By Mekhi Wright ’23
In May of last year, Connecticut decided to extend all teacher’s lunches to 30 minutes, which gives DHS teachers and students an extra 10 minutes of uninterrupted lunch. The state made it a legal requirement because a more extended lunch period acts as mental health support for teachers challenged by the pandemic.
The new lunch caused the senior lounge to be used for more seating because of the overcrowded cafeteria. Students are typically in favor of the change. DHS student Sanai Santos ‘23 said, “I like it ‘cause it gives me more time to be with my friends and have a mental break.”
DHS Principal Jen Olson said, “The change was made statewide which required all schools to provide all staff a 30 minutes lunch.” Olson also said, “There are some positives to it for everyone. To have a half hour uninterrupted time gives an opportunity for people to see their friends and to eat without rushing and be able to have downtime.”
Teachers have responded positively as well. Business teacher Robert Swierbitowicz said, “ I love it! As a teacher, the three lunch waves were always tough, if you had the middle one especially because you had to stop and start your lessons. Now with just those two lunch waves, it gives you that amount of time to be with your students and not.”
At DHS, all lunches will have games like Uno and other board games. There will be paper and coloring for students to use. The vibes are way different in each lunch wave DHS: students will say that the first lunch wave is loud and rambunctious while the second wave is calm and relaxed. The school community in general hopes the schedule remains next year.
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