The Boney Beast Buffet

It was almost twenty years ago, but still seems just like yesterday. Five weeks into the school term, and as a first year teacher, I was already feeling the desire to pack up and pursue another career. I barely listened as the principal, Dr. D., sat in front of our teaching team and bombarded us about doing something more to engage students and to become more creative in reaching our diverse population. I felt so alone and extremely disconnected from this new world of teaching.

The school had undergone redistricting the previous year and things had not gone so smoothly. Public protesting outside the school occurred daily, tensions were high between parents and school staff, students remained in factions, and trust was at an all time low. At that time, it seemed to be the worst of times. Why had I accepted a position in this particular school system and at this particular school? Why did everything and everyone seem to operate in such isolation? Who in their right mind would inflict such pain on themselves? I thought teaching would be fun and exciting, but due to all the challenges and isolation, I was now considering the search for another profession.

On a positive note, CMS was the ideal place in terms of student diversity. Because of the nearby university, the student population at CMS contained over twenty-five different racial and ethnic groups in addition to various religious backgrounds. There also existed a wide spectrum of economic backgrounds. Many of the traditional families were middle class and redistricting had added students from some disadvantaged areas of the community as well. While busing was a general practice, the school was located in a relatively small geographic zone and numerous students were transported in cars or even walked to school. Although some did not realize it, diversity at CMS was our strength.

Dr. D. explained to us that we had a group of parents who wanted and expected more from their children's teachers. In fact, parents were demanding that she turn around the school's negative image. Many of the traditional powers at CMS believed that recent changes in district lines had weakened the school. Traditionalists wanted things to be the way they were prior to redistricting. However, Dr. D. was not willing to sacrifice the needed attention and progress for all children to benefit a select few. She was determined that we do something that would bring all students and parents together, provide a creative environment for learning, and engage all students in relevant and vigorous academic subject matter. And by the way, it could not cost the school any money because there was none.

As a group, our teaching team started to brainstorm. We examined our curriculum and browsed upcoming lessons. After a few days of concentrated thought, we decided as a team to conduct our very first Boney Beast Buffet. It was our grand scheme of creating a special experience for our students and parents as related to the study of vertebrate animals. It was a known fact that all of our students loved to eat just like most middle school students their age. It did not't matter our students' personal histories or backgrounds, they loved devouring food. We approached the principal and asked for a special afternoon in which the teaching team could combine our instruction into a block of time for a culminating study of vertebrate animals. Only this go around, we would not simply examine and talk about vertebrate creatures- we would also eat them. This was not an easy task because we were not seeking the customary culinary delights of the vertebrate type. Instead, we were going for exotic and atypical dishes rarely experienced by most students in our community. Students would have the opportunity to participate in cooking, sampling, and discussing a variety of cultural and creative dishes. It was not possible without the help of dedicated parents. Exotic cuisine can be pricey. Nonetheless, parents openly accepted the challenge and came together providing financial support as well as special cultural knowledge to our classroom lessons and buffet preparations. In science class, the normal scientific study of vertebrate animals continued with a new found interest from students. Language arts classes wrote stories and read relevant material connected to our vertebrate creatures. In social studies, we examined the origins and cultures connected to specific dishes, while the math teacher demonstrated mathematical connections associated with recipes and measurement.

On the day of the event, we served a variety of vertebrate dishes with specialty side items. Whitetail deer, wild turkey, pheasant, quail, pork chitterlings, pig's feet, curry goat, shark steaks, rattlesnake, bison, lamb, beef tongue, chicken livers, and alligator tail were all big hits with the students. Parents helped prepare and serve dishes as well as inform about their unique recipes for the unusual dishes. It was surprising and refreshing to watch the children and parents interact, work together, and try new fare. The entire function was an overwhelming success.

Ending the school day brought giant smiles and hugs from parents and teachers alike. A sense of accomplishment trickled through an exhausted group of colleagues. Not only had we engaged the children in meaningful learning, but we had attained so much more. As a teaching team, we had bonded. A common goal allowed us to come together and make something great happen despite our individual differences. We even developed a new perception of our principal. We realized that she cared and we knew that we had her support. Moreover, we provided an avenue for a diverse group of parents to become involved at school and impart their expertise. As teachers, we discovered that all families, no matter their background, have resources and abilities to contribute for the benefit of children. Even the local food bank received some very tasty provisions that evening thanks to parents delivering our surplus.

For five wonderful years we worked together as a team before heading in different career directions. Nonetheless, the Boney Beast Buffet became a traditional highlight for students in our seventh grade. We even added an invertebrate event deemed Splineless Splurge. We involved parents and students in countless other activities over the years. Most importantly, our students, our team, our school, and our community grew closer as a result of working together.