Out-Lunch Should Be Longer

This year, middle and high school lunch periods were shortened to 45 minutes. Last year, lunch was 45 minutes and there was a study hall period that was 30 minutes, totaling 1 hour 15 minutes. Students could replace study hall with extra lunch time. Starting this year, admin enforced a mandatory period called homeroom. 

Lunch periods are an important part of a student’s social education. Out-lunch is a way for students to socialize  with peers. All day students sit in classrooms and are told to not socialize. Out-lunch is one of the only times students interact with others freely. Hence, out-lunch should be longer.

Ms. Dickens disclosed that the reason that homeroom became mandatory was that students weren’t taking advantage of it, students were lying to their parents about going to student hours. “It caused a kerfuffle.” Even though they took away our out-lunch for this, students still don​’t take advantage of it. 

However, students have said that they think their out-lunch should be longer. An anonymous student in high school claimed that “ homeroom is unnecessary and we should not be restricted from going to places during out-lunch.” With the time constraints students have during out-lunch, students are always stressed about the time they need to get back to school so they are not late. Another anonymous student in middle school said that they think out-lunch is to short and they don't have time to eat out. A student council representative condoms this saying “The range people go to places is based in the time you have for out-lunch, so instead of going to the same place 3 times a week, you can change it up.” 

Out-lunch is a time where students get to go out to eat by themselves or with a group of friends. This acts as an introduction to the real world. Out-lunch prepares students for reality and what they face in future. Students practice using money, being aware of their surrourdings, learn how to steo outside their comfort zone. 

More time for students’ out-lunch means that students get more time to eat and relax. This allows for better digestion of food and even less food waste. Many students throw out a lot of their food, just so they can return to school on time. This also allows for more nutrient consumption and healthier eating habits. Those are crucial for a student's diet because they can help with a student's academic success by improving concentration and better academic performance. 

Overall, out-lunch is an important part of a student's school day. Having more time for out-lunch means student are able to socialize freely with friends, preparing students for the reality of being on their own, and allowing for better academic performance.