Jefferson School Rallies to Solve Dilemma with Pasta Night
It isn’t just coaches and athletes who know that teamwork helps make good things happen. The Jefferson Primary School community proved it anew when teachers, aides, parents and students worked together to pull off a festive Pasta Night and solve a potential dilemma for third graders.
Planning for the Friday night event began weeks earlier when Jefferson teachers identified a looming problem: Third graders at the school traditionally participate in a pair of end-of-year field trips. To help fund those experiences, students and parents held monthly bake sales. But, such sales are no longer permitted during the school day as a result of a new district health and nutrition policy.
After several brainstorming meetings with Jefferson Principal Margaret H. Evers and PTA President Jennifer Hebert, a new idea was hatched and a new school tradition debuted as the Jefferson community pulled together to create a night to remember.
First, the gym had to be transformed into an Italian restaurant. So, a request for 25 round tables went out to the buildings and grounds department, which quickly responded that Jefferson could count on them.
Next, calls were made to class parents for their help in creating baskets for raffles. Volunteer bakers were solicited to donate prize winning goods for the dessert table and the search for a caterer with a great recipe for sauce and a big heart for school fundraising began. When Mrs. Evers made a call to Jay Schmitt at Critic’s Choice Delicatessen, she knew she had found the right person for the job.
“I explained to Jay that the teachers and parents at Jefferson were dedicating their time and energy to putting together a Pasta Night to raise money for our children,” she said. “Without batting an eye, Jay said he would pull out all the stops and give us his best. All agree that he kept his promise!”
When third graders finished decorating the gym with posters of the Italian flag, flower centerpieces and beautiful colorful chains, it was time to open the doors and welcome guests who were invited to one of two seatings at either 5 or 6:45 p.m.
“The turnout was simply amazing,” said third grade teacher Valerie Galanty, who joined colleagues Lori Wilcox, Eileen Wallace, Joanne Taormina, Lucy Marotta, Cindy Tietjen, Karen Fischer, Karen Mallow-Rizzo, Pattye Sweeney, Sarah Metcalf, Betsy Steiner, Barbara Cooke, Bobbi Waller and Vicki Peskin in helping out.
“We had over 300 mouths to feed,” Mrs. Galanty said. Guests feasted on tasty bow-tie pasta and sauce, salad and bread served buffet style. Parents and children enjoyed being served by their principal, teachers and parents who filled their plates to the brim.
As diners finished their dinner, they were invited to purchase a dessert from the spectacular display of baked goods donated by teachers, aides and parents. However, the evening wasn’t complete until Mrs. Evers announced the names of the winners who purchased raffles for a chance to win one of 12 magnificent baskets.
“It was certainly a night to remember”, said Ms. Hebert. “The teachers, aides and parents along with our principal, Mrs. Evers, created a terrific evening where families and friends could come and enjoy each other, have a great meal and lots of fun. I am certain this will become a long-standing tradition for us.”
Best of all, what began as a solution to a problem only affecting Jefferson third graders, developed into an event that produced proceeds which will benefit every student in the school. “It just doesn’t get any better than that,” Mrs. Evers said.
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