Woodstock Elementary recently participated in School Lunch Week, sponsored
by the American School Food Service Association. This year's theme was
"School Lunch By the Book." It was an exciting time
and a perfect opportunity to engage in activities that centered around the
school cafeteria and the classroom. Woodstock Elementary has been an
Alabama Reading Iniative site for the past two years and this was a great
way to add to the reading program.
The week began with
"Bring a Book to Lunch Day." Students brought their reading books to read
after eating. Activities for the rest of the week included "Read about America Day,"
and "Character Dress Up Day." On America Day, the
community's librarian came and read books about America during lunch.
The students asked questions and discussed the tragedy in New York. The
children and faculty enjoyed this so much that we're now working on a
monthly session called "Book Talk." During the month we will spotlight an
author or a series of books to plan activities around.
Character Day was the highlight of the week. Faculty, staff and students
dressed as their favorite book characters. Certificates for best
costume in each class allowed winners to go to the bookstore for a free
book of their choice. Costumes included the characters from the Wizard of
Oz, Cinderella, Clifford, Tinkerbell, Harry Potter, and Captain Hook.
Our Principal came dressed as Little Red Riding Hood.
We had a
representative from the local extension service present a student program on
nutrition. All students were awarded Mission Nutrition
prizes each day for eating in the lunchroom, and other prizes were awarded
to students who sat in the "Lucky Spot." The lunch menus for the week were
planned with book titles and book characters for food items. Garfield
Lasagna, Harry Potter Hamburgers and Peter Pan Pizza brought students to
lunch wondering just what they would have to eat. Students enjoyed wearing
special clothes to school on Team Jersey Day and on Red White and Blue Day.
As stated by the School Foodservice and Nutrition Journal, "Feeding the mind
and body is the greatest challenge and reward of all those who work in the
school environment."
We feel as though the challenge was met and our rewards were great for the
entire week!
