Some of you began reading my blog through my association with Mrs. Q and the fact that I was leading my own private revolution against school lunch programs. It was that and a series of other events that caused us to change our youngest son’s school.
Now, there is no lunch program other than what we pack into his reusable lunch bag and a water bottle but let me tell you, whatever it is, it best not be rubbish or I may be notified.
Night School Photo by Director, Piya Jacob
I have no issues with that. I have watched my little guy go from a delightful pop-tart eating student, good at worksheets and rote memorization to an engaged learner chomping on vegetable crudites while busy discovering and reporting back. One day I walked into his classroom to find him on the floor under the table with a paintbrush and in total concentration. “What is it that you’re doing down there?” “I’m trying to see how it felt to paint the Sistine Chapel.” There you have it. They were studying Rome.
Their playground is our desert where they all don sun hats and explore. You can find them atop the “Ghost Eye Tree”, a rickety old mesquite. On Mondays, they cook and on Fridays, they perform and there is no shortage of creativity or fun in between. I wish all children could experience this magic.
These teachers are empowered to teach and are not bound by silly rules and the children behave. Their last field trip was to a landfill and my third grader can recite as much about methane production as some environmentalists. Can you see that this is a good fit for our family?
Once, each year, they hold Night School, where everyone gets to sleep in and instead of showing up in the morning, school starts at 1:30 in the afternoon and goes until 7:30 pm. They read about nocturnal animals, paint the sunset, do night time math and enjoy every minute of it. Campus is transformed into an enchanted garden with luminarias along the pathways. Everyone must bring a well-working flashlight and their dinner.
I got it wrong last year. I didn’t realize that dinner would be different than lunch and there was a healthy dose of second-grade disappointment over the fact that his cold almond butter sandwich paled next to hot buttery noodles and broccoli. Thank God for second chances and that broccoli came in our CSA this week. I must say that while all vegetables taste better fresh from the farm, I do believe that broccoli delivers the single best evidence.
Tanner’s Night School Dinner
Serves one
- 3/4 cup broccoli florets
- one cup of whole wheat pasta
- 2 Tbs butter or sauce of your liking
- mixed nuts, packed separately as a snack
- dried fruit, packed separately as a snack
- water bottle
- thermos of chai tea
Steam the broccoli. Bring a pot of salted water to boil and add the noodles. Cook until al dente and drain. Toss the noodles with the broccoli. Add a Tbs of butter or whatever sauce you enjoy. Pack into thermos to be kept warm for dinner. Receive ample amount of third grade appreciation for getting it right.
For those of you still fighting the school lunch battle, don’t give up. Mrs. Q has a new book and it’s a war worth winning. After all, they are what they eat.
Agrigirl's Blog 
milkayphoto
/ January 16, 2012What a WONDERFUL school! I do wish ALL children could learn in such an environment!
Tammy
/ January 16, 2012It would change so many things for the better.
Know Thank You
/ January 16, 2012Excellent! Starting kids out on the right path nutritionally is important in so many ways, not the least that it helps develop the habits they will rely on the rest of their lives.
Tammy
/ January 16, 2012Yes, they don’t forget the facts even though they are tempted throughout their lives.
goodyearmamakat
/ January 16, 2012Very cool! My daughter would love learning in this environment. He is very blessed for this opportunity!
Tammy
/ January 16, 2012Yes, it is a remarkable place.
Paul Reynolds
/ January 16, 2012Very cool especially for him. Looking at me education the only reason I’m not totally jealous is that as a small town boy I was taught by a series of women who today would be VPs CFOs and CEOs. Theirs a lot of consultation in that. Imagine if the world could get a bit closer to what you are doing. hey a candle huh. Still jealous. Cheers Paul
Tammy
/ January 16, 2012Me too Paul. We are fortunate that women did not have better jobs, eh?
