This year Leesville switched over to SMART lunch, a 57-minute block after third period, from 11:51 to 12:48. Students can receive help from teachers and attend club meetings, making lunch about more than just eating and hanging out with friends.
SMART lunch has many benefits. Student athletes who were unable to participate in clubs last year after school can now attend club meetings during lunch. Students also now have more time for tutorials, a 30 minute period during lunch dedicated to receiving help and making up work.
Students who have after school activities can complete their homework during the lunch period. “If I didn’t get my homework done the night before, I can do it…that day” said Jordan McKay, freshman.
This is a big change for upperclassmen, but for some freshmen, it’s just another adjustment.
While Luke McElveen, another freshman, had SMART lunch last year at Leesville Middle, he likes it better in high school. “You have more freedom,” McElveen said, explaining that students will be able to choose where to spend their time.
While it has its benefits, SMART lunch also has its disadvantages.
One of the more prominent cons is that cafeteria lines are much longer than last year. “I don’t really like the fact that we have only thirty minutes to eat, because that’s not enough time…some kids in the lunch line…go up to the lunch line, and they don’t even get their lunch until lunch for them is over,” said Caroline McMillan, freshman.
