Field trips don’t get much sweeter than this! Last week, the kindergarten classes from Downing Elementary teamed up with Silas High School students in the ProStart culinary program for their annual tradition of cookie decorating. The kindergarteners added sugary finishing touches to stacks of gingerbread cookies baked earlier by the high schoolers. They also colored and decorated wooden ornaments made by Truman Middle School students. 

When the Silas students complete the two-year ProStart program, led by instructor Rebecca Rotchstein, they receive industry-recognized certification and are prepared for the next step in a food service career. The program includes successful customer relations, kitchen basics, purchasing, and inventory control, preparing and serving safe food, and preventing accidents and injuries.