Jennifer
/ January 16, 2012Tammy – Thanks so much for this post. We are going through San Francisco kindergarten application hell! Getting your child in kindergarten in this city is like having a second job. BUT we have seen some amazing schools with programs similar to what you described in your post. It has opened my eyes to the wonder that the right school can be for a child and his or her family. Your post gave me the encouragement I needed to get through the process. I love the magic! Jen
Tammy
/ January 16, 2012Oh good. There is no decision that I agonize over more than where my children ought to go to school. Find one that educates the WHOLE child and see how you fit with the parents and school director. That’s been my best barometer.
Ollin
/ January 16, 2012Wow. I want my kids to go to that school. When I ever have kids. Your children are so lucky to have a parent who cares so much about their education–especially environmental education.
Tammy
/ January 16, 2012We are really lucky Ollin. Love the new gravatar.
Carol Ann Hoel
/ January 16, 2012Recipe sounds like it would be delicious besides nutritious! Great school!
Tammy
/ January 16, 2012Both are good.
Debbie
/ January 16, 2012This blessed me in so many ways. So glad there are schools that meet the educational needs of your children on so many levels. 🙂 Thank you for sharing! You encourage me!
Tammy
/ January 16, 2012I hope you find something similar for your daughter?
Debbie
/ January 21, 2012She’s 20 now Tammy, but I am blessed to have been able to homeschool her and still have opportunities for “special” learning each day! 🙂 Thanks for asking and caring!
Tammy
/ January 21, 2012That’s awesome that you still get to spend time together daily.
souldipper
/ January 16, 2012This is school! This is where the children will blossom and bloom with individuality and enthusiasm. Wow!
This is giving back the opportunity for children to explore, discover and experience.
You’ve made my day, Tammy.
Tammy
/ January 16, 2012And you mine with your lovely tale of your mother who was a teacher!
nrhatch
/ January 16, 2012Every school should inspire children to learn like that.
The US has gone from being a GREAT country to a mediocre one . . . with crappy public schools ensuring that it will stay mediocre. It’s such a shame.
Tammy
/ January 16, 2012We have too many rule Nancy. There are some fantastic teachers everywhere but they are so limited and are teaching to tests. It’s really unfortunate.
montucky
/ January 16, 2012Kudos to those who put that school together!
Tammy
/ January 16, 2012It is a remarkable place.
Tandy
/ January 16, 2012What an amazing school, and well done for taking a stand! I think this type of schooling is so important 🙂
Tammy
/ January 16, 2012Yes, I did but now, it’s tough to stay on point since it is no longer my issue.
nursemyra
/ January 17, 2012The public education system is Australia is reasonably good, though I did choose to send my boys to a private school in the hope that it would serve them better. Their school had good art and music departments, which I felt would foster their interests and abilities.
A friend of mine sends her 6 year old to a Rudolf Steiner school. It costs $6000 per year. I think one would have to be really committed to the Steiner philosophy to pay that sort of money. Are the fees at your son’s school similar Tammy?
Tammy
/ January 17, 2012I like the Steiner philosophy and had wanted to send my sons there but it’s just too far away (but tuition free). The school my son goes to is private and charges a handsome tuition but there is a tax credit program here for those in need so I don’t think that would ever be a limiting factor.
Estrella Azul
/ January 17, 2012I would’ve loved my school to be similar to this, how wonderful!
Tammy
/ January 17, 2012Me too!
Lisa H
/ January 17, 2012The school sounds so inspiring! What wonderful experiences they offer for the kids. We are so fortunate that we have creative teachers at the school my kids attend. It certainly makes a huge difference in how they look at the world.
Tammy
/ January 18, 2012Yep, teachers can make the difference and giving them the right environment to flourish can make it different for teachers too.
Tes
/ January 17, 2012I wish i could find school like that for my son here. It sounds so fantastic 🙂 the night school is such a beautiful idea 🙂
Tammy
/ January 18, 2012Night school is a fabulous idea. The school looks so pretty and the kids love it so much.
