Ensure proper lunch and recess times at Halloran School No. 22
The Issue
As parents and guardians of students attending William F. Halloran School No. 22 in Elizabeth, New Jersey, we are deeply concerned about the current scheduling of lunch and recess times for our children. These crucial periods are an essential part of the school day, impacting not only the physical well-being of our students but also their academic performance and overall happiness at school.
The Elizabeth Public Schools' Wellness Policy (Code 3245.1) mandates that lunch periods should be offered at "appropriate and reasonable times" and that students be provided with at least 20 minutes to eat their lunch after they have been seated and served. However, our students are currently not receiving this, and it affects their ability to nourish themselves properly and to engage in physical activities that are vital for their growth and development.
Studies have consistently shown that well-nourished students achieve higher test scores, exhibit improved concentration, better classroom behavior, and fewer absences. Furthermore, a healthy recess not only contributes to maintaining a physically active lifestyle but is also fundamental in reducing stress and increasing student attentiveness in class.
The current scheduling not only undermines these benefits but also contradicts the guidelines that the Elizabeth Public Schools have set forth themselves on nutrition and fitness. We believe that this oversight can and must be rectified.
Therefore, we are asking Elizabeth Public Schools to take immediate action to revise the school schedule at William F. Halloran School No. 22 to align with their own Wellness Policy guidelines. This includes ensuring students have their lunch periods at a more suitable time and providing them with a full 20 minutes to eat after receiving their food.
By making this change, we can ensure that our children receive the resources they need to thrive physically, emotionally, and academically. We urge you to support this petition for a healthier, more productive school environment for all students.
Please sign this petition to help us bring about the necessary changes to benefit all children at Halloran School No. 22.
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The Issue
As parents and guardians of students attending William F. Halloran School No. 22 in Elizabeth, New Jersey, we are deeply concerned about the current scheduling of lunch and recess times for our children. These crucial periods are an essential part of the school day, impacting not only the physical well-being of our students but also their academic performance and overall happiness at school.
The Elizabeth Public Schools' Wellness Policy (Code 3245.1) mandates that lunch periods should be offered at "appropriate and reasonable times" and that students be provided with at least 20 minutes to eat their lunch after they have been seated and served. However, our students are currently not receiving this, and it affects their ability to nourish themselves properly and to engage in physical activities that are vital for their growth and development.
Studies have consistently shown that well-nourished students achieve higher test scores, exhibit improved concentration, better classroom behavior, and fewer absences. Furthermore, a healthy recess not only contributes to maintaining a physically active lifestyle but is also fundamental in reducing stress and increasing student attentiveness in class.
The current scheduling not only undermines these benefits but also contradicts the guidelines that the Elizabeth Public Schools have set forth themselves on nutrition and fitness. We believe that this oversight can and must be rectified.
Therefore, we are asking Elizabeth Public Schools to take immediate action to revise the school schedule at William F. Halloran School No. 22 to align with their own Wellness Policy guidelines. This includes ensuring students have their lunch periods at a more suitable time and providing them with a full 20 minutes to eat after receiving their food.
By making this change, we can ensure that our children receive the resources they need to thrive physically, emotionally, and academically. We urge you to support this petition for a healthier, more productive school environment for all students.
Please sign this petition to help us bring about the necessary changes to benefit all children at Halloran School No. 22.
The Decision Makers
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Petition created on October 27, 2026