Using Her Noodle: Schuchard student's letter leads to lunch for her fourth-grade class

Students in Brent Fortier’s fourth grade classroom at Schuchard Elementary School practiced writing formal business letters the old-fashioned way, using pen and paper, envelopes and stamps.

The assignment called for the students to professionally correspond with a business or organization of their choice, ranging from restaurants to colleges and sports teams.

Fortier said that for some of the students this was their first experience with the U.S. postal service. “They were excited to receive mail in response to their letters,” he said, adding that the students also practiced reading and presentation skills while discussing and sharing their letters aloud.

McDonald’s, Oakland University, University of Michigan, Wayne State University and others sent small promotional items with their responses.

However, student Jaylon Kalla’s letter to Olive Garden restaurants corporate offices prompted staff from a local outlet to bring the whole class a free lunch of salad, bread sticks and pasta.

Jaylon, who plans to one day work at Olive Garden, her favorite restaurant, credits her ability to “write so people understand” for the special response. She said she suggested to management that the chain offer birthday promotions for kids to bring in more business.

Olive Garden assistant manager Pam McClatchey presented Jaylon with a gift basket filled with kitchen items and a personalized white chef’s jacket – all of which should come in handy because she enjoys cooking with her family, especially making lasagna, taco dip and hamburgers.