There are many different types of certification students can get at Newton High School. One is a ServSafe Certification, in which students are also able to earn a cord for graduation. To earn your ServSafe certification, you have to take and pass a test about sufficient food safety. 

There are many advantages of students taking and passing their ServSafe test. 

“I decided I wanted to take the test because it’s something I’m able to put on job applications if I pass, and I can earn a cord for graduation,” senior Azaria Pauls said. 

Other than gaining a cord to wear at graduation, by taking this test, a student gains knowledge of the restaurant and hospitality industry. 

“This test allows you to potentially be the person in charge of a restaurant. If a health inspector came in you would be the person they would talk to. I just think the more people that are certified, the cleaner and the safer the environment the food is being prepared in,” culinary teacher Kimberly Powell said. 

Many students spent time outside of class to help prepare for the test. Though many struggled with certain aspects of the material, they worked hard to try and understand. 

“I would read over the chapters and do the practice quizzes at the end of each one, I would also go online to try and find Quizlets to help. I really struggled with trying to remember all of the temperatures food had to be cooked to,” senior Gabby Moreno said. 

While students work on reviewing material in class, they are also expected to try and study outside of class for a deeper understanding. 

“I think being able to pass this test shows a lot of rigor and that students are really dedicated to knowing what the laws are in the kitchen,” Powell said. 

While many students successfully pass the ServSafe test, the goal is for even more students to become certified. 

“This year we actually had a record number of people that were able to pass their ServSafe test and we hope for even more to hopefully pass next year,” Powell said.