Anonymous
05/17/2026 21:27
Subject: Benefits of closed lunch?
Let principals decide. Principals don't want to deal with parents after they make an unpopular decision. Is this why there is a blanket policy being placed?
Anonymous
05/17/2026 19:12
Subject: Benefits of closed lunch?
Churchill has open lunch only for seniors (though frankly closed lunch isn't enforced, as far as I can tell, for anyone). I like this system. I like the idea of principals deciding (if a school has had behavioral problems, they choose closed lunch). But even though I really hope my rising senior gets open lunch, it would be silly to say that there aren't a dozen reasons a school might prefer closed. (it's just a cost-benefit analysis.)
Anonymous
05/17/2026 16:55
Subject: Benefits of closed lunch?
Why can't schools bring food trucks?
Anonymous
05/17/2026 16:50
Subject: Benefits of closed lunch?
Do each of the high schools have an indoor-outdoor area where students can eat if the cafeterias are too small? So classrooms are only used for those making up work or to give teachers a few minutes off? Where do clubs meet? Do students sit on the schools' athletic fields at lunch in nicer weather (not sure where students can eat during not so nice weather days) --- cue athletic booster parents...?
Anonymous
05/17/2026 16:28
Subject: Benefits of closed lunch?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:We're at Bethesda-Chevy Chase, for which MCPS chose not to expand the cafeteria in its previous additions to the building. It's about 8 times too small! BCC has had open lunch for decades (as in, alumni parents of current students also had open lunch), because of the convenience of downtown restaurants.
The rest of the building is quite small as well, so if everyone were to stay inside, it would get quite crowded and noisy.
The school has clubs and make-up tests during lunch, but a lot of students come and go, or just spend the entire break getting fresh air, unless the weather is awful. The restaurants and shops are glad to have the business, and in recent years there have been no significant behavioral concerns at lunchtime.
The only upside of switching to closed lunch would be to protect against a potential school shooter, honestly. Otherwise it's all downside for us.
I am strongly in favor of keeping the current policy that lets Principals choose whether to open or close lunch.
Of course there are behavioral issues.
PP you replied to. I can assure you that for businesses, the pros outweigh the cons! I had an older child at Walter Johnson, where the kids go to the Wildwood shopping center, and the businesses did complain there, after a fight broke out Amon the younger students and chairs were thrown. The Principal responded by threatening to close lunch for 9th and 10th graders, or maybe did close lunch briefly for those grades. My son was a senior when this happened, so we didn't pay much attention.
If there is a serious incident, believe me, shops don't hesitate to call the schools. They want students to be scared straight, and come back to spend money.
Anonymous
05/17/2026 16:06
Subject: Benefits of closed lunch?
Anonymous wrote:We're at Bethesda-Chevy Chase, for which MCPS chose not to expand the cafeteria in its previous additions to the building. It's about 8 times too small! BCC has had open lunch for decades (as in, alumni parents of current students also had open lunch), because of the convenience of downtown restaurants.
The rest of the building is quite small as well, so if everyone were to stay inside, it would get quite crowded and noisy.
The school has clubs and make-up tests during lunch, but a lot of students come and go, or just spend the entire break getting fresh air, unless the weather is awful. The restaurants and shops are glad to have the business, and in recent years there have been no significant behavioral concerns at lunchtime.
The only upside of switching to closed lunch would be to protect against a potential school shooter, honestly. Otherwise it's all downside for us.
I am strongly in favor of keeping the current policy that lets Principals choose whether to open or close lunch.
Of course there are behavioral issues.
Anonymous
05/17/2026 15:59
Subject: Benefits of closed lunch?
We're at Bethesda-Chevy Chase, for which MCPS chose not to expand the cafeteria in its previous additions to the building. It's about 8 times too small! BCC has had open lunch for decades (as in, alumni parents of current students also had open lunch), because of the convenience of downtown restaurants.
The rest of the building is quite small as well, so if everyone were to stay inside, it would get quite crowded and noisy.
The school has clubs and make-up tests during lunch, but a lot of students come and go, or just spend the entire break getting fresh air, unless the weather is awful. The restaurants and shops are glad to have the business, and in recent years there have been no significant behavioral concerns at lunchtime.
The only upside of switching to closed lunch would be to protect against a potential school shooter, honestly. Otherwise it's all downside for us.
I am strongly in favor of keeping the current policy that lets Principals choose whether to open or close lunch.
The rest of the building is quite small as well, so if everyone were to stay inside, it would get quite crowded and noisy.
The school has clubs and make-up tests during lunch, but a lot of students come and go, or just spend the entire break getting fresh air, unless the weather is awful. The restaurants and shops are glad to have the business, and in recent years there have been no significant behavioral concerns at lunchtime.
