Lunchtime Logistics: The Hunger For Education Within A Busy Schedule

By Laurie Borst

A letter was received by The Newtown Bee this week from a parent of a Newtown High School student who voiced concerns about the lunch schedule at NHS. Specifically, the parent questioned scheduling that led to some students having a lunch period before midmorning.

Peter Wlasuk, a 1982 graduate of NHS, wrote that his son’s “‘lunch’ was at 7:25 am on Mondays,” which, Mr Wlasuk continued, is “absurd.” (The full content of Mr Wlasuyk’s letter can be found in this week’s Letter Hive.)

Several years ago, Newtown High School adopted a split schedule that would facilitate delivery of the best education one can offer, interim principal Jay Smith explained this week. “It’s not a perfect system, but it seems to work.”

Each Tuesday through Friday, six classes rotate through the day with those scheduled during the lunch hours — 10 am to 2 pm as specified by the US Department of Agriculture — allotted extra time to encompass a 20-minute lunch period.

On Mondays, students attend all eight classes they sign up for, so class sessions are shorter than the rest of the week. When a student has a free period or study hall on Mondays, that is when that student eats lunch. Unfortunately, some students only have free time during Periods 1, 2, or 3. Period 3 ends at 9:57 am.

The cafeteria is open and serving food from 7:30 am until around 1 pm, when it closes so staff can clean the facility. Mr Smith said he has received two complaints from students and their parents because they are affected by this scheduling.

“We will work with any student on an individual basis to change their schedule if they have a problem with eating so early,” Mr Smith said.

Schedules for the school year are sent home in August, giving parents and students the opportunity to review the schedule and address concerns before the start of the year.

Mr Smith explained that some students and their parents, for a variety of reasons, want the student to take as full a course load as possible. As the school cannot force students to take a lunch period, those in this situation can sign a waiver. These students adapt by eating a large breakfast, carrying power bars, fruit, or other snacks, or bringing lunch to class.

“Our teachers are flexible and sensitive to student needs,” Mr Smith continued. “While eating in the classroom is discouraged due to cleanliness and pest control issues, occasionally we have to allow it for this very reason.”

Mr Smith pointed out that there is oversight on this issue. If the Connecticut State Department of Education (CDSE) receives a complaint, they contact the school.

According to Connecticut laws, schools must offer a 20-minute lunch period each day. Connecticut law does not define the time frame for when lunch should take place. They defer to USDA guidelines, which also allow for exemptions.

Mr Smith stated that next year, the student handbook will be amended to read that every student will have a 20-minute lunch between 10 am and the close of the cafeteria. The guidance staff will work to adjust student schedules to conform to this guideline. Students and parents will still have the option of signing the waiver that is offered this year.