Character in Action Wautoma Area School District

WASD Character in Action: Storybook Cafe

While attending Camp Parkside, students in first through fifth grade are able to fully immerse themselves in storybooks with a combined hands-on reading and cooking class. Storybook Café has been a staple at Camp Parkside for many years and the students look forward to sampling different foods from pizza to manicotti.

Throughout the class, students listen as their teacher, Aleesha Whalen, reads a story to them. Following the story, they all work collaboratively to cook their recipe for the day. Each student takes a turn measuring ingredients for the snack they get to sample at the end of the class.

“Teamwork in the kitchen makes for a great life lesson that can be used in the everyday world,” Whalen said.

Over the past several years, Wautoma Area School District staff members have collaborated with the guidance counselors to promote character education throughout all four schools. The WASD Character Education Committee believes it is important and necessary for staff, students, parents, and community members to help instill these values in the next generation.

Planning is currently underway for the second district-wide Character Day on Wednesday, October 12, and the committee is looking to get the community involved. Any volunteers or community organizations interested in working with the WASD Character Day Committee should contact Julie Petersen (petersenj@wautoma.k12.wi.us) or Courtney Vaughan (vaughanc@wautoma.k12.wi.us) for more information.