In cafeterias throughout Buncombe County Schools, a special lunch unites friends and families to reflect on what’s meaningful in their lives.
During November, schools schedule the Gratitude Meal, with a traditional holiday menu that includes turkey, mashed potatoes, and apple crisp. At elementary schools, it’s often a meal that brings families to participate in part of the school day and share lunchtime with their students. The Gratitude Meal is also a special day for BCS high school students, who’ve marked the tradition since kindergarten. At Buncombe County Early College and the Buncombe County Center for Career Innovation, students are thankful to have their own cafeteria space in their school building. Students had previously used a shared space on the A-B Tech campus.
“It’s great to have our own space right here,” said Ines Maldonado Solis, third-year student at Early College. “It’s nice to be with our friends and have space to study and just be together.”
Early College students joined others across the county smiling in cafeteria lines and commenting on the delicious aroma of turkey and gravy. At Leicester Elementary, students were excited to see principal Jamie Slagle and Assistant Principal Cindy Jamison staff dressed in turkey hats. The meal brings a special excitement in every school.
“The BCS Gratitude Meal is a time for us to stop and not only be thankful for the delicious meal that day, but to also acknowledge efforts to grow and prepare our meal,” said Katy Wyatt, BCS Assistant Director of Nutrition. “We hope this is a time to build community and for all of us to take a moment to be grateful.”
Students at Johnston Elementary had a special guest serving its Gratitude Meal. BCS Associate Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Reed joined the team filling up trays for students, teachers, and families this week.
