STUDENT RESTAURANT HAS CLASS ALL ITS OWN

Decisions, decisions.

Tee Hines was confronted with a delicate situation in her first experience as a restaurant hostess. How should she handle such a dilemma?

A customer arrived early and wanted to know if the May Greene Elementary School's Italian Restaurant could seat him without a wait.

Manager Kristina Sterling nodded to Hines that it was OK. The restaurant could accommodate the man, because it just opened and there were still plenty of tables open.

"OK, we can handle that," said Hines. "Welcome to the May Greene Sixth Grade Italian Restaurant. Right this way."

Hines led the man and the other two members of his party to a table, and a waitress proceeded to inform them of the day's special. "We have angel-hair pasta with a delicate sauce," said the waitress. "That comes with a bread stick and salad."

And so it went for the next three hours.

Judging from her appreciative smile, this was just what May Green sixth grade teacher Peggy Moses wanted to see. A problem was solved by her students. It would be an invaluable experience for the future.

"We want the students to learn about economics, improve their communication skills and learn what applying for a job is all about," Moses said. "They all had to apply for a job, and the cooks made all of the pasta."

Moses helped her students set up the makeshift restaurant in her classroom Friday. "We've got 60 reservations, so everyone should get a chance to learn something today," Moses said.

Indeed, each student went about his or her task with a serious attitude. The result brought favorable comments from the customers, who were asked to make remarks in a guest book located near the entrance.

"It was delicious," wrote one May Greene teacher. "The kids acted very professional."

Wrote another satisfied customer: "Very good. I will come back any time." Another comment: "Good food! Nice atmosphere and good music. Do it again."

The parents of students and May Greene teachers made the reservations. Each customer paid $1 for their meal. The money was used to pay for the material and pasta used for the classroom project.