Like any other year, this school year started with a 25-minute advisory period and lunches divided into three sections: A, B, and C lunch. However, starting October 12, “mega lunch” will begin, which is a one-hour lunch period where students choose to attend a club or organization or tutoring each day during half of the lunch hour.

“It will be easier to catch up on classes I am behind in, and I want to start my club,” junior Kari Cross said.

Out of safety precautions during the COVID-19 pandemic, there was no mega lunch last year. Therefore, half of the student population, such as the freshmen and sophomores, have never experienced the freedom of an hour-long lunch.

“Mega lunch sounds like a lot of fun,” Erika Hoiden, an exchange student from Norway, said. “I believe that not only will [it] help students explore their interests, but I also think it will be an amazing opportunity to socialize with other students and make new friends. It will give students a chance to experience liberation.”

Students had to develop ideas for school clubs and turn them into the front office for approval. Students were able to create enough cubs that mega lunch is now in our daily scheduling. Some clubs from previous years that returned, include:

• Perspective Club (girls’ Bible study)
• Mariachi Club
• Gaming Club
• Ultimate Frisbee Club

The link to the 2021-2022 master schedule is available here.

However, mega lunch not only provides time for clubs to meet, but it also gives students a great opportunity to receive tutoring from teachers or to make up tests missed while absent. Tutorials will be available for students struggling in core classes and electives or for students needing extra instruction.

“It can be difficult without a mega lunch,” Hoiden said. “It can affect [students’] grades. It can be stressful for students who need to attend tutorials.”

Aside from clubs and tutorials, organizations like Student Council or National Honor Society can meet during mega lunch, and students can practice for competitions like academic UIL and SkillsUSA.

With mega lunch available, students can get more involved in extracurricular activities, have more time for eating, tutoring in classes, and catching up on homework.