The Days Creek Cafeteria is one of the most cramped and overworked places in our school. Personally, every time I am down there I get my neck stretched out as I dodge the beams, and light fixtures with my head. It is often a little too loud. The staff there are often overworked and underthanked. Yet, today as I sit in a corner of the cafeteria I am surrounded by reminders of why I am so thankful for our school.
I am enthusiastically welcomed by Kinders who would love to make room at their table for me. They tell me stories of wonder and discovery from their amazing lives. They ask me if I know their older siblings who are also students here.
Our Certified Staff buzz around the cafeteria like they do every other day opening milks, replacing broken sporks, keeping the roar dull, and encouraging students to eat their wonderful lunches before they answer the siren song of recess.
In another corner I see two of our elementary teachers sitting with their students enjoying lunch. Mrs. Hooper gets the double joy of sharing this meal with her daughter.
I see parents of our students. Some joining in the meal, some volunteering to serve. One of the young mothers is able to focus on the lunch because Vince Hernandez is holding her sleeping toddler as he helps students stack their trays and throw away their garbage. Some school maintenance men would shy away from such a double duty. Not ours.
The meal we share was prepared specially with love. The variety of the spread is impressive as has been the tradition for the Days Creek Thanksgiving Lunch, but the made from scratch dishes are something we have come to appreciate on a daily basis this year. Lunch was served with a smile by our indomitable kitchen staff with help from a principle and other admin staff.
Much to be thankful for. Our students. Our admin. The teachers. The aides. The parents. The maintenance and janitorial staff. Our cooks. Thank you all.
Reuben Stratford has been the in-house substitute for Days Creek Charter School since 2021. He lives in Tiller with his family.
