Remove Silent Lunch as a disciplinary action in elementary schools
The Issue
Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds
We know eating healthy and reducing food insecurity improves a child’s academic and behavior performance. Did you know an healthy lunch and time to socialize also impacts a child’s social wellbeing at school?
I invite you to stand behind my proposal to remove silent lunch as a punitive measure for all HES students. HES can become exemplary leaders in the Henderson County school district. HES is a model school for STEM and a Leadership in Me School. Now let’s work together to be leaders in positive reinforcement!
Healthy Minds
Silent lunch has proven negative impact on many children, most often those who benefit from practicing social skills during critical years in child brain development. Sociable lunches allow children to explore their interests and identities among peers as well as refuel for the rest of the day. We want our Cubcats to have time to relax, enjoy their meal and talk with friends.
“Socializing is an important aspect of dining because allowing students sufficient time to relate to others provide a break in routine and refreshes them for afternoon classes.”(2)
The Partnership to Promote Healthy Eating in Schools mentioned the importance of enjoying meals with friends as a vital component of healthy eating.
The USDA reports “children will enjoy their food more and may try more healthy options if they can relax, eat, and socialize without feeling rushed. Studies show that environment has a powerful influence on behavior. A pleasant dining area allows students to pay attention to what they are eating, and to enjoy the sensory and social aspects of a healthy meal.”(3)
The report goes on the specify “schools [should] encourage socializing among students, and between students and adults. [With] Adults properly supervise school dining rooms and serve as role models to students. And that “eat in silence”, whistles, or lights should not be used.
Sources:
1. https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/nutrition/school_lunch.htm
2. https://schoolnutrition.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/How-Long-Does-It-Take-Students-to-Eat-Lunch-A-Summary-of-Three-Studies-Fall-2002.pdf
3.https://nepc.colorado.edu/sites/default/files/CERU-0008-92-OWI.pdf
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The Issue
Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds
We know eating healthy and reducing food insecurity improves a child’s academic and behavior performance. Did you know an healthy lunch and time to socialize also impacts a child’s social wellbeing at school?
I invite you to stand behind my proposal to remove silent lunch as a punitive measure for all HES students. HES can become exemplary leaders in the Henderson County school district. HES is a model school for STEM and a Leadership in Me School. Now let’s work together to be leaders in positive reinforcement!
Healthy Minds
Silent lunch has proven negative impact on many children, most often those who benefit from practicing social skills during critical years in child brain development. Sociable lunches allow children to explore their interests and identities among peers as well as refuel for the rest of the day. We want our Cubcats to have time to relax, enjoy their meal and talk with friends.
“Socializing is an important aspect of dining because allowing students sufficient time to relate to others provide a break in routine and refreshes them for afternoon classes.”(2)
The Partnership to Promote Healthy Eating in Schools mentioned the importance of enjoying meals with friends as a vital component of healthy eating.
The USDA reports “children will enjoy their food more and may try more healthy options if they can relax, eat, and socialize without feeling rushed. Studies show that environment has a powerful influence on behavior. A pleasant dining area allows students to pay attention to what they are eating, and to enjoy the sensory and social aspects of a healthy meal.”(3)
The report goes on the specify “schools [should] encourage socializing among students, and between students and adults. [With] Adults properly supervise school dining rooms and serve as role models to students. And that “eat in silence”, whistles, or lights should not be used.
Sources:
1. https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/nutrition/school_lunch.htm
2. https://schoolnutrition.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/How-Long-Does-It-Take-Students-to-Eat-Lunch-A-Summary-of-Three-Studies-Fall-2002.pdf
3.https://nepc.colorado.edu/sites/default/files/CERU-0008-92-OWI.pdf
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Petition created on August 28, 2024