Creating an inviting eating venue

Lawrence High School cafeteria is refurbished

Posted

The food choices vary during the week ranging from a variety of pizza to Southwest-style meals and sandwiches.
Students sit at round tables, can go outside the building on campus or grab a meal on the way to their next class.
“Everything we did was approved by the district, but we were looking to create an eating place that is a little bit different,” said Christine Kunnmann, a district manager for Islandia-based Whitsons Culinary Group that supplies food to the district.
There is more sunlight streaming into the Lawrence High School cafeteria and even more will be seen later in the school year when the top solid panels are replaced with new windows.
Coupled with it’s the newly implemented closed campus policy, the Lawrence School District spent more than $250,000 to renovate the high school cafeteria. The work was begun and completed during the summer.

Ninth through 11th graders, along with a portion of the senior are not permitted to leave campus for lunch. Students can go outside by the football field and are under faculty supervision. There are laptops available for student use in the art and music suites, and the study hall.
Last Friday, students entering the cafeteria during fourth period were treated to a performance by the school’s band and watched Principal Dr. Jennifer Lagnado cut the ribbon on the refurbished eating area. “The new tables and chairs are better for socialization and it has changed the whole atmosphere,” she said.
Cafeteria workers Mara Sanchez, Carmen Rodriguez, Ameen Frazier, Shanique Toppin, Ann Garcia and Layota Bilbro were recognized with certificates of appreciation presented by Lagnado.
“Families usually get together in the kitchen and this is our little kitchen where we get together and chill,” said Superintendent Gary Schall.