Fifth-graders who crunched numbers for spaghetti portions and fourth-graders rehearsing Mexican folk steps will lead Mancos Schools’ dual celebration of Veterans Day and Día de los Muertos on Nov. 5.
The event will combine patriotic songs, cultural dance and a student-run dinner to honor veterans and family members who have passed away.
The event, titled “To Honor & To Remember,” begins at 5 p.m. in the elementary cafeteria with a spaghetti dinner prepared by district food service staff members Eileen Eichner and CTE/HR Director Janet Fogel.
Though professionals cook the meal, fifth-grade classes planned the dinner logistics. Students designed the menu, calculated serving sizes, estimated attendance, determined purchase quantities and balanced a budget. Their numbers were reviewed by Fogel.
Students will greet diners, serve food cafeteria-style and clean tables. Fifth-graders also interviewed for dinner roles, practiced service protocols and created thank-you cards for veterans.
A $5 suggested donation per plate covers expenses and sends remaining proceeds to the local Veterans of Foreign Wars. Walmart contributed $200 toward ingredients, and additional support came from the high school student council.
The joint theme emerged from annual fall concerts that have alternated between Veterans Day and Día de los Muertos.
“I always do some kind of fall time show, and over the years, I've done a handful of Veterans Day themes and a handful of Dia de los Muertos themes,” Andrew Saletta, K-12 music director told The Journal.
“I know the community really loves these themes, so I figured what is common between these two holidays, and that is honoring and remembering. So I decided we should go with both themes. I knew that the fifth grade often does a pancake breakfast for local veterans so I checked with the fifth grade teachers to see if they wanted to adapt to more of a dinner for veterans that could then be combined with our concert.”
Dinner seating prioritizes veterans, their families and relatives of fourth and fifth grade students. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (970) 533-7748 or (970) 533-7744, or emailing afarrar@mancosre6.edu or tmaki@mancosre6.edu.
At 5:45 p.m., participants will head to the Performing Arts Center, where Día de los Muertos ofrendas and student artwork will line the lobby. The free concert, open to the community, starts at 6 p.m.
Fourth graders will perform two folk dances, fifth graders will sing two patriotic numbers and the Blue Jay band will present hero-themed selections. Special guests from Fort Lewis College’s Ballet Folklorico will showcase additional dances in traditional dress.
