The dreaded school cafeteria scene. Looking at the big picture. Considering the details. Getting others involved in observing -- What could be. Getting a vision. Enhancing the ambiance. Polishing diners' behaviors. Nurturing self-esteem. Adding hundreds of hours of learning. Improving school climate. Getting started -- Making the dream come true. Considering options. Hercules approach. Pioneer approach. Lone Ranger approach. Forming an implementation team. Choosing a coordinator. Building a team effort -- As simple as 1-2-3 : managing the phases of lunchtime. Managing the three phases of lunchtime. Settling phase. Maintenance phase. Cleanup and dismissal phase. Planning for the phases -- Teaching restaurant-like behavior. Identifying broad goals. Getting specific. Deciding on standards. Establishing consequences and rewards. Communicating the standards to all. Committing to restaurant behavior. Teaching restaurant behavior. Viewing adults as hosts in the restaurant -- Deciding decor : from institutional blah to affordable pizzaz. Themes. Sights. Lighting. Wall color. Wall hangings. Other accessories. Tastes and smells. Sounds. Background music. Entertainment. Feelings. Your turn -- Building excitement for the project. Getting administrative approval. Involving faculty and staff members. Gaining children's enthusiastic commitment. Encouraging parent participation. Inviting community interest. Ongoing support -- Grand opening. Scheduling. Activities. Success with the new standards. Just the beginning -- Maintaining and celebrating accomplishments. Keeping the momentum going. Checking on progress. Appreciating all. Administrators. Teachers. Cafeteria workers and custodians. Children. Parents and community members. Focus on success -- Managing "other duties as assigned". Outdoor recess. Hall monitoring. Bus duty.
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