Sugar Land Middle School students were fully engaged in Dr. Dupre’s cooking demonstration.

Members of Sugar Land Middle School’s ARMS (Accepting Responsible Male Strength) Program recently enjoyed a cooking demonstration led by Dr. Charles Dupre, FBISD Superintendent of Schools. The Superintendent prepared one of his special dessert salads that required minimal cooking skill and few ingredients.

ARMS Coordinators Rod Martin, Tyler Hotzel and Michael Bennett; and Human Services teacher Sharon Thompson welcomed the Superintendent to the campus, with Martin explaining the program’s purpose. The ARMS Program was established in 1990 at Sugar Land Middle School (SLMS) to provide young male students with enrichment activities focusing on character building, college and career readiness and community service.

Dr. Dupre followed by sharing what ARMS means to him. “When I think of the ARMS program, I think of how each of you are taking responsibility for yourselves and are becoming strong men,” said Dr. Dupre. “Some of you may be in situations where you don’t have a positive, male presence in your life. That’s why programs like ARMS are important. They’re helping you develop into responsible citizens who will be able to set good examples for your own sons and families one day.”

Dr. Dupre then led the students in an
interactive cooking demonstration where he prepared his “Special Salad.” He distributed copies of the recipe to the students and asked them to read each step as he prepared the dish. Ingredients included vanilla instant pudding mix, milk, vinegar, cool whip, mandarin oranges and striped chocolate cookies. As an added treat, Dr. Dupre provided each student with a bag of the ingredients so that they can prepare the dessert for their families. All they needed to add was their own milk.

The ARMS program is currently available at seven Fort Bend ISD campuses, including Lake Olympia, Missouri City and Sugar Land Middle Schools; and Blue Ridge, Drabek, Lakeview and Parks Elementary Schools.

SLMS student Christopher Lewis has been a member of ARMS for the past two years and says that the program has made a difference in his life. “I’ve learned how to be more responsible and to work harder in class,” said Christopher. He has also enjoyed working together as a team with his fellow ARMS peers. The SLMS program currently has more than 40 members.

Dessert from Dr Dupre