The only upside of switching to closed lunch would be to protect against a potential school shooter, honestly. Otherwise it's all downside for us.
I am strongly in favor of keeping the current policy that lets Principals choose whether to open or close lunch.
Anonymous
05/17/2026 15:52
Subject: Benefits of closed lunch?
I went to Whitman decades ago. Open lunch was stressful. You didn't want to be left behind. You were trying hard to leave campus because that's what everyone did. Panic getting into cars, speeding to Roy Rogers. Wait in line, no time to get served. And speeding back to class.
Wasn't until SR year, because of course selection, I wasn't in the same lunch as other seniors I knew. That was sad. I wasn't part of the cool crowd, couldn't be for lunch even if I wanted to be. A bit lonely. Finally though didn't participate in that leaving campus lunch chaos.
Wasn't until SR year, because of course selection, I wasn't in the same lunch as other seniors I knew. That was sad. I wasn't part of the cool crowd, couldn't be for lunch even if I wanted to be. A bit lonely. Finally though didn't participate in that leaving campus lunch chaos.
Anonymous
05/17/2026 15:36
Subject: Benefits of closed lunch?
My kids go to an MCPS HS with closed lunch. There aren’t restaurants closeby enough to make it worth it for those who would need to walk.
Benefits—they pack somewhat healthy lunches instead of spending my money on fast food every day. They do clubs at lunch time or make up quizzes if needed. They don’t go into the cafeteria, they eat in hallways or classrooms. This is how my Hs worked as well so it’s normal to me.
Benefits—they pack somewhat healthy lunches instead of spending my money on fast food every day. They do clubs at lunch time or make up quizzes if needed. They don’t go into the cafeteria, they eat in hallways or classrooms. This is how my Hs worked as well so it’s normal to me.
Anonymous
05/17/2026 15:27
Subject: Benefits of closed lunch?
I never attended a school which didn't have "closed lunch." You got your food, found somewhere to eat it, hung out with friends afterwards.
Benefits are, you aren't eating random fast food every day and the school and your parents know where you are supposed to be
Benefits are, you aren't eating random fast food every day and the school and your parents know where you are supposed to be
Anonymous
05/17/2026 15:25
Subject: Benefits of closed lunch?
This question is crazy to me.
Anonymous
05/17/2026 15:14
Subject: Benefits of closed lunch?
Short list of benefits (in no particular order and yes, I know the first one is going to create lots of conversation all of which is important but not really the topic at hand for this question):
1. Less "outside access"--meaning if kids were deemed to be safe/without weapons/drugs upon entry to school, there is no way that these things are making there way in mid day.
2. Eliminates some social pressures--to have money to buy lunch, stay off campus with friends later than you're supposed to.
3.Easier access to make up work without having to feel like you're "missing something"
4. Related to the above--truancy/attendance issues
5. Car/pedestrian safety (do we really want our kids interfacing with traffic and cars more than necessary, particularly when they may be distracted in groups or rushing?
I'm sure there are more but these are just a few that come to mind.
1. Less "outside access"--meaning if kids were deemed to be safe/without weapons/drugs upon entry to school, there is no way that these things are making there way in mid day.
2. Eliminates some social pressures--to have money to buy lunch, stay off campus with friends later than you're supposed to.
3.Easier access to make up work without having to feel like you're "missing something"
4. Related to the above--truancy/attendance issues
5. Car/pedestrian safety (do we really want our kids interfacing with traffic and cars more than necessary, particularly when they may be distracted in groups or rushing?
I'm sure there are more but these are just a few that come to mind.
Anonymous
05/17/2026 14:44
Subject: Benefits of closed lunch?
The benefit is not jumping into cars and speeding away.
And not being late for whatever class is after their lunch period.
And not being late for whatever class is after their lunch period.
Anonymous
05/17/2026 14:43
Subject: Benefits of closed lunch?
No food trucks... serious. They go in halls, classrooms, etc. Its not a big deal. Bathrooms are locked so no they don't lounge in them.
Anonymous
05/17/2026 14:39
Subject: Benefits of closed lunch?
Are there are any benefits to high schools having closed lunch? How do the high schools which have closed lunch handle lunch periods, where do students eat, how do students make up work, teachers get a break and clubs meet? How large is the school and is it located in an urbanish area, or rural? Blair is large and has closed lunch where students can't leave campus during lunch period. Do food trucks come on campus so students and staff can purchase food from the trucks? What other options for students who need a break from the school day schedule at the closed lunch high school campuses? Do more students use the bathroom as a lounge at those high schools? Are there enough staff to monitor during lunch periods?