Unit Lunch

Editor's Note: The Falconaire began writing this article in fall of 2022. Since we believe this is still a relevant topic, we decided to update the article and publish it with this issue.

Problems Solved!

Bring Back Unit Lunch

Research from the National Center for Education Statistics shows that when students are connected to their school environment, they flourish. However, having no access to late buses, combined with four separate, 25-minute lunches trickles down to every aspect of student life: fewer club attendees, lower grades, and a lack of socialization. Ask any MRHS current club advisor about their club’s attendance and activity for the past couple of years, and they will surely tell you a sad tale. Therefore, the editorial staff has put their heads together to come up with one unanimous solution: bring back the pre-Covid, 50-minute Unit Lunch.

Save Time

When Unit Lunch was in place, school ended at 2:12pm, compared to the current 1:51pm end of the school day. Senior Hakeem Joseph said that he likes the way lunch is now because he likes getting out of school at the earlier time.

With longer “unit” lunches, these added 22 minutes mean that clubs, extra help, and even detentions could happen within the school day, something that could be seen as good or bad, depending on one’s schedule. Since clubs are currently held at the end of the day, some students are not leaving school until any time between 2:30pm-3:00pm. Although the scheduled day would be longer with a Unit Lunch, students could get more done (classes, clubs, extra help, etc.) in a shorter amount of time in total. This would also free up their after-school time for sports, jobs, and other responsibilities and activities.

Additionally, with Unit Lunch comes the benefit of not needing late buses, something that has been troubling the high school because of the notable bus driver shortage- a problem nationwide. After school, people are very busy. Sophomore Tulia Melvin said “I wish we had an hour-long lunch. I’d be more likely to participate in clubs during lunch [since] there are no late buses.”  Media Center Specialist Mrs. Kneute agrees that a longer lunch would be better for club advisors, though she personally would not be able to run her clubs then, as she would have to supervise the Media Center during that same period of time. With the current schedule, 25 minutes of lunch happens at different times, students are limited to obtaining extra help after school only if they can get a ride home. Principal and Acting Superintendent Mr. Evans recognizes that attendance is down for clubs and activities. He said that in order to counteract the lack of involvement, clubs should shift to online. However, if you recall attending school or clubs online, nothing compares to the real interaction of an activity face-to-face, especially if it is something you are passionate about.

Mr. Evans and Assistant Principal Mr. Spampanato are currently trying to get two weeks of late buses between the fall sports and winter sports, as well as winter to spring; but as previously mentioned, with the bus driver shortage, this is difficult to make happen. The inability to provide late buses for students who need extra help with their classes, however, ironically clashes with this so-called 'prioritization' of the students’ education.

Zoey Kirklan, who is a Sophomore, said “I really want a longer lunch because I don’t get enough time to buy and eat my lunch as it is now.”  

 Junior Vincent Alexander agreed that the current lunch does not provide a lot of time to eat, and he ends up bringing his lunch to class.

Sophomore Jaden Perry said he would like the longer lunch so he can get the extra help he needs in math. Devoting this extra time during school for students provides the opportunity for them to increase the quality of performance in their classes during an accessible time to meet with their teachers, rather than after school, with the absence of late buses and the difficulty in obtaining rides.

The class of 2023 was the last to experience Unit Lunch, yet they only had it for half a year, before COVID-19 struck.

Alumn Joseph Camilleri ‘23 said that Unit Lunch in his freshman year was “the best ever.” He said he liked the fact that he could see anyone in the whole school at that time. He said he used the time for sports-related meetings as well. He says he wishes he had it for his last year at MRHS. Alum Maritza Escalona ‘23 makes another point about important issues with time in school: “Obviously a long lunch is better. Just think about how important mental health is these days. A longer lunch will allow for teens to have much-needed face-to-face socialization.”

Behavioral Issues 

Falconaire Staff originally believed that discipline issues were part of the reason for not having Unit Lunch. However, Mr. Evans and Mr. Spampanato said that supervision and discipline issues are actually not a big issue. 

Alum Jacqueline Cortez Garcia ‘23 said that lunch during her freshman year was “so much better.” She said she was able to walk around and hang with her friends without the pressure of time.

Having a whole hour to be with any and all friends, rather than 25 minutes with a few of them, could also help with behavior throughout the day. Knowing that you will get to see friends for an extended period of time could lessen the urge to try to leave in the middle of class and wander the halls. By having everyone in one place, with students being able to go to the class for Extra Help or a club meeting, takes care of that social need.

While worried about the lunch line and room being overwhelmingly crowded, in the Fall and Spring, tables can be put outside in the breezeway. During the Winter, some kids bring lunch. Permitting the seniors and juniors who can drive to leave campus for lunch would not only allow for more room in the lunch room but would also allow freedom to the students.

Teacher Perspectives

Mr. Evans and Mr. Spampanato said that teachers need a break, too, so if they are advising a club or supervising the cafeteria, that is not much of a break for them. However, the teacher could have the opportunity to supervise their club during only half of the lunch period. Therefore, they would still have time to eat their own lunch, while the students have time to pursue the activities they enjoy.

Another issue for teachers is that advisors get paid extra to stay after school and run a club. Teachers are contracted to be at school between certain hours. Mr. Evans and Mr. Spampanato said that if they are running their club during lunch, a time that they are getting paid for as a teacher, they can not “double dip” and get paid more, since they are already getting paid to be there for this time. 

Social Studies teacher Mrs. Hermans pointed out that teachers are struggling time-wise to heat up and eat their food. Students have a similar struggle with being able to purchase and eat their food, as well as go to the bathroom- if needed- in under 30 minutes.

Monmouth Regional Education Association President Mr. Merola says that changing the lunch would not necessarily be a problem for the teachers contractually, but it would just need to be negotiated. 

Conclusion

Overall, Unit Lunch significantly benefits students. Students need to have a social aspect in school, and Unit Lunch will accommodate that. While the school day will be longer, students will be able to get extra help, attend clubs, get involved, and make the most out of high school, all without getting only 25 minutes to make memorable experiences with friends or the expenses of worrying about catching a ride after school.