Culinary Arts for Students

The Culinary Arts program needs text books that represent what is currently taught. Current textbooks are old. This is a one-time expenditure. Funding for consumables is provided through student fees and the Culinary Arts budget. Money from the sale of baked goods and other products is used to purchase more ingredients and supplies.

A conservative estimate of 30% of students will work in the restaurant industry as hostesses, dishwashers, waiters, prep cooks, assistants to caterers and as chefs.  The focus of the Culinary Arts program offered through the High School, is culinary skills for the workforce.  It is interesting to note that in the 2010-2011 school year,  approximately 5-10 graduating students are pursuing further training with culinary arts schools.  Many are students who were previously disenfranchised from the educational system but discovered self worth, focus and a passion for a career through this program.

The sphere of influence of the Culinary Arts program is wide.  The program has been offered for ten years and serves 120 students each year.  There is collaboration with several other school programs.  The Special Education program operates a student store where baked goods are offered for sale to all the students of Friday Harbor High School.  The Culinary Arts program serves 200-600 community members dinner 4 to 6 times per year. Skilled students are employed in local restaurants. In addition, students go home and use their skills to prepare food for themselves and their families. Instructor Ruthie Paull says, “I can think of no more positive influence than students using skills they learned to impact the gastronomy of a school, their families and community.”

The 2012-13 school year Culinary Arts program will expand its collaborative and fundraising efforts to include the Yearbook student staff , inviting them to use their publishing and photography skills to make a calendar featuring photographs of foods and recipes prepared by students of the Culinary Arts classes. The calendar will be offered for sale with proceeds supporting the Culinary Arts program.  In return, the Culinary Arts students will create and cater the food for the annual Yearbook distribution party in June.

Culinary Arts is a multifaceted and collaborative program that uses hands on learning to benefit student achievement.

Organization Description: Public School system on San Juan Island

Organization Mission: The mission of the San Juan Island School District is to educate students and to help them realize their full potential as responsible, productive, contributing members of society by providing an environment in which students are challenged, excellence is expected, and differences are valued.

Organization Revenue: $8,499,864
Organization Administrative Expenses: $1,241,092
Organization Program Expenses: $7,339,045