Update Regarding Lunch/Recess Policy and Snack Policy

This past Wednesday, November 19th, at the Minooka CCSD 201 school board meeting, I brought forward the following motions (see newspaper article regarding these proposed policies):

First, a motion to approve a new board policy (click here for the proposed policy) regarding lunch times and a second recess for grades 1 through 4.  This was the first reading of this policy (board policies require three readings for approval).   For background information regarding why I believe a slightly longer lunch/recess period and a second recess will benefit our students in grades 1 through 4, please see the information at the following links: here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here.  As this policy requires a second and third reading for approval, it will need to be voted on again at two future meetings.

Second, a motion to approve a new board policy (click here for the proposed policy) regarding snacks in the classroom and snacks provided by the PTO.  This was the first reading of this policy (board policies require three readings for approval).  I believe this policy will benefit all of our students.  Our school days are fairly lengthy and students go for long periods between the beginning of the school day and lunch time and also lunch time and the end of the school day.  You might ask yourself whether you snack throughout your day.  I typically have a snack between breakfast and lunch and another between lunch and dinner to keep my energy level up, and young children have a much higher need for calorie intake than I do.  Obviously the snacks would have to comply with our food allergy policies.  Again, as this policy requires a second and third reading for approval, it will need to be voted on again at two future meetings.

Each of these motions passed with a unanimous vote (with Board Member Kevin Hannon absent).

Also, some people in attendance at the November 19th meeting asked about the material that was being discussed regarding achievement gaps.  Click here for the Assistant Superintendent's report.  The achievement gap data is on the pages marked 21 through 41.