As the season of giving continues, students, classes, and campuses throughout Round Rock ISD are busy fostering community and connection.
For fourth-grade students at Laurel Mountain Elementary School it looks like cooking for the Charlie Center, an organization devoted to supporting and providing resources to homeless individuals.
Fourth-grade teacher, Sophia Chin, and her students worked together to make five pans of biscuits and gravy casserole. The recipe, provided by the Charlie Center, was carefully designed to meet the nutritional requirements of its intended recipients. Each pan served approximately 20 people.
For Chin’s class, the cooking process also doubled as a unique learning opportunity.
“We integrate science, math, and reading when we cook,” Chin said. “We read and follow recipes, use math to double or quadruple ingredients, and even apply science—our gravy today is a great example of a solution!”
Beyond academics, Chin emphasized the importance of teaching her students the value of giving back.
“I told them, ‘We are not eating this. We are cooking for people who need a little bit of help.’”
4th grader Abby C. said she remembered the Charlie Center and the work they do from a school assembly earlier this year.
“One of the members of the Charlie Center came to talk to us about homeless people and shared stories about her friends and how they work to help them,” she said. “It makes me feel good knowing I’m helping these people now. I like that we’re helping fill their bellies.”
Through their efforts, the students will feed approximately 100 people. In exchange, they’ll receive invaluable lessons in compassion and teamwork, along with the joy of giving back.
