We believe that the education of the whole child is carried out through to nutrition. We make it a priority to help children understand how the food we eat fuels our bodies and how important it is to make healthy choices and to try new things. Nutritious and varied snacks and lunch is served every day. We are pleased to offer our Pines prepared lunch menu. Each meal is planned, prepped and prepared in our onsite commercial kitchen. Chef Liz builds our menu with an eye on introducing new foods to the children. Our lunches are full of color and nutrients and are made with fresh and wholesome ingredients that are beautifully plated and presented. Often herbs, fruits, and vegetables picked from our school gardens are incorporated. Participation is optional, you are welcome to send a lunch from home. Included with your tuition is your child's mid-morning snack, delivered to their classroom each day. We invite you to view the menu at the links to the side.
We also believe that this time is a learning process in which children practice their Practical Life skills. From the youngest student to the oldest at Pines, lunch is a greater lesson. See below for a peek into what lunchtime looks like. Chef considers her menu vegetarian-friendly. There are many main and side dishes that are meat-free.
Enrolled in extended care? Chef prepared snacks for both morning and afternoon are a part of this environment.
This is what lunchtime looks like at Pines Montessori School.
All communities in our school gather in their classrooms, to prepare for lunch. They wash their hands, set their own place and decorate their community tables. We use real place settings- plates and bowls, utensils- spoons and forks, pitchers and plastic “glasses”. Children participating in our Pines prepared lunch program spoon, scoop, or tong, their lunch from lovely bowls and baskets onto their plates. Or, children bringing healthy lunches from home unpack their lunches from their containers onto the plates. Children then sit at a table of their choice to share good manners, friendly conversations, and a delicious meal.
While enjoying this meal the lights are dimmed and music is softly playing, a true Montessori dining experience. After the children have finished their meals they scrape their dishes and wash them in a two-part sink of soapy water and clear water and place them in a bin to be disinfected by their teachers. The children then clean their tables and sweep the floor. During this time they took care of themselves, their environment, and were helpful to their younger peers. Lunchtime is a very enjoyable, relaxing time for children.
