Lynn program stirs up possible job paths

LYNN – Students and staff from the Fecteau-Leary School got a taste of the restaurant business Wednesday, touring an establishment in Wyoma Square to learn about the industry and to explore potential job opportunities.The visit to Rolly?s Tavern was part of the school?s Summer Enrichment Program, a four-week day program designed to keep middle school and high school students involved both academically and socially during summer vacation.James Miller, a math teacher at the Fecteau-Leary School, works as a coordinator and counselor for the program. He described the program as a mix of academic activities and field trips that help ensure students stay on track throughout the summer.?I?ve seen the digression that can happen over the summer months,” he said. “This program keeps kids from regressing academically and socially.”He said that an important part of the program is exposing the kids to potential work opportunities, and the weekly field trips allow the kids a chance to apply social skills in a community setting.During the tour, restaurant co-owner Wendy Mennino-Hayes led the group of five students through the dining area, or “front of the house,” and through the “back of the house,” an area that guests normally don?t visit. There students got a look at food storage areas, preparation and cooking areas and the dish room.Mennino-Hayes said that she welcomed the opportunity to get kids engaged in the restaurant industry.?I view the students as potential customers and employees,” she said.Rolly?s Tavern provided a free meal for the group. Over lunch, Mennino-Hayes talked to students about potential employment opportunities.?If you work in the front of the house, you have to be 18 because you have to handle alcohol,” she said. “In the kitchen, we hire a lot of prep workers and dishwashers that are kids because they want a part-time, after-school job for a couple hours at night. So we have had a lot of 15- or 16-year-olds.”She told students that jobs in the restaurant business are generally flexible, and employees at Rolly?s can work as few as 12 hours per week. Mennino-Hayes said that the restaurant also offers employees other benefits, like one free meal per shift and a discount when dining in with friends and family.Cheryl Mennino, director of special education for Lynn Public Schools and sister of Mennino-Hayes, said that Rolly?s was a great location for students to visit, especially because Fecteau-Leary offers exploratory classes for students interested in the culinary arts.Mennino said that the enrichment program is in the fourth year and credited Miller as being “instrumental in developing the program and bringing in exciting activities for kids.”Through the program, students volunteered at My Brother?s Table and Greater Lynn Senior Services, where they engaged with senior citizens and helped them with technology like navigating the Internet or setting up email accounts. They also traveled to Patriot Place in Foxborough, the Massachusetts Statehouse in Boston and went kayaking on the Ipswich River.Miller said he enjoys giving the kids the chance to visit a place that they might not otherwise go.The Fecteau-Leary Summer Enrichment Program was to end today, when the kids travel to Boston for a boat ride to Spectacle Island. The students will then have about three and a half weeks of free time before classes resume Sept. 3.Kristin Bornstein may be reached at [email protected].