Throwback Thursday- Lunch Room Helpers

Back in the '80s, when I was in a K - 6th grade elementary school in Idaho, every sixth grade student had to take a turn helping out in the cafeteria.  It wasn't viewed as a chore though; we eagerly looked forward to the opportunity to assist in the cafeteria.  When your number came up- woo boy, you got to leave class for about an hour, help scoop out food, and wipe off tables.  If you were exceptionally well-behaved, you even got to be the tray sprayer.  The power behind that spray nozzle gave you immediate glory and honor, as little kindergartners stared up in awe when they dumped off their trays.  After every sixth grader had their turn, the honor of cafeteria helper was bestowed upon those of us who finished their math work the fastest.  Not to brag, but I think I led the pack in number of times to work in the cafeteria.  (My only claim to fame, besides being the Elmore County Spelling Bee winner.  It's been downhill from there.)

My husband can do me one better.  At his elementary school in North Carolina, the special treat you got for your birthday was...wait for it...to be the student who stayed back and wiped down the tables after lunch.  But there was more!  You also got to choose not one, but TWO friends who could stay with you, on your birthday, the specialist of days, to help you wipe down the tables.  The thought of this just brings a smile to my face.  I love that kids were ecstatic to be helping out.

I can't help but contrast those good old days with what happens in school today.  Years ago, my science students threw wet paper towels up on the bathroom ceiling when cleaning up after a lab.  Upon discovering this, my reaction was to assign them the job of cleaning up the mess.  My vice-principal intervened though (thank goodness!  what was I thinking!) and told me I couldn't make them do that- it was considered "corporal punishment".  Last year, four boys ran into the boys bathroom, threw yogurt, smashed PopTarts all over the floor, and sprayed juice boxes.  I saw them run in, heard a commotion, and saw them run out.  We had on surveillance that they were the only ones to go in and out of the restroom that morning.  They emphatically denied doing it, and the custodians cleaned up their mess.  They received no consequence.

I think asking students to help with the care and maintenance of our schools and classrooms has positive effects.  It teaches students to take care of things.  It teaches them to respect those who work in service jobs.  It teaches them to think about somebody besides themselves.  My husband reports that at the elementary school he currently subs at, there are student volunteers who help in the cafeteria.  I hope this trend can make a come back.  And maybe when my birthday rolls around this year, I'll ask my friends if they want to come over and have the honor of helping me scrub my shower and kitchen floor.  :)