Etiquette Part of Pettigrew Program
From The Waxahachie Daily Light November 26, 2007
By JENNIFER A. HOWELL Daily Light staff writer
In preparation for the dinner, the students made place mats and napkin rings and set tables that were located in different rooms throughout the school, as well as on the front porch and gazebo.
“We teach manners and etiquette as part of our Montessori curriculum to all of our students,” said Pettigrew Academy director Kim Bauman, who believes that “an enjoyable meal with good food, great conversation and good manners is important to maintain a civilized society.”
Bauman stressed the importance of manners as well as conversation that
takes place during a meal.
“It is more than just the food we eat,
but what we share,” said Bauman, who
added, “In our hurried world, it is
crucial for the development of the child
to slow down and converse with several
generations.”
The students, who memorize one poem each
month as part of their regular studies,
recited one poem aloud to those in
attendance, making their way to each
table throughout the building and on the
porch.
Bauman made the turkey and every family
brought a dish to share, including
dressing, mashed potatoes, green bean
casserole, pumpkin pie and much more.
“I appreciate the meal and it is
certainly a good idea to have it once a
year,” said Cedar Hill resident Bernhard
Kainerstorfer. Kainerstorfer is an
instructor in both violin and foreign
language and currently gives private
violin lessons at the school each
Tuesday afternoon.
“Our whole family came today because
Hunter loves his school,” said
Waxahachie resident Cassi Wright of her
brother Hunter McCauley, 7.
“It’s very important for our family to
participate,” said Wright.
Among the many guests present that were
family members of McCauley was
Waxahachie resident Lynsi Herron who
reported having eaten pomegranate for
the very first time at the manners
dinner.
Another guest of McCauley’s was a family
friend, Ellen Saltzman of Waxahachie.
“Hunter took me on a tour of the
school,” reported Saltzman, who is a
public school teacher for a district
north of Ellis County.
“I was delighted by Hunter’s enthusiasm
over the books, the garden and the
science and nature center,” Saltzman
added.
Following dinner, the children present,
as well as some of the adults, enjoyed
playing games, such as kickball, on the
back lawn.
“We are very thankful that many in our
group were able to attend as well as
their parents, siblings and friends,”
said Bauman.
