The Fisher Home (6th– 8th grade boys) gave me a break from the administration and graciously hosted me for supper. I came over early and saw a chess board near the TV. The Fisher boys are just learning to play. I asked 6th grader John if he wanted to try, and he enthusiastically said yes. It’s been a long time since I played. We were about evenly matched and considered it a draw by the time supper was ready. Dick and Carol, the houseparents, tried to apologize that they were serving leftovers, but those dishes were the first time around for me. I don’t visit the homes for cuisine, but for the company, and to get a taste of how things are going in the homes and how the students and houseparents are doing.
As with any groups of children, there are always finicky eaters to contend with. The Fisher Home lets each boy pick two and only two, specific foods that they really don’t like and can place on their “Yuck List”. Whenever that food is served, that boy can pass and doesn’t have to eat it. But they get no passes when other foods are served. It has cut way down on boys trying to avoid ALL vegetables or only filling up on peanut butter and jelly. They have to eat a more balanced diet and try new foods.
Dick got a call from the family of a former student who is now in trouble with the law. When we get news like that it does get discouraging. We want to form people who walk a good path through life. Setbacks like that reinforce the need to teach students to make good choices here and now, and find non-violent ways to resolve even the smallest of conflicts.
