Casey Baker holds an ice cream cone in Katie Biondi's class. (Submitted photo)
NEW WATERFORD – Crestview Local Schools continued its successful business partnership this year with an outstanding project that engaged students in a hands-on learning experience.
One of many notable collaborations was a project-based learning initiative between Baker's Golden Dairy in New Waterford and a kindergarten class. Known for its flavored milk products and ice cream, Baker's Golden Dairy has gained popularity over the past decade. For this project, the kindergarten class was tasked with developing and naming a new ice cream flavor.
The students began their project with a tour of the farm, guided by Casey Baker of Baker's Golden Dairy. Students learned about the ice cream making process and brainstormed ideas for their own unique flavors. Baker provided guidelines on what could be done at the farm and a list of potential ingredients the students could use. Each class competed to create the winning flavor.
“The project went well.” Baker said. “The kids worked through each step, first seeing how it was done and then coming up with ideas. It was fun working with them. You can't do this kind of thing everywhere.”
Katie Biondi's class won creative writing. “The Way of Rebellion” Chocolate and vanilla ice cream mixed with brownie and cookie dough. “We voted on the ingredients and chose the ingredient that received the most votes for our ice cream.” “It was a great experience,” said Genesis Simko, a student in Biondi's class.
On Friday, May 17, the kindergarten class enjoyed their winning submission, which was unanimously voted in favor. Casey Baker said, “The Way of Rebellion” They will be available to purchase at the store on Carter Road in New Waterford, with home delivery expected around June 1st.
Successful project-based learning collaborations at Crestview this year include first graders working with the Columbiana County Career and Technical Center's landscaping program and third graders partnering with Columbiana Nutrition and Bubble Tech. Phantom Fireworks worked with eighth graders to develop new fireworks products that could be sold at retail stores next July, while fourth graders designed new t-shirts representing Youngstown's original Phantom Fireworks store. Fifth graders worked with East Fairfield Stone Company, and sixth and seventh graders worked with Alliance Credit Union.
