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Dragon Dining: A Collaborative Lunchroom Transformation

Inspired by Swedish elementary school lunch experience, Principal Angie Ness creatively adds support in the cafeteria to help students gain soft skills and navigate unstructured social interaction. 

Idea from Angie Ness, Principal of Lake Harriet Community School, Lower Campus

Lunchrooms are often the heart of a school—a place where students refuel, build friendships, and learn social skills. Yet, the chaos and noise of a crowded lunchroom can make it a challenging environment for both students and staff. Angie Ness, principal of Lake Harriet Community School in Minneapolis, home of the Dragons, tackled this challenge head-on by launching the Dragon Dining Program, an innovative initiative inspired by a trip to Sweden.

From Inspiration to Implementation

During an exchange program in Sweden, Angie observed a calmer, more structured lunch environment where teachers and students ate together, modeling appropriate behaviors and creating a supportive atmosphere. While this setup didn’t align with Lake Harriet’s existing schedule, Angie saw an opportunity to adapt the concept to her school’s needs by enlisting an invaluable resource: the school community.

The Dragon Dining Program

Angie’s program invites parents, grandparents, guardians, and even neighbors to join students during lunch as “Dragon Diners.” These volunteers not only share a meal with the students but also help manage the lunchroom. They assist with conversation, monitor behavior, guide cleanup routines, and ensure smooth traffic flow to and from the cafeteria.

To support this initiative, Angie and her team:

• Enhanced Lunchroom Design: Decorative, sound-dampening dividers were added to reduce noise and create a more intimate, restaurant-like atmosphere. The dividers, purchased with PTA support, also help minimize distractions and make it feel a little more like a restaurant.

• Streamlined Processes: Additional compost, recycling, and trash stations improved traffic flow, and volunteers received clear instructions on their roles to ensure consistency.

• Engaged Families: The program capitalized on the strong engagement of Lake Harriet’s families, using the PTA and other communication channels to recruit and inform volunteers.

Overcoming Challenges

Implementing the Dragon Dining Program came with its share of obstacles. Finances were a hurdle, as purchasing sound-dampening dividers required PTA funding. Additionally, the increased visitor traffic added increased effort by the main office staff, who needed to screen and manage a higher volume of visitors. Despite these challenges, the program has been a resounding success.

Results and Impact

The Dragon Dining Program has transformed Lake Harriet’s lunchroom environment. Angie describes the atmosphere as noticeably calmer, with students benefiting from the increased adult presence. Volunteers have helped students navigate unstructured social interactions, fostering better behavior and engagement. Teachers, too, appreciate the program, as it allows them to focus on recess duties, which they prefer, instead of supervising the lunchroom.

By prioritizing lunch as a critical time for student well-being, Angie has elevated the role of this unstructured time in the school day. “Lunch is an important social time for our students,” Angie emphasizes. “Besides recess this is one of the few unstructured times of the day where they have those opportunities to build relationships. They're also learning how to regulate themselves– their bodies and their emotions. So there has to be a balance where you want students to be able to engage with one another without it being strictly guided by an adult. They need that independence to learn those social skills but also they need support too.”

Lessons for Other Schools

For principals interested in replicating the Dragon Dining Program, Angie recommends:

1. Assessing Staffing and Schedules: Understand current lunchroom structures and determine where volunteers can make the most impact.

2. Engaging Families: Leverage parent organizations and clear communication to create excitement and streamline volunteer recruitment.

3. Investing in Lunchroom Enhancements: Small changes, like dividers or additional waste stations, can make a big difference in functionality and atmosphere.

A Model of Community and Collaboration

The Dragon Dining Program is a testament to the power of community in transforming school environments. By blending Swedish inspiration with local creativity, Angie Ness has created a program that benefits students, staff, and families alike. It’s a shining example of how innovative leadership can turn a lunchtime challenge into a meaningful, shared experience.