Coming into the new school year, students were surprised with a new lunch schedule. Last year there was a temporary ABC lunch schedule, where students were split by classes across three lunch periods and had to eat in the cafeteria.

  When students heard that the first two weeks in the 2023-2024 school year also had multiple lunches, they expected it to be the same. However, it turned out there were four lunches (ABCD) and students were told it would continue every Tuesday throughout the whole year. 

“I did know about it because I got the email before school started,” junior Makenna Broderick said. “I prefer Flex though because I get to see all of my friends.”

During Flex lunch, the entire student body is released for an hour-long lunch. They can choose how they spend their time between hanging with friends, attending tutoring, making up tests and eating lunch.

Some students dread ABCD lunch because they don’t have friends to sit with and they aren’t allowed to leave the cafeteria. The people who have later lunches like C or D lunch have said that A or B is better because it is earlier in the day.

“Even though I bring my own food, I still get really hungry,” sophomore Mia Rodriguez said. “Those that have earlier lunches are so lucky.”

Even though it is a short 30 minute lunch, some have found the lunch lines are significantly shorter than usual and there is enough time to catch up on school work and chat with friends.

“I have lunch with two of my friends and we just talk,” said junior Bella Doughtie. 

Even though ABCD lunch can have its perks, most students said they would prefer Flex Hour every day next year. There is a strong possibility that advisory and ABCD lunches will return, however. 

“I think that ABCD lunch will probably come back because (counselors) seem to think it works,” said Broderick.

Others still hope that it does not come back next year because it is not a fan favorite among the students at school.

“My advice would be to make friends so you don’t sit alone or to bring a snack if you have a later lunch,” Rodriguez said.