A Principal’s Perspective on Breakfast in the Classroom (BIC)
This blog is co-written by HIN staff member Annelise Cohon and Principal Daisy Greene as part of our week-long celebration for National School Breakfast Week.
As you may have seen this week, NEA HIN released three new videos about the importance of school breakfast and programs like Breakfast in the Classroom (BIC). I was able to catch up with one of the stars of the video, Principal Daisy Greene from Francis Elementary School in Richmond, VA to ask her a couple of questions about her school’s BIC program.
AC: Principal Greene, how does school breakfast help your students in the morning?
DG: The school breakfast program provides a meal for every student. It helps our students to power-up their bodies and minds for learning.
AC: What does a typical day in your school look like with the addition of the breakfast in the classroom program?
DG: With the addition of breakfast in the classroom the school day is off to a great start! We have a smooth transition and opening and all students are listening to the morning announcements. We do not see the same distractions or behavior issues among students. Teachers are also able to keep a more accurate account of attendance, they do not have to worry about monitoring students in the cafeteria in the morning, and teachers feel it builds trust with their students. Our custodial staff is also less stressed about having to clean the cafeteria before lunch. Breakfast in the classroom has helped us to compensate for any late buses and it’s great to know that all students will receive breakfast without interruptions so instruction starts on time.
AC: How are things different from when breakfast was served in the cafeteria?
DG: Everything!
AC: What would you say to other principals thinking about starting a breakfast in the classroom program at their school?
DG: Do not wait. Breakfast in the classroom will help children start their day with a well-balanced meal and all of the above that happens on a typical day. I love it!
AC: Will your school be doing anything special for National School Breakfast Week. If so, can you explain what?
DG: Yes, we will have a writing contest about the topic of “Is breakfast in our school worth it?” Selected students will attend a basketball game and will read their paper over the school intercom for everyone to hear.
AC: Is there anything else you would like to share?
DG: Serving breakfast in our school has reduced many stress factors as it relates to morning openings for students and staff. Our teachers greet our students first thing in the morning and set the tone for the day. With breakfast in the classroom our students are more relaxed because they do not have to encounter several adults (on duty) before they start their day. Our school opening is calm and everyone is on target! Everyone knows what the expectation is: arrive to school at 8:40, have breakfast in the class, listen to announcements and the most important thing of all instruction starts on time.
Posted by Daisy D. Greene
on March 4, 2015