Hello i am a student at Cordell Public Schools. The current state of our lunch period is affecting our wellbeing and our ability to learn adequately. The lunch period is so frustratingly short that it compels us to either rush through our meals or often not eat enough. The outrageously long lines in the cafeteria exacerbate the problem, leaving many of us without enough time to eat our meals peacefully.

It is a stark reality that not all Cordell students have the luxury of a vehicle to eat off campus, nor do we have enough local restaurants and fast food joints to accommodate all students during the limited lunch break. Of course, some students live out of town and therefore have no chance of going home for a quick meal either. Therefore, a considerable number of students, like myself, are left with no other choice but to rush our meals or sometimes even skip lunch altogether.

A study shows that rushed lunches cause poor digestion and nutritional intake, making it harder for students to concentrate and engage fully in afternoon classes (American Academy of Pediatrics). Moreover, without an adequately spaced meal, energy levels drop, making it challenging for students to focus and learn effectively.

In light of these challenges, our call to action is to the administration of Cordell Public Schools. We strongly recommend that the lunch period be extended to allow sufficient time for students to eat at a comfortable pace. We trust that the school board will consider this plea, not just as a call for more leisure time, but as a necessary measure for students' health, nutrition, and improved academic performance. Please sign this petition to ensure a better and healthier learning environment for all students at Cordell Public Schools.