Eating of the Greens at Gibbs School

At Gibbs school, the St. Patrick’s Day tradition of “Eating of the Greens” was alive and well last Thursday.

Eating of the Greens is a fun way to celebrate the holiday and also a way to promote the eating of healthy snacks.   It gives the children an opportunity to experiment eating green vegetables and fruits instead of cookies and candy.  

The Gibbs PTO picked up a wide variety of green vegetables and fruits and divided it up by class.  The day before St. Patty’s Day, all class parents came to the school and picked up their package.  They had to wash and cut everything up into bite size pieces for the kids to try.  Some of the class parents brought in ranch dressing for the children to use as dip for the vegetables as well.

Once the children started experimenting and tasting all their green treats, they were required to fill out a taste tester questionnaire telling whether they loved, liked or said "no thanks" for each of the items.  Their choices were broccoli, green peppers, celery, and cucumbers for the vegetables and pears, green apples, and green grapes for the fruits.  It’s always very surprising to see just how many children actually love to eat the vegetables!

While the children were in the classrooms munching away, the faint sound of bagpipes could be heard in the distance.  At this point, Gibbs students know what’s coming.  Lucky the Leprechaun turns the corner with Principal Davies along with a talented parent playing the bagpipes.  Some of the children lined up outside in the hall to catch a glimpse of Lucky and gave him a high five but no matter what, Lucky always makes sure he stops into every classroom to say hello. 

I’ve been a parent at Gibbs school for six years now and seeing how the kids' faces light up when Lucky comes down the hall never gets old.  It’s just another example of one of the many reasons why Gibbs is such a fun place to learn! 

Upcoming Gibbs School News:

• Budget Presentation to PTOs with PTO meeting to follow, Tuesday, March 22, DEO Middle School.
• Public Budget Meeting at NMHS, Tuesday, March 29
• B.F. Gibbs PTO Adult Night Fundraiser, Friday, April 8
• Half day for students, Tuesday, April 12