Lunch detention, no uniform, you were involved in a fight, or you and your friend did something that got you in trouble and you got suspended or were put in the in school suspension room. This year our school has implemented a new program called LEAD lunch.
LEAD lunch stands for Learn, Empathize, Act, Develop. This was designed to help students reflect on their actions and understand the impact they have and to reduce repeating negative behaviors while also providing healthier coping strategies. Each session is tailored to whatever specific issue led to the student having LEAD lunch.
Vice Principal, James Papcun reflects on the program and how it works.
“The LEAD Lunch program was created to promote accountability and reflection,” said Papcun. “Shifting away from strictly punitive discipline and pulling them out of class and moving toward a more restorative approach, while encouraging growth, and learning.”
The program came to be while thinking of ways to improve the school after learning from past mistakes.
“It is a restorative practice initiative collaboration run by our school counselors and social workers,” said Papcun. “Students who are assigned to the program will have to attend three sessions per week for one month during their lunch period.”
LEAD lunch was implemented to hopefully improve the school and make students accountable for their actions in a more positive way rather than just punishing them.
“The goal of the Lead Lunch program is to make a real difference in improving our school,” said Papcun. “By helping students reflect on their behavior, take responsibility, and develop better habits, we can keep more students in class and foster a more positive school culture.”
The LEAD Lunch program is helping students obtain more control over their emotions and helps them acquire responsibility in their lives.
It is an addition that will help to teach students the importance of knowledge rather than punishing consequences.
With students learning to take charge of their actions and emotions, LEAD Lunch is helping to turn every lunch period into a lesson in growth.
