Students in the Work-Based Learning, Life Skills support, Autistic support and Multiple Disabilities support programs at Manheim Township High School hosted a Winter Feast on February 27. More than 75 guests from the high school and district office were invited to enjoy a meal of pulled pork, meatballs, macaroni and cheese, salad, baked beans and desserts.
Preparation of this luncheon, now in its sixth year, takes place largely in the kitchen space of the Work Based Learning classroom, which includes an electric range, refrigerator, microwave, storage and prep surfaces —“everything but the kitchen sink” —until recently, that is, when Ashley Cooper, Work Based Learning teacher, shared her Great Idea for the installation of a self-contained, no plumbing sink with MTEF in our Fall 2025 grant cycle. “Students in the work-based learning program learn valuable skills related to hygiene and proper kitchen sanitation. With a full kitchen, students will be able to work on skills necessary for independence and transition into adult-life by being able to work from start to finish on kitchen projects,” she wrote.
Installation of this innovative appliance has been “true game changer,” says Cooper, eliminating the need to transport kitchenware to another classroom for washing and thus streamlining supervision of student activities. Students in the Work Based Learning program utilize the sink during all kitchen preparations, cooking lessons, and weekly mini-business (Great Bakes) work, in addition to the Winter Feast (pictured below).
