Thanksgiving feast for special ed classes

STEPHANIE BERTHOLDO/Acorn Newspapers PARENTAL APPRECIATION—Students in Chuck Cohen's math class at Lindero Canyon Middle School enjoy the seventh annual day-long Thanksgiving feast last Friday. Students served their parents as a way to show thanks for their ongoing support and love. From left, Kristi Ornstein with her son Jackson; Chuck Cohen, a special education math and social studies teacher; student Haley Weissenfluh and her mother Patti. Chuck Cohen's math class at Lindero Canyon Middle School enjoyed an all-day Thanksgiving feast last Friday that included students, families, teachers and counselors.

Cohen, who teaches seventhand eighthgrade special education math classes as well as an eighth-grade social studies class, said the yearly event enables students to give thanks to their parents and teachers for their love and support during the school year.

"Kids have to serve their parents to show them thanks," Cohen said.

The Nov. 21 event marked the seventh year Cohen has hosted the feast, although there was a slight change in the menu. Instead of the usual lunchtime buffet, parents, teachers and students brought in homemade goodies for breakfast, including bagels and cream cheese, muffins, fruit and other morning treats.

Cohen said the event is meaningful for the students, who don't always get recognition for their hard work and determination.

Lindero has a successful special education program with five teachers, each specializing in a specific subject. Each student is also assigned to a teacher that acts as a case manager, Cohen said. The program has been successful in preparing students to "be successful socially, emotionally and academically," he said.

"It's pretty cool," said Wyatt Carnel, 13, about the food fest. "At least you get to eat food and not go to class."

Jake Ferrero, 14, said he was thankful for all the food and his family. He had already eaten two bagels and thought he would soon go back for a little more chow.

Seventh-grader Jordlynn Moody said, "I'm grateful for the food, my family and Mr. Cohen—actually all my teachers," she said. When asked what her favorite class was, Jordlynn said she loved them all.

"It makes for an enjoyable day," Cohen said of the annual event.