School and Community Winter 2023

Suddenly, the idea of a simple murder mystery dinner theater had grown into a full-scale event. The larger head count meant that different areas of the production needed to be adapted. The event could no longer be held in our cafeteria and instead shifted to the gymnasium, which required tables and chairs for the new space. The obvious complication was preparing dinner for 200 people. Fortunately, our staff works well as a team. West County’s Speech Language Pathologist, Angela Stone; Elementary Librarian, Lisa Puller; Special Services teacher, Samantha Boen; WCMS Principal, Lindsay Jackson and other staff stepped up to assist with various aspects of the production. Superintendent Dr. Kevin Coffman took on the task of technology, fitted each performer with a wireless microphone and then managed the sound during the event. Sandi and I divided tasks into “front of house” and “back of house” roles. TOP (Teen Outreach Program) club members volunteered as servers with high school student Alivia LaMarr, a server at the local country club. I made a kitchen to-do list and ensured all food was prepped for the night of performance. Many staff members stepped in to help, including several school cooks. Before we knew it, the day of the event had arrived, and the gymnasium was packed. Food preparation began hours earlier so servers could quickly start dinner service with refreshments and the first course of the meal. Because the gymnasium is on the lowest level of the building, food and drinks were cleverly transported on carts via the elevator. Guests were welcomed by the aroma of a delicious spaghetti dinner, which included green beans, salad, rolls and dessert. After a brief introduction, the play began and student actors entertained the guests. All tables had been covered with white paper for attendees to jot

down their theories about who had committed the murder. Servers quietly attended to their guests, cleared plates and served the final two courses. During the performance, which was divided into three acts, not a single guest left their seat – they were so engaged in the performance! When the event concluded after about an hour, fans complimented both the actors and servers. One server even received a $20 tip for his excellent service! Overall, our first district wide murder mystery dinner theater was both exhausting and exhilarating. For future events – yes, we are planning to make this an annual event – we have created a great foundation to build upcoming performances. The best outcome was evident in how well the students and staff worked together to develop a positive school culture. We welcomed students of all abilities and made connections with each other behind the-scenes of our everyday school environment. This monumental task was celebrated at the end of the performance with cake. After cleanup, all the students were happy to have been part of such a rewarding event. We reflected on how a small idea had transformed from what first seemed like a daunting task into a remarkably successful project where students and staff worked, learned and grew together. As the proverb goes, “It takes a village …” This school event left a lasting legacy because so many people worked together to achieve a common goal.

Pam Clifton teaches sixth-grade English Language Arts and reading at West County Middle School in West St. Francois Co. R-4. She can be contacted by email at pclifton@wcr4.org.

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