Ermila Mazariegos
Staff Writer
As the debate on Lunch and Learn’s potential return continues, many clubs have begun to meet after school since meeting during school is no longer an option. Homework, sports and overall availability are among the challenges that make it difficult for students to participate in clubs after school. Many students support Lunch and Learn’s return since it would give them more time in their schedule to stay involved with clubs.
Now, students must make the difficult decision on whether to stay after school or miss out on their club meetings.
Senior Citlali Chambers, the president and founder of Latinos Unidos, cites the amount of homework as a reason that she can’t always stay after school for club meetings. “The time that the club meetings take place is the time that I usually spend doing homework,” she said. “I’ve been having to stay up later to make sure that all my work gets done.”
Student athletes face additional troubles besides homework for after school clubs. They must decide to skip practice or skip a club meeting. “Although missing a practice wouldn’t be that difficult, it wouldn’t be the best option,” said junior Jolan Foronda, a member of the Asian Pacific Islander Student Union and athlete on the AC Swimming team.
Senior Elizabeth Lane, who serves in leadership for French Club, predicts that fewer people will come to after school meetings. “We’re really hoping that Lunch and Learn comes back, and we’ll just go with that,” she said.
The secretary and social media coordinator of Latinos Unidos, junior Victoria Zambrano-Argueta, also mentioned the benefits that bringing back Lunch and Learn has for clubs and its members. “Lunch and Learn would not only help boost attendance and fundraisers but also give the club the opportunity to work with the rest of the student body at ACHS,” she said.
Though meeting after school is more difficult for students, clubs are generally continuing to hold meetings. However, one club does not have the opportunity to meet at all anymore.
Cereal and Coloring Club, a club that began last year while Lunch and Learn was still in place, is unable to meet after school. “Personally, I am sad that we won’t be able to do Cereal and Coloring Club again this year, probably, but it was a lot of fun while it lasted,” said co-founder and social media co-coordinator Eleanor Leibfried. “If Lunch and Learn were to come back, we would do it again.”
The removal of Lunch and Learn has affected clubs in a lot of the same ways. “I have a feeling that a lot of other club leaders feel the same way,” Chambers said. “We’re all facing similar problems as a result of Lunch and Learn being taken away.”
Photo courtesy of Victoria Zambrano
