This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Central School Teacher Receives Presidential Citation From NJAHPERD

On February 23, 2014, Central Elementary School’s K-5 Physical Education and Health Education teacher, Mrs. Suzette de Araujo, received a Presidential Citation from the New Jersey Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (NJAHPERD).  NJAHPERD President, JoAnn Doherty, presented the award to Mrs. de Araujo at the Annual Awards Banquet.  Mrs. de Araujo was recognized for her distinguished service, and demonstrated commitment, leadership, and continuous service to the New Jersey Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.

 

Recently, Mrs. de Araujo developed and organized an event for her 4th grade students that coincided with the culmination of their Health Class Nutrition Unit. First, the students were assigned with the task of selecting a favorite dish from their family's culture. The students were then instructed to research the history of the cuisine, determine what time of day the meal was traditionally served in their home, list the main food groups represented in the dish they had chosen, identify the key nutrients included, itemize the ingredients, and finally, provide detailed recipe instructions.

Find out what's happening in Wallwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

 

On the day of the Multicultural Food Fair, students were asked to bring their prepared recipes into school.  The children were allowed to sample as many dishes as they wished and were asked to discuss their samplings with each.  Topics of discussion included: food groups, key nutrients, differences in culture, new dishes, and more. This inaugural event was a great example of Mrs. de Araujo’s unique talent for integrating real life experiences with education.  The event not only broadened the students understanding of different cultures and traditions, but also encouraged the children to try new cuisines and share the experience with their classmates.

Find out what's happening in Wallwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

 

Mrs. de Araujo is a first year Physical Education teacher, with a Teaching Certificate in Health and Physical Education from Kean University.  Before becoming a teacher at Central Elementary School, Mrs. de Araujo earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration,  worked as a nutrition specialist at Weight Watchers, was a spin class and pilates instructor, owned her own Pampered Chef business, and worked in the fitness industry and marketing fields, in both New York City and Connecticut. 

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?