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The annual elementary school Respect Lunch became a Respect Picnic Monday when the event moved outdoors.
Traditionally Respect Lunch happens in the elementary commons where tablecloths are used and food is passed “family style” around the table.
Students speak quietly and politely saying “please” and “thank you,” and live piano music is played.
This year students took their corn dogs, french fries, apples, baby carrots and milk outside.
“The kids were very excited,” said Amy Chapa, president of PPIE (Parents, Partners In Education).
The state of Minnesota lifted pandemic restrictions on outdoor events earlier this month, but Respect Picnic organizers kept students separated by grade levels by setting picnic tables on the north and south lawns of the elementary schools.
Students brought their lunch baskets outside and sat with adult volunteers at tables brought in by city Public Works employees
Students played Respect Picnic bingo, and winning tables received special treats.
“This year has brought a lot of changes, but it has been fun coming up with new ideas to still make it happen,” Chapa said.
“We couldn’t have asked for better weather. I think the kids really enjoyed the picnic-style lunch and the respect bingo.”
The picnic lunch began at 10:30 a.m. and ended at 12:55 p.m. with each class having 40 minutes outside with adult volunteers.
“We had so many wonderful volunteers who made the event possible,” Chapa said.