JDHS teacher hopes breakfasts will lead to test success
In addition to filling her students' heads with knowledge, Juneau-Douglas High School teacher Barb Bonner spent part of this week filling their stomachs with breakfast.
"It's always great when Ms. Bonner cooks," said Corey Dayton, a junior in the Choosing Healthy Options in Cooperative Education, or CHOICE, program, where Bonner teaches English. He and other CHOICE students feasted on a breakfast of sausage, eggs and pancakes this morning before taking the final portion of the three-day high school exit exam.
"Research shows they'll do better if they have a good breakfast," Bonner said. "I heard that and I thought 'I can do that.' Not every day, but I can do it for the exams."
She borrowed hot plates from the home economics class at the high school and used her own money to buy the makings of a full breakfast, plus snacks for students to munch on during the testing. Then, with the help of program aide Gene Harrison and several students, she cooked breakfast for approximately 17 CHOICE juniors taking the exam.
"It's high-stakes testing," Bonner said. "I think it's good to loosen them up a bit so the testing isn't quite so daunting."
Members of the high school class of 2004 are the first students in the state who will have to pass the Alaska High School Graduation Qualifying Examination before receiving their diploma. Juniors are taking the tests this week for the second time; they will have three additional chances to pass before spring 2004. Students in the CHOICE program, which was founded by former JDHS teacher Mark Roschy and JDHS Assistant Principle Laury Scandling for students at risk of dropping out of school, are particularly challenged by the exams.
"Now graduating is more than just showing up every day and getting a passing grade ... it's passing an exam," Scandling said.
Not every CHOICE student in the class of 2004 is likely to pass the exam, she added.
Cooking breakfast is one of the many ways Bonner tries to give students a leg up on finishing school. In fact, her reputation goes far beyond the cookies she bakes for every student's birthday.
Theresa Rodriguez, a sophomore in the program, said Bonner excels at explaining things to her students and teaching them what they need to know to pass.
"She even sometimes goes on walks with us during our P.E. (physical education) make-up," Rodriguez said.
Bonner has a hands-on, interactive way of explaining difficult concepts, which makes her popular among her students and colleagues alike, said Dayton.
"She's a really inspirational colleague and full of energy," said CHOICE math teacher Lisa Eagan.
"Barb is everybody's mom," said Scandling.
Christine Schmid can be reached at cschmid@juneauempire.com.