puffer Intermediate students rode the bus to the Tech Center with the high school students who attend and spent the entire morning session at the Tech Center–just like their high school peers. After their initial welcome, the group split in two with half of the students going into the Food Theory Lab with Hospitality and Tourism students to start making cookies, and half taking a tour of the building. The groups then rotated. During the tour, students witnessed high school classes in session and started making plans about what classes they will take when they are old enough to attend.
“Mrs. Peel, I know what I want to do!” shared one wildly excited sixth grader with Peel. “I am going to be a welder, and I am going to come here to learn it!”
This is the third year in a row that Reeths-Puffer Intermediate students have participated in this activity. The visit is offered as a reward to students who have performed exceptionally well or been nominated by their teachers.
“Our teachers feel this is a great experience for our kids and hope we can offer more trips,” shared Peel. “Seeing first-hand this kind of path to learning is remarkable for kids,” added Peel.
The Muskegon Area Career Tech Center will be open to the public during the Connect with Tech Night on Wednesday, January 24, 2018, from 5–7 p.m. Additional information is available at muskegoncareertech.com.
Contacts: Elissa Penczar, MACTC Catering & Culinary Management Instructor, 231-767-3668, epenczar@muskegonisd.org
Stephanie Hoekenga, MACTC Student Outreach Specialist, 231-767-3613, shoekeng@muskegonisd.org