Pizza, Plans, and Future Chefs: Normandy High's Hands-On Business Lesson
Students at Normandy High School recently took a break from textbooks to dive into a real-world business challenge: making and selling pizza. This wasn't just about cooking; it was a lesson in entrepreneurship, teaching them the ins and outs of running a business.
A Two-Day Business Simulation
The project was split into two days. On the first day, students worked in teams to:
- Price ingredients
- Manage workflow
- Create a product
They had to think about what people would want to eat and how to make it appealing. The second day was all about branding and advertising. Students had to:
- Come up with a logo
- Create a business plan
- Design a menu
- Calculate the cost of each item
Guided by Culinary Experts
The students weren't alone in this task. They were guided by culinary experts Chef Ian Johnson and Chef Christie Gibbons, who showed them the ropes of a professional kitchen. The students learned that cooking isn't just about following a recipe. It's about:
- Teamwork
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Organization
- Cleanliness
- Communication
Student Reactions and Insights
For some students, this project was an eye-opener. Senior Ruben Gonzalez realized that he might want to pursue a career in culinary arts after high school. He found the work creative, dynamic, and full of learning opportunities.
Other students, like freshman Arielle Moissis, had a different experience. She grew up in the kitchens of her family's restaurants and knew the challenges of the food industry. She didn't see herself working in the food industry but appreciated the insight the project gave her.
Teacher's Vision for the Future
The project was a hit with the students and their teacher, Dwayne Kessie. He loved bringing the real world into the classroom and drawing from his past experiences to make the lessons more relevant. He even plans to expand the curriculum next year, making it a full-year class.
A Lesson Beyond Pizza
This project wasn't just about making pizza. It was about learning the skills needed to start a successful business. It was about:
- Creativity
- Independence
- Innovation
- Problem-solving
It was a hands-on lesson that students won't soon forget.
