Teachers in the Oldham County school district have been concerned about the lack of student manners in the lunchroom. As a result, Lagrange Elementary partnered with the Oldham County Kentucky Family Consumer Science Agent to teach manners to elementary children K-1rst grade. The La Grange elementary librarian shared that the typical lunchroom experience was extremely loud; children had physical contact with each other and left litter on each table once excused.

Oldham County Cooperative extension partnered with La Grange Elementary who, provided the lunchroom standards, scheduled the classes, and distributed the post-survey. The Oldham County Extension agent developed a Manners curriculum comprising 1/2hour segments over three weeks that would be utilized countywide. In each session, a book was read that focused on a particular manner, and activities were introduced to provide an opportunity to practice the new skills. Each class was around 18-20 participants. 

The post-survey results indicated the following:

78% of school staff noticed an improvement in children sitting at their tables, using their quiet voice, an increase in children using please and thank you, and children were no longer sharing food.

88% of staff indicated that children kept their hands to themselves during lunch, tried a bite of every item on their tray, and noticed an overall improvement in the lunchroom experience since taking the Manners Matter class.

100% of school staff reported that tables were cleaner after students left the cafeteria.