Kath (My Funny Little Life)
/ January 17, 2012When I was still in school, my mom was very active in the parents’ counsil, and she contributed to a mensa being established for the students. Before, they’d have classes from 8 am to 4 or 5 pm, without having the possibility to get a proper meal inbetween. (Well, there was a kiosk at the school yard selling baked goods, and the older students were allowed to leave the school yard and could get a bread roll or bun from the bakery. But that’s not what you would call “proper nutrition”, right? And also, there’s still the question what they actually *offer* at the mensa …
Honestly, I’d love to change the curriculum. I’d love that kids have theoretical classes about nutrition, and practicial classes about cooking. These are such vital knowlegde and skills, but they aren’t taught yet (at least not over here, in Germany). It’s a shame!
Tammy
/ January 18, 2012Good food definitely fuels the learner.
Inger Wilkerson
/ January 17, 2012What a great tradition! Reminds me of ballet night at the ballet school–all the older kids go to the Friday night ballet performance and those with earlier Friday night classes often bring pasta to eat between class and departure for the show–never let your ballet teacher see you eating junk food!
Tammy
/ January 18, 2012I’m sure that is true. 😉
b r
/ January 17, 2012What a school! Something about that photo is magical…must be the combination of the spiral, orange lights, and blue tint.
-b
Tammy
/ January 18, 2012Isn’t it magic? I loved it.
moreplants
/ January 17, 2012Sounds like a school well aligned with my philosophy of ed and sounds like yummy dinner.
Tammy
/ January 18, 2012It’s about the whole child and holding expectations. It’s an amazing place.
the island traveler
/ January 17, 2012This made me smile, “What is it that you’re doing down there?” “I’m trying to see how it felt to paint the Sistine Chapel.” Our kids have one amazing imagination. It’s so inspiring to see them so engrossed in discovering and learning things. I admire your dedication to your son’s school, particularly about eating healthy foods. The night school sounds fun and exciting. I bet your son would love the night out in school. Best wishes to you and your family.
Tammy
/ January 18, 2012Yes, he loves it!
Kathy
/ January 18, 2012You are so lucky to have this school for your son to attend. What a gift! (And that dinner sounds delicious. Makes me very hungry right now. And eyeing the broccoli in the frig.)
Tammy
/ January 18, 2012I love our school.
kateshrewsday
/ January 19, 2012Tammy, what a wonderful school! I would so love to teach somewhere like that! This is such an inspiring post…
Tammy
/ January 19, 2012And you would be a remarkable teacher in this environment. I can tell!
Jane
/ January 19, 2012Pasta and broccoli is my absolute favorite eat alone meal, I like your son’s good taste!
What I love best about schools that operate as your son’s does like is that they let kids be kids – curious, expressive, individual.
Tammy
/ January 19, 2012Including the expression that he was disgusted with a cold sandwich!!
Rukmini Roy
/ January 19, 2012Reminds me of my school Tammy…more so my college. We used to have hours of Shakespeare under the tree or listen to Coleridge by the river. We had the best visiting professors there is in India and my favorite professor was from the university of Virginia who introduced us to this “beyond the classroom” learning. Thanks to letting us connect to nature, thanks to not restricting us to concrete that we still remember everything she taught us.
A good school/ college is like a strong foundation. It shapes you. It is important to have a school where you won’t study but learn. So happy to see him in such a school.
Tammy
/ January 19, 2012Sounds like a wonderful experience that you had Rukmini. Yes, teachers can make all the difference.
nancy at good food matters
/ January 19, 2012This is such a heartening post–if only all children could experience the magic of learning in that creative, nurturing environment! Indeed a perfect fit for your family. It just sounds incredible.
nice work on the Night School Broccoli, too
Tammy
/ January 20, 2012Yes, it is an amazing place. You know, I’ve had a couple of comments via email where people tell me that their older kids went there as children and how it has made all the difference in who they turned out to be.
vianney
/ January 20, 2012This post made me so HAPPY!! what a blessing to have a great school!! lovely idea of night school!
