Our school’s One Lunch has been a popular topic this year as administration first threatened and then made good on the threat to temporarily end it. However, students often overlook what makes One Lunch actually possible: our teachers and staff continuously work hard during lunch duties to ensure One Lunch is possible.
If you look around at One Lunch, you may notice staff members posted throughout the building or walking the hallways. This is a staff duty unique to Deep Run because of the one-hour open lunch. HCPS did away with required duties for teachers a few years ago, but this duty remains for teachers at Deep Run so that One Lunch can continue.
For many students, lunch is more than just a break to eat, it’s an hour to unwind, socialize, and catch up on school work. Social studies teacher Jessica Voutstinas duties during One Lunch consist of walking the second floor and observing students’ behavior.
“I love that students have time to relax and be themselves,” Voutsinas said, “but sometimes they forget the expectations of being in a school building.”
These staff lunch duties play a critical role in keeping order. Beyond ensuring students follow rules, lunch duty helps out the hardworking janitorial staff from having to clean up for students.
“Our staff is here to keep the school sanitary and sparkling, not to act as personal maids. Voutinas said.
Health and PE teacher Michlle Fritter, echoed this by highlighting basic responsibility.
“I shouldn’t have to tell a high school student to throw away their trash. That’s a basic life skill. But unfortunately, some kids need reminders, and sometimes tempers flare during lunch. That’s why supervision is necessary,” Fritter said.
Both Voutinas and Fritter noted common issues they’ve observed: throwing food, leaving trash in the halls, and using their time unwisely.
“It’s a great time for students to talk with friends or study,” Fritter said. “But yelling, throwing food, or using profanity doesn’t make it productive.”
Similarly, Voutinas observed a trend among students spending too much time on laptops, either gaming or rushing to complete assignments. She acknowledges that technology can help students decompress, but she sees value in face-to-face interaction.
“I still see a lot of students on their laptops and sometimes they’re playing games. I understand that’s a good way for some students to decompress, but I would love to see more students interacting with one another and not like frantically getting homework done or on Roblox and Minecraft,” Voutsinas said.
Both teachers agreed that the recent decision of One Lunch being temporarily revoked was justified.
“It’s not about punishment, it’s a consequence that teaches accountability. One Lunch is a privilege, and students need to learn that’s not guaranteed,” Voutnias said.
“I don’t like it, but I absolutely do [agree with it] because kids are not learning. I don’t feel that they’re being held accountable and it’s just ridiculous that kids that are 14 through 18 years old, you can’t clean up after yourself. You’re done eating, throw your trash away,” Fritter said.
Additionally, suggestions were discussed on improving One Lunch management. Smaller groups or rotating schedules could make it easier to monitor students effectively during the hour.
“I think we’re better off going to four lunches and maybe just come down like English and math, they eat lunch together. So then that way, the groups are smaller that are eating and then you can monitor better,” Fritter said
Ultimately, a majority of the school can agree that One Lunch is valuable – if students recognize the balance between freedom and responsibility. With careful supervision and clear expectations, students can enjoy the privilege while keeping Deep Run safe and sanitary for all. With this, we can expect to keep One Lunch without any further issues.
