Lunch is often defined as a midday break to stop, eat and refuel. For many people, their lunch is used as a moment to clear their mind from the stressors of work, school or life in general.
Society often uses food as a bridge to form greater connections. Ranging from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., lunch is much more than eating. In itself, this midday meal has many different meanings. Lunch serves as a time for relaxation, discussion, exercise, homework and much more.
While the notion that lunch is an eating period is true for students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, the break has many purposes. MSD offers two lunches: A lunch, which is from 10:48 a.m. to 11:28 p.m., and B lunch, which is from 12:26 a.m. to 1:06 p.m.
During these 40 minutes, students have the opportunity to talk to their friends, visit teachers, check into the school’s Wellness Center or take part in any ongoing school events.
“We want to ensure our students are nourished with a balanced lunch,” Principal Michelle Kefford said. “Each lunch period also provides a time for students to come together and spend some time talking or just enjoying each other's company.”
For many MSD students, lunch is the highlight of their school day. These 40 minutes serve as a time to update friends on the progress of the day and catch up on homework.
“My favorite part about school lunch is having a break from school and being able to talk with my friends,” sophomore Joshua Donatien said. “I use lunch mainly to do homework.”’
Students have the ability to meet in a variety of locations around campus such as the courtyard, the library, the garden and the cafeteria. In addition to these various locations, students can also visit the school’s Wellness Center, which offers five mental health/family therapists, four social workers and two school psychologists.
The Wellness Center offers participants the opportunity to seek professional assistance from those trained in a variety of areas. The area also offers pet therapy for students to play and pet dogs.
Additionally, MSD offers Kefford’s Kitchen, an initiative started by Principal Michelle Kefford to connect with the student body. This lunchtime activity allows students to collaborate with Kefford to share any questions or concerns pertaining to the campus. This monthly ordeal offered free food to the selected students and forged better communication overall.
“I love Kefford's Kitchen because it gives me time to talk with the students,” Kefford said. “I can hear their ideas, their feedback and their suggestions. It provides me with some cherished one-on-one time with small groups of students.”
Lunch at MSD is like no other school. From the variety of food choices to the various available locations to the special time spent with the principal, MSD has something to offer every single student.