Several times a week the fifth- and sixth-grade Explorer students at Bow Lake Elementary learn and actively practice some of the nuances of good manners. The students are trying out such skills as: answering the telephone properly; correctly eating such foods as olives, cherry tomatoes, and spaghetti; practicing introductions; writing thank-you notes; arranging a dinner setting; dealing with "sticky situations" such as telling someone they have food in their teeth; and to understand that good manners are generally common sense and civility.

Each child has an Etiquette Book where they record what they are learning. Role playing, reading published etiquette books, and actually trying out these skills has been an enjoyable eye-opener for the students.

As a culmination for these lessons, Bow Lake's corporate partner, The Doubletree Hotel, will host the children to a lunch in their resturanat where the kids can put their skills to work! Students will order off a menu, use the place setting correctly (such as place your napkin in your lap right after you are seated), eat in a pleasant fashion, and calculate the tip! Of course, thank you notes will follow!