Together Tuesday Brings Families Into Discovery Classrooms

Families recently joined Discovery students and staff for a community event at school called “Together Tuesday,” with a theme of “Love Your Lunch.”

At the end of the school day on a December afternoon, each class took part in a shared art project and a reading activity centered on connection, belonging and celebrating the diversity of the Discovery community.

“We wanted to create an event to celebrate the diversity of cultures and foods that our students and families enjoy and created an event welcoming families to participate in a school-wide activity,” Principal Rachel Pearson said. “It was a wonderful opportunity to spend time with their student and learn what makes Discovery so special.”

Families were invited to join students and staff at the school from 2:55-3:45 p.m. More than 75% of students had one or more family members attend, and any student who didn’t have a family member there was invited to sit with another family. Pearson said the building team is hoping to plan another event like this one later in the school year.

In each classroom, teachers shared a presentation that features a variety of foods and emphasized that it’s OK to bring foods that look, smell or taste different from other kids’ lunches. “Take pride in your family’s food traditions, and celebrate curiosity about foods from other cultures,” the presentation encourages.

Next, students and families drew and decorated their “perfect lunch tray,” filled with favorite or special foods. Then students and families used a “gallery walk” to see other people’s artwork of their favorite lunches. At the end, students and families had the chance to share what they noticed on other trays, what they learned and whether there is another tray they would love to try.

“Students have been telling me all day how great it was, and asking ‘Can we do it again this year?’” Pearson said. Other students said they were glad their older siblings came to the event, an some parents emailed Pearson with positive feedback as well. “I'm super proud of our staff for taking on this work and teaching students and their families about loving the foods that are important to them,” she added.