It was the ninth consecutive year for the feast, which included the traditional turkey, stuffing, cornbread and conversation.
"We wanted to do something for the community and have children exposed to the seniors," said Michael Andriola, a fifth-grade teacher who was among those who devised the idea. "It's meant to build character and make children respectful to the elderly and to realize they have a lot to offer."
The lunchroom staff provided dinner for the children, who then walked the plates over to the seniors. They capped the dinner with dessert made by parents and faculty members. The sweet foods included cupcakes, fudge cake and carrot cake.
The senior citizens were from four local nursing homes -- Morris View, Care One, Spring Hill and Morris Hills.
During the feast, the children performed songs they had rehearsed over the past week, including "Yankee Doodle Dandy" and "Jingle Bells."
Getting settled
After the initial nervousness wears off, Andriola said there's a good exchange that takes place.
"You see a real bonding," he said.
Principal Marysol Berrios said, "It's a great opportunity to connect with the older generation. We want to provide them that connection. Some of them don't have older relatives at home."
Such a program, she said, provides another lesson in the school district's efforts to foster character education. That is built on such pillars as responsibility, respect, caring, trustworthiness and citizenship. As a sign of respect, Berrios said, the students dressed up, with the boys wearing oxford shirts and ties, and the girls in dresses.
The youngsters and senior citizens alike enjoyed the experience.
"I like meeting and talking to them," said 10-year-old student Jamie Metzger. "I asked them things like where they live."
Appreciative guest
One of the people she was helping was Claire Benisi, 85.
"I think it's wonderful," she said, attending her first luncheon with the children. "They are very polite."
Another student, Lauren Goldman, 10, of Morris Township, said about the luncheon, "It is really fun (getting to know the senior citizens), and the food is really good."
Hector Huertas, 10, said "It's exciting. We get to sing to them. We practiced really hard."
One of his listeners was Jenny Dzikowski, 90, who lives at Morris View. She, like many of the senior citizens, said the pupils are very well-spoken.
"It is very beautiful, this luncheon. They are very smart in the way they talk. I'm very impressed."