Tammy
/ January 20, 2012Yes, it is a blessing and night school is awesome.
Sophie33
/ January 20, 2012What a cool & great school!
Great post & that pasta dish is a really good one! 😉
Tammy
/ January 20, 2012Thank you Sophie.
Emily@My Pajama Days
/ January 20, 2012I LOVE the picture of the luninarias. What a fantastic environment for your whole family. Meals in general are a battle with both of my children. It is exhausting.
Tammy
/ January 20, 2012Hey – nice to see you Emily. The Director of our school captured that on her iphone and I thought it was awesome.
Sally Mom
/ January 21, 2012What a wonderful blog and look at your responses! I agree that teaching nutrition and healthy eating habits are best started young and blogging about your experiances is starting a wonderful garden of ideas shared and passed on by so many. Great job!
Tammy
/ January 21, 2012Thanks Sally. Night school was a great experience too!
hillerysawyer
/ January 22, 2012What a magical place! It truly sounds like you have found one of the most fantastic learning communities on the planet. How very exciting for you and your little one. Oh and btw the warm broccoli pasta stuffed thermos sounds like a devine surprise.
Tammy
/ January 22, 2012Yes, just the idea of changing it up into a warm meal was appealing to him.
dianescholten
/ January 22, 2012Am I too old to attend Tanner’s school? From your description here (and in our most delightful visit) it really sounds so energizing and exciting. And i LOVE the night school idea!!
Tammy
/ January 22, 2012It’s the best. Every time we pick him up we wish all people could experience this.
dreamingthruthetwilight
/ January 28, 2012So liked that bit about your son trying to experience the feeling of painting the Sistine chapel. How wonderful if all of our schools catered to the building up of our kids’ curiosity and imagination.The curriculum allmost always kills whatever enthusiasm and childlike wonder they may have and makes studies so very boring.Thanks for sharing your experiences, Tammy.
Tammy
/ January 28, 2012You are very welcome.
Dawn
/ January 29, 2012I loved this post. My son is about to start school next year and I feel like there are no options (at least here, in a small town, but even elsewhere?). Your description of night school was almost intoxicating to me – so good for a wee person. Can you elaborate on the school itself (or have you somewhere and I’ve missed that?)? Thanks Tammy…
Tammy
/ January 29, 2012It’s a K-4 school and not in a proper school building. There is only one class of each grade level making a tight little environment. My son has 18 kids in his class. They call their teachers by their first names. Their day begins with singing and lots of it. My youngest is the only one that knows so many songs. Their P.E. changes frequently from dancing to outdoor ball sports. They put on performances every friday from simple joke telling to elaborate pieces on the violin. The Director is an amazing woman with vision and principles.
Dawn
/ January 29, 2012Wow… sounds like perfection. I don’t think there are any options like that around us, but you’ve inspired me to investigate further!
Tammy
/ January 29, 2012My advice to you would be to find the school that is concerned with the whole child – artistic, scholastic, athletic, musical, etc…
The Hook
/ January 30, 2012Another cool, unique post! You know how rare that is, these days? There are A LOT of WordPress blogs out there but you’ve created something special. Well done!
Tammy
/ January 30, 2012Thank you Hook. I know what you mean about the blogs that are out there. I have some that I love.
Tokeloshe
/ February 1, 2012Great post!
You are very fortunate 😉
Tammy
/ February 1, 2012Yes, we feel really blessed.
Sartenada
/ February 7, 2012Night school sounds so great idea. It could fit to us during warm autumn. I am not sure we have them already. Sometimes pupils go to woods, pick flowers, make drawings etc.
Here where I live few years ago pupils went to roadsides to pick up all the debris after winter when snow melted and placed them in big plastic bags. Later some car of municipal collected all of them. Doing these way pupils learned to keep nature free from debris!
Tammy
/ February 8, 2012That’s a great idea too. My middle son is doing a project on litter right now.