La Plata High School has begun providing a second chance to buy breakfast, hence the name: Second Chance Breakfast. Students leave their first period class after the pledge of allegiance and go to the breakfast kiosk for their area.
Students in classes that are upstairs go in front of Mr. Williams’ room and the upstairs computer lab, students in classes that are downstairs go to the cafeteria, and students in trailer classes go to the gym. They get a choice between a hot breakfast and a cold breakfast, milk or juice, and a fruit item, but the students don’t have to get a full breakfast meal.
Mr. Victor DiBella says that “There has been a significant increase in the number of students taking advantage of breakfast” when asked about the amount of students buying second chance breakfast. “Our expectations have been met and exceeded.”
Students that qualify for free or reduced-price lunch may also choose to eat free or reduced-price breakfast in the morning, but may not have breakfast, second chance breakfast, and lunch, but rather only one breakfast meal and one lunch meal.
Students may visit the guidance office for a free and reduced-price meal benefit application. Filling out the form doesn’t guarantee that the student will qualify for free or reduced-price meals, as the applications are based on needs. Family income and family size are taken into consideration. Though some students may not be able to get free or reduced-price meals after applying, there’s no harm in trying if you feel that your family cannot bring in enough income to pay for breakfast and lunch. Students may have their parent or guardian fill out the application at any time during the year.
Mr. DiBella says that the concept of second chance breakfast is that students wake up at the last minute and get ready for school in the morning without time for breakfast. Students choose not to eat breakfast at school in favor of being to class on time, and second chance breakfast gives them that opportunity to eat the most important meal of the day.
Studies show that students maintain a healthy body weight more easily when they eat breakfast, and approximately 8 to 12 percent of school-aged kids skip breakfast. Based on those studies and the lack of students eating breakfast, the school decided to take action in the form of a second chance for students to buy and eat breakfast in class.
Teachers have been given specific instructions to send kids to buy second chance breakfast from 8:16am to 8:20am and not to send kids to use the restroom during that time. Teachers have also been given moist towelettes in case of a spill or accident with sticky breakfast foods.
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