Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/859531
Curing the Lunchtime Lonelies Inclusive mealtimes help kids connect with one another By Sherry Posnick-Goodwin Photos by Scott Buschman ooking for a place to eat in the cafeteria can be nerve-wracking and at times excruciating for students who are not part of the campus social scene. For shy, bullied or unpopular students, lunchtime is typically the most painful part of the day. Such scenes are staples in pop culture depic- tions of high school (who can forget the heroine of Mean Girls eating lunch in a bathroom stall, or Hannah Baker dining alone in 13 Reasons Why?). Feeling rejected and unconfident from these experiences can carry over into adulthood. Lunchtime cliques divided along racial, religious or other lines create boundaries few dare to cross. This may intensify isolation, racism and intoler- ance on campus. In the San Fernando Valley, teachers, education support professionals and students are working to change this. A few share tips to make lunchtime more inclusive. L 32 cta.org Back to School B R I G H T I D E A S Ashley Cooper started a No One Eats Alone program to make lunchtime a more positive experience. It is making a difference. Students feel that teachers and other students at school care about them." — ASHLEY COOPER, UNIFIED ASSOCIATION OF CONEJO TEACHERS