Students need sufficient time to eat a healthy lunch. As our schools have grown in size, we have found that some students are spending the bulk of their lunch period moving through the lunch line, leaving little time to eat their lunch. We are working on some short and long term solutions to address this concern.
Increase the Lunch Period
Increasing the lunch period is one solution we are exploring. State law requires our elementary students to receive a minimum of 1,000 hours of instruction per year, excluding lunch. Increasing the lunch period will require us to increase the student day in order to meet the 1,000 hour state requirement. We have already begun conversations with our teachers’ union about a potential change to the elementary schedule for the 2017-18 school year.
Any changes to the elementary school day schedule has the potential to impact bus routes. We are working with our transportation department to develop a plan for next year, if changes are needed.
Improve Lunch Line Efficiency
Our technology department is working in collaboration with parents and staff to explore the use of technology to move the student line more efficiently. For example, we are currently piloting the use of scanners for lunch purchases, a system utilized effectively in other districts. In addition, our nutrition services department will be trying new approaches to packaging some items to ease distribution.
We are committed to improving the lunch experience for students, providing ample time for eating. Thank you to the many parents and staff who have joined in this effort!