The View from Here: The Commons

by Janet Durgin, Head of School
Well, it's been a little over a week since we returned to school and since we opened the Commons for daily lunch service. The return to school has felt good—though we are keenly aware that a good number of our parents and students continue to confront loss and change on daily basis and that is very difficult indeed. But, in general, we have slowly returned to a sense of normalcy, and the shape and pace of the school day is helpful in that regard. And how exciting and healing that the shape of the school now includes a daily lunch in the Commons! Just as people came together and found comfort and solace in each other's company and sharing meals together during the fires, we find gathering under one roof every day to be an ongoing source of that same kind of comfort.

On the whole, it seems that the students are very happy with the food. There has been plenty for everyone (even those growing students who need seconds and thirds to feel full!), with enough options to suit our wide variety of tastes. Students and staffulty alike have been really enjoying the experience of lunching together and I feel certain that this new space is going to enhance our school culture in many positive ways—including encouraging us all to really take a break, savor our food and the good company, and relax together before finishing out the day. Additionally, the Commons is already providing a fantastic gathering shangout/work space. It's so nice to see students working, studying, playing cards, playing guitar, or chatting together, while faculty work alongside them. And we enjoyed holding our Faculty Meeting in the Commons this morning!
 
There have, of course, been some things we've noticed that need improving. The main thing has been to address the long line and wait times as students queue up for the hot entree served each day. We have addressed this in the short term by allocating admin staff to serve, as well as creating two lines for the entree. Additionally, we decided to have some study halls during Exploratory meet in the Commons and get their lunch a bit before the main lunch crowd appears. These changes have resulted in the entire student and Staffulty (about 370 people!) getting through the lunch service line by 12:10 pm each day, leaving plenty of time to eat. We are in the process of implementing a more permanent solution (even though the admin team seems to be enjoying their new role as "lunch ladies") by reorganizing the line setup. This will allow there to be more serving stations, which will maintain the faster times. And of course, we will continue to monitor and assess the whole process to determine if additional tweaks are needed.
 
And don't forget, there's a website and mobile app where you can view the daily menu and leave comments for the kitchen staff. Links to the app/site are below: 
Back
2500 Farmers Lane 
Santa Rosa, CA 95404 
(707) 545-1770 
inbox@sonomaacademy.org
 

Sonoma Academy Is...

...the only private, independent, college preparatory high school in Sonoma County. On our beautiful campus nestled at the base of Taylor Mountain in Southeastern Santa Rosa, our students are able to explore their interests and passions in a rigorous and inspiring environment that develops a lifelong love of learning and prepares them for college and beyond.

Sonoma Academy admits students of any race, color, religion, ethnicity or national origin, citizenship, gender or gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, or disability, to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. The school does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnicity or national origin, citizenship, gender or gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, or disability in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and tuition assistance programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.