Taking Remote Learning to the Kitchen

By: Morgan Cathcart

Wethersfield High School offers two nutrition classes, the first, Nutrition I, specializing in baking, the other, Nutrition II, specializing in cooking. This class is open to all students, however, prioritizes upperclassmen. It is taught by Mrs. Leuschner and Mrs. Bailey, both of whom are trying to make the best of this unusual situation. 

The WHS nutrition classes have changed drastically since the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Shifting to a hybrid model, nutrition teacher Mrs. Leuschner has had to find the best way to teach these nutrition classes. 

“The biggest thing that has changed is so much stuff that we have to do online, and I have so many students that are cooking or doing labs at home,” WHS nutrition teacher Mrs. Leuschner stated. 

What was once a hands- on and team-driven class is now individual from home. Students have the option to provide ingredients themselves or can pick up kits from school with all the ingredients they will need for the weekly lab. 

Full remote WHS junior Emily Messina says that “Mrs. Leuschner has made a fun learning environment despite any challenges of being at home. I have learned many new cooking and baking methods, even while being at home!”

Despite all of the changes and challenges to this class, Mrs. Leuschner is still finding the positives. “It is really hard, but there is always a benefit. The benefit is, I only have a couple kids in here. I have a lot more individual time with the kids that are in, so that has been really really great,” Mrs. Leuschner said. 

Even through all of the challenges and changes with COVID-19, Mrs. Leuschner has proven that one thing remains: Everyone needs to eat, and you might as well eat something fresh, creative, and made with care. Interested in cooking and the culinary arts, talk to Mrs. Leuschner or Mrs. Bailey to hear more about our Nutrition courses at WHS! 

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