What makes an ideal school? Ping-pong tables in the cafeteria?
Last week, I was given a tour of the Forbush at Glyndon school. The school is a part of the Sheppard Pratt Health System, and it serves students with emotional disturbances and students with autism. I was there interviewing for a teaching position, and the principal was nice enough to show me around the entire campus.
I noticed that the school had some really great features. For one, the cafeteria had ping pong tables and air hockey. The cafeteria also had an area where students could sit and eat outside, weather permitting. Another difference about the cafeteria is that the students actually prepare and serve the meals. I love that idea because students can take ownership over the food. The principal said she hears comments like, “Did you try the soup today? I made it.”
The school also has a wood-shop class and a very nice greenhouse. Students even sell plants and wood products they have made in local stores.
I wonder if more schools incorporated features such as the ones found at the Forbush school, students might feel more of a sense of ownership towards their school and might enjoy their school day a little bit more.
What do you all think? Ping-pong tables for every cafeteria in Baltimore?
