‘No One Eats Alone’ at Cardinal Valley

At Cardinal Valley Elementary, students understand how it’s best when “No One Eats Alone.” They recently participated in this nationwide initiative that fosters a culture of belonging and curbs social isolation in schools. 

During the lunch periods, fourth- and fifth-grade facilitators welcomed classes into the cafeteria with a brief introduction to the idea and the backstory of a young girl who once felt invisible and different from everybody else at school. The students also handed out activity sheets for conversation starters and BINGO Q&A cards to help youngsters get to know others at their table. 

“The younger kids learned you should always sit by someone because they might need you,” explained fourth grader Mitchelle Mmunga, who suggested finding common ground to make new friends. “Be the person that you are,” she added. 

Cardinal Valley’s student support teams already encourage friendships with others throughout the building and make sure all students feel safe and welcome, so “No One Eats Alone” was a great way to reinforce the message. 

“I would like them to come away with the idea of being aware of others, not just themselves, and being able to look around wherever they may be and notice when someone might need a friend and know that they can be that friend,” said school counselor Sherry Newsome Howard.

Resources

Conversation Starters

BINGO Card

Beyond Differences