DIS administrators modified the secondary lunch schedules to enhance organization and ensure sufficient eating time for middle and high schoolers at the end of semester one.

Previously, students struggled with a rigid schedule that restricted each grade to specific meal periods with five minute start time intervals. Under the new schedule, sixth graders eat from 12:20 to 12:50, while seventh and eighth graders eat from 12:25 to 12:50. High school students eat from 12:50 to 1:15, with those not in lunch clubs allowed to enter earlier at 12:45. 

In the past, middle schoolers might be in the cafeteria while high schoolers trickled in, but now the younger students must exit the cafeteria before the older ones enter.

Prior to the change, HSSC (High School Student Council) received continuous feedback regarding limited eating time caused by tight lunch schedules. In response, the council brought the issue to secondary principle Dr. Willette for discussion. “The change came to us from the HSSC,” Dr. Willette said, “they felt they didn’t have enough time to eat. So we looked at the time schedule, and it was a real tight time schedule,” Dr. Willette said.

The revised policy seeks to reduce line congestion and offer students enough time to eat. “It definitely freed me up because now, you know, all students can eat and stay the whole time. They don’t have to get up and leave as quickly as possible,” Dr. Willette said.

Despite admin’s intentions, some expressed mixed reactions to the change. While the alteration aimed for improved traffic flow, it led to unexpected logistical issues. “Now we have to come in with eight graders at the same time, so it takes a longer time to line up,” seventh grader Stefan Kang said.

At the same time, the shift prompted questions from students involved with lunch clubs. “Because of the lunch club rules, you’re now obligated to stay until 12:50, which means you can’t leave before then. However, the new rule that allows juniors and seniors to eat starting at 12:45 doesn’t really make sense to me, since I have a lunch club on many days,” HSSC junior Vice President Justin Son said.

Son also realizes the five minute head start for non-club members improves wait times. “I think the intentions were good because for people who don’t have lunch clubs, obviously, you can eat faster now, and then it just gives a longer time for people to eat. And just more diverse times you can eat so it’s less crowded in the cafeteria,” Son said.

As the year goes on, school leadership will revisit the policy and make adjustments as needed. “This will continue to be monitored and checked on. Some people are impacted more than others. Hopefully it maximizes space and maximizes cafeteria use [and] get everyone what they need most efficiently,” Dr. Willette said.