Would you please pass the mashed potatoes?

Luverne Elementary School’s 506 kindergarten through fifth-grade students enjoyed their annual Respect Lunch Friday when kitchen staff prepared a sit-down meal of mashed potatoes, corn and ham, with sugar cookies decorated as Christmas trees for dessert. Students dressed up for the occasion and invited adult parents or guests to join them at the tables. They practiced passing the meal items to one another and carried on polite conversations at their tables, which were decorated with tablecloths, centerpieces and disposable flatware. Diners were serenaded with live piano music by Janine Papik. The event is organized by the school’s Parents Partners in Education or PPIE.