Beaumont, CA – While some kids may take a trip to Disneyland, Big Bear Lake, or even grandma’s house during the winter break, many local students chose to spend their vacation at a place none other than school.
Over 150 TK to sixth grade students enrolled in the Beaumont Unified School District attended the Scholars on Vacation program at the start of the new year while the Beaumont Unified School District’s schools regular classes were closed for the holidays.
“Our Scholars on Vacation program turns long holiday breaks into opportunities for learning, connection, and joy. Students stay engaged through enriching, hands-on experiences, while our staff builds meaningful relationships in a fun, relaxed environment,” explains Beaumont USD Director of Expanded Learning Michael Griffin, who oversees the program. “Families can feel confident knowing their children are safe, inspired, and excited to come back each day.”
In addition to the Scholars on Vacation program, the Expanded Learning Department offers several other programs to children attending Beaumont USD, such as Impact, a before and after school program. All Expanded Learning programs are free for families to join. Select programs also provide free breakfast, lunch, and supper.
On the second day of the Scholars on Vacation program, students rotated from one classroom to another, following a schedule of exciting activities. Inside classroom #8, students were welcomed by the pungent smell of melted chocolate and Beaumont High School Culinary Instructor Chef Jonathon Weiner.
Chef Weiner was serving lessons in math, reading, science, and team-building using nothing more than flour, sugar, vanilla, milk, and chocolate chips. Together, in groups of four, students were tasked with reading a recipe for no-bake chocolate chip cookies, as well as finding the correct measuring scoops for each ingredient.
“You’ll read the recipe, and I’ll add the margarine," directed student Morgan Torres to her peers. The thoughtful planning was well-intentioned. Except, when one of her peers picked up the group's bowl, the freshly mixed ingredients dumped onto the floor. While the lesson may not have been in the curriculum, it was a teaching moment––don’t cry over spilled milk, er, dough. The team quickly picked up the pieces and tried again without shedding a tear.
To learn more about the Expanded Learning Program and its offerings throughout the school year, visit beaumontusd.us/expandedlearning.