The only break at school is lunch, when everyone just tries to unwind and eat to stay energized and fueled. Some stay upstairs, where it gradually becomes the gathering place for everyone, while others head downstairs to the cafeteria.   

 “I like to give students a choice and freedom,” said Principal Greg Fucheck. “Some kids tell me all the time that they don’t like cafeteria food and walking up five flight of stairs. Others tell me that they love being in our space, Bronx River space, and not leaving it. I like to treat kids like adults as long as they can handle it. If they like being in the hallway, so be it. I also love the teachers that have their room open during lunch for the students. For example the game room, Ms.Paes’s room, the senior lounge with Mr. Butler, and the art room.”

When the lunch bell rings, some students head downstairs to the cafeteria and others stay upstairs. They shared their reasons below:

 Why do you stay upstairs? Why not go downstairs for lunch in the cafeteria?

Natalia Mann, a sophomore, replied, “I stay up during lunch due to all the staircases to the cafeteria. It’s difficult to climb up all the stairs and get to class on time and doing it almost every day is tiring.”

She vocalizes the fact that she assumed there would be recess for the reason that there’s always so many students in the cafeteria and some would want to be able to step away from the crowded and noisy canteen.

Jannat Chowdhury, a sophomore, says, “I don’t like going downstairs because it’s tiring to use all these staircases to the cafeteria. I don’t like the food as it isn’t something I really like since I’m kind of picky.” 

Sonny Parker, a freshman, comments that the lunchroom is way too crowded.

Salman Chowdhury, a freshman, says:  “I mostly stay upstairs because my friends that are upperclassmen stay upstairs, too.”

Moulouku Fadiga, a senior,  says, “I stay upstairs because not only do I work for the snack store, but I also don’t like the cafeteria food.”

“I don’t buy from the snack store because it’s way too overpriced” when questioned if he uses the snack store and what he does if he has no money.

Jannat says that she prefers to bring her own lunch.

Damian Lee Nicholas, an 11th grader, stays upstairs.
“Lunch is great because they play music and overall it’s fun because you spend time with your friends,” he said.  “I actually prefer being upstairs because I get to be in the game room so I get to play games and sleep”.

When asked if she believes that the cafeteria location should change, Natalia agreed, adding that they should even change the time of lunch if possible. 

Salman says,  “The cafeteria should have better lighting because its quality is terrible. The canteen is way too small for BRHS. There’s no space between the tables and people bump into each other and fight others.”

Jannat also mentioned that the cafeteria location should change because going up and down the stairs is quite strenuous.

Sonny says,  “Yes, because it’s a really tiny space now. The lunchroom before was better and had larger space.”

Eating in the cafeteria

“I prefer eating downstairs because the whole gang is down here,” explained  senior Brandon Burgos. “I think lunch food tastes good most of the time and it keeps me energized throughout the school day.”

He added, “I don’t go to any of the upstairs clubs and the hot food downstairs is way better than the cold food upstairs”.
Senior Israel Santiago also prefers eating in the cafeteria.
“I like staying in for lunch downstairs for the food,” he said.

Some dream of going off campus

Natalia says, ““There should be open lunch, especially on nice days because you’re stuck in school all day long. We would want to be able to breathe and not be stuck in a school with walls that have green plastered all over it. It should also be a privilege and only given to certain students”.

Jannat also supports the idea of an open lunch  “We should have open lunch for the people who don’t enjoy school lunch and there’s already a lot of options outside to eat from so I feel people would like this especially those who just starve not liking the school lunch.”