Email on Sept. 19 about Shift to 2 Lunches

From: Tarance Hart <tdhart@seattleschools.org>
Subject: New Bell Schedule
Date: September 19, 2023 at 5:17:32 PM PDT

Garfield Students, Families, and Staff,
I hope this message finds you well and that you have had a positive start to the school year.   I want to address the concerns raised regarding our shift from one lunch period back to two lunch periods this school year.
Firstly, I want to acknowledge the efforts made by many of you to voice your opinions on this matter. Your advocacy and engagement are greatly appreciated.  Below is additional information regarding the shift.

• The new schedule goes into effect on Thursday, September 21.
• Additional guidance will be provided to students during Advisory on September 20.
• The decision to change from one to two lunches is not a building-level decision.
• The district has mandated Garfield (and several other high schools) schedule two lunch periods.
• This mandate is informed by the average number of students who eat lunch in our cafeteria daily.
• There are multiple reasons for this guidance, but the main one is that we want to give all students the time to be served and eat within the available window.
• A long lunch line prevents many students from getting the daily food they need.
• More nutritious, culturally responsive food choices typically require more time for serving, and schools cannot serve more than 300 students in one lunch while providing these healthy options.
• Clubs and other student organizations should work with their sponsors to identify a meeting time before school, after school, or during lunch on Wednesdays.

The revised bell schedule can be found at GHS Bell Schedule 2 lunches 23-24.

In partnership,