News

Actions

Metro Detroit mom raises lunch-time debate, says 20 minutes isn't enough for kids to eat

Posted at 10:59 PM, Oct 21, 2019
and last updated 2019-10-21 23:35:47-04

WALLED LAKE, Mich. (WXYZ) — A Walled Lake School District mother has started a lunch time debate.

Angela Peters has two students at Keith Elementary School. She has grave concerns about the time allotted for her children to eat lunch.

"Like most parents, I was like you guys are talking too much," Peters said. "[I thought] maybe we should work on eating... scarfing it down, stop goofing around."

But, Peters said talking is not the issue – it's the lack of time. She said her children get a 20 minute lunch period.

Peter said that includes the time they wait in line for a hot lunch. She said her child's teacher recommended she pack their lunches.

"We're on the low income family plan," Peters said. "We've had rough rough times the past couple years. We are getting better, but we get free meals from the school and there are a lot of people just like me."

Hunger Mission

After speaking with school officials and other parents with the same concerns. Peters started an online petition with the goal of 2500 signatures.

"We should change this," Peters said. "If it's a national issue why haven't we addressed it."

The Walled Lake School District released a statement.

Walled Lake Schools greatly appreciates this parent feedback. The time allotted for elementary school children to eat their lunch involves the entire school day schedule. The time allotted for the overall school day involves:

• The state mandated 1098 hours of instruction.

• The current teacher contract (that includes instruction and professional development).

• The amount of time students spend in specials classes such as physical education, art and music.

• The bus schedules.

• And much more.



We are reviewing the petition and we will share this feedback with those involved in creating the daily schedule.

At Walled Lake Schools we want what is best for every child, every day.