What Happened to the Cafeteria and How Did it Change Things?

Early in 2021, on a day we were not at co-op, a pipe burst to a drinking fountain located just outside the gymnasium doors. The drinking fountain was close to the doors to the outside, and it had been a very cold and windy winter. 

Water flooded the gymnasium floor, ruining it. The water then ran down the walls to the cafeteria and into the ceiling. Much was ruined. As of May 2022, the cafeteria is still not available for use. 

God Bless Our Mess

As a result of the flooding, everything in that large area and surrounding rooms, closets, and a fully functioning kitchen had to be moved somewhere. If you come for a tour of our school, you might notice our basement hallway filled with tables and chairs and other items that perhaps you can't even identify (probably the wooden sets Kerrie's husband built for Drama class 😁).

As a result of COVID-19, the preschool and daycare at Christ the King had to shut down, which resulted in more items needing homes (chairs, tables, books, craft items, toys, etc.). We did help with a sale so the church could earn some income; we did it to show our appreciation for the use of the school building at such a low rate. Still, many items are waiting for homes once the cafeteria opens back up, as well as the large closet located off the cafeteria which also needs a new floor.

How Did it Change Things?

The cafeteria used to be where we'd take portraits for the yearbook every year. The place where we'd hold some classes, like LEGO Robotics, Engineering, Medieval Projects, Drama, Improv, Projects, Cooking, and Baking (in the kitchen). The location of our Christmas and Spring programs. Where we'd place our Valentine boxes. Where 7 moms would sit together at a table while their kids sat or played nearby. Where 12 high schoolers would cram around one table to laugh and eat and talk. Where 5 elementary-age kids would sit and play games.

The little room off the cafeteria was where Student Council would meet and assemble birthday bags and make their big plans. It was also where Committee would meet.

During the rest of the school year of the flood and all of the 2021/2022 school year, lunch was held in classrooms, the Christmas and Spring programs were held in the gymnasium, and our graduation celebration was held in the church basement. 

We were happy to welcome St. Athanasius (high school for homeschooled boys) to the building for the 2021/2022 school year to share the school building space. They mainly use the first floor and the gymnasium.

Someday...

We are excited for the day we can use our cafeteria again. We miss it like an old friend because it means we can all congregate together in one large space to laugh, learn, chat, eat, pray, and more.

In the meantime, we are hoping to be able to rekindle our togetherness in the church basement cafeteria for the 2022/2023 school year!