I had the privilege of picking up school lunches on recently from Manaugh Elementary for some of the students at the new Children’s Kiva Montessori Charter School. I was quite impressed from the moment I walked into the charter school at each child’s level of engagement in their work. I was astounded that in such a small space, 26 students could be actively engaged in an individualized learning activity with such intensity. It was so quiet yet the energy level was palpable.
I was also impressed with the quality of the lunch provided by the kitchen staff at Manaugh, a healthy quality meal – far better than what I recall of school lunches. After dropping the lunches off, I joined my daughter for lunch. Lunchtime at the charter school is family-style with students seated around large round tables, each with their own nameplate and folded napkin.
Each student is responsible for obtaining his own chair and it was quite refreshing to see older students voluntarily assist their younger peers with carrying chairs to their table. Manners are emphasized and my daughter is quick to instruct her father that elbows don’t go on the table and napkins go in your lap. Each day there is a theme to the lunchtime conversation. Fridays are science days and, after watching a short video on applied mathematics to discovering how a human sneeze spreads germs (yes I did feel the urge to wash my hands again), the students discussed what they learned. I was amazed by the confidence level of the students to voluntarily share their thoughts in front of the entire school.
It was truly an amazing educational experience for all, and a far cry from my recollections of lunchtime in elementary school. This is a learning environment. From the moment students enter the building until they leave, learning never ceases. I invite any naysayers who doubt the legitimacy of this school to come and see the school in action for yourself.
Steven Spoonemore
Cortez