From the youngest Kindergarten student to the eldest 6th grader, there’s room for everyone at Fulton’s ‘Longest Table.’
Each year, the school holds the ‘Longest Table’ event, weaving numerous cafeteria tables around the gym to seat each of 400-plus students who make up the Fulton Family. Together, they eat a traditional Thanksgiving meal with turkey, mashed potatoes and rolls and share a moment of thankfulness before school breaks for the holiday – their coloring page placemats even displaying the message of ‘Happy Thanksgiving.’
If just for an hour, it’s one of the few times during the school year that students are all in one place together, demonstrating the true meaning of the approaching holiday season.
Fulton’s Principal, Deborah Howard brought the idea to the school after a previous experience she had working in Dayton. Although bringing this many students together may sound like a recipe for disaster, Fulton’s team executes it seamlessly. Their staff even spices it up by playing upbeat music and games with the students after they finish their meal.
This tradition has grown to become a favorite of Fulton staff, proving that building community doesn’t take grand gestures—just shared space, shared meals and a little intention.