“Diggin’ In” with FoodCorps Fin : November 20
Hi Cougars!
It’s been another exciting week with so much anticipation of the Thanksgiving holiday. There were so many Thanksgiving activities, that I’m really looking forward to some restful time at home this next week.
Our 4th graders in Cougar Cooks have made great strides in the kitchen. We had many new faces in our session this week, and they all did excellently preparing a cranberry sauce from scratch. Cranberries are one of the only commercially produced fruits native to North America, which makes them a fitting item for this very American holiday. The recipe was straightforward, with just 3 ingredients (fresh cranberries, orange juice, and sugar), but required careful attention, simmering the mixture on a stove to just the right consistency. We’ll continue to get together after the holiday break, starting on Wednesday December 2nd from 5-6pm. Look out for an email that Monday for details about what tools will be needed, and how to pick up the fresh ingredients at Central during the day on Wednesday. As always, email me at finley.tevlin@foodcorps.org to RSVP or for any other questions.
In other news, the first of our 9 Tower Gardens have become operational at Central. These indoor hydroponic grow systems were purchased through a grant awarded to our last FoodCorps service member, Kelsey Ioannou. They require no soil, but instead distribute nutrients directly to plant’s roots through a mineral solution. These towers will allow us to grow fresh greens all year long! You can expect to see them in each grade level, and having guest appearances in lessons throughout the year!
Lastly, in third grade this week, we busted some myths about the first Thanksgiving, and learned what REALLY happened. Students learned how the Pilgrims were searching for religious freedom and established a colony called Plymouth in what is now Massachusetts, but were not, in fact, America’s first settlers. They learned about the Wampanoag people and the plague introduced by Europeans which had decimated many of their people before the Pilgrim’s arrival. They learned about the alliance the colonists and Wampanoag formed, but which was short lived, and ended in King Phillips war in 1675. Lastly, we learned what was eaten at the first Thanksgiving (it wasn’t the meal you would imagine) and why we celebrate it today. In reflecting on what they learned, why it is important to know the real story, and what they are thankful for this year, these were some of the student’s responses:
It is important because it helps us learn about how they founded America.
It’s important to know because we know that we should be very grateful that they helped us.
I learned that the English and Wampanoag people didn't stay friends and they had a war and a lot of the Wampanoag died.
I learned that the Wampanoag's are still alive and well.
I learned some Wampanoag speak English.
History is important truth.
It is important to know the real story because it will make people happy.
It is important to know to appreciate the holiday more.
What I will be thankful for this holiday is my family and my teacher.
I will be thankful for the fact that I don't have covid19.
I will be thankful for my food corps.
I'm thankful for my family and my friends and my teacher and everyone.
I know the true meaning of Thanksgiving.