Tulsa Street School Students Learn Dining Etiquette

By Rick Wells, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- Eleven knives, forks and spoons can be a daunting sight at the dinner table.

It's less daunting for Tulsa's Street School students, who got a lesson in dining etiquette.

"Just so you know the do's and don'ts of dinner, so you're more comfortable and more confident," Trish Kerkstra, a hospitality consultant.

Nine students from Street School were originally overwhelmed.

"I've never been at a table with so many different silverware," Abby said.

They sat down to a five-course meal. First up was shrimp cocktail.

"Does anybody have any idea which fork to use?" Kerkstra asked.

They learned the silver is set up to be used from the outside in, so the correct choice was the tiny fork on the outside.

The course is part of the Life Skills curriculum taught by Kim Camp at Street School.

"Social acceptability is real important in the workforce today," Camp said.

Camp said society is becoming grab and go with respect to food and no one is learning acceptable table manners.

The students knew they were learning something worthwhile.

"I'm very grateful for the opportunity to do this 'cause it's gonna be beneficial for us in the future," Shaina said.

The Crowne Plaza partnered with Street School for the project. The hotel provided the space, servers, food and instruction.