Thomas Jefferson teachers restricted in snack-selling arena.
by Jasmine Kabera
photo by Kevin Fleming
Due to the DPS central administration establishing a new nutrition policy this school year, the Spartan community was a little shocked to learn that some of their favorite snack dealers had been shut down.
In the past, teachers such as Sharon Colbath, Paul Kirschling, and Kyler Jackson have sold various snacks, treats, and drinks to student consumers during passing periods. The money raised through the sales would help their departments or, in Jackson’s case, the softball team. This year, the district adopted a new policy, and as a result the teachers’ classroom stores were to be closed.
TJ students are finding it hard to adjust to the new policy. Often, one could walk into a classroom to find someone with a whole stack of chips, soda, and candy – all for under $5. For that reason, the classroom stores had always been held in high regard by the students. It was a chance to help teachers raise money for their department and get snacks at low prices.
When asked by students why she couldn’t sell food, Colbath gave a simple, “We’re not allowed to,” and went on with her lesson. For many of the upperclassmen who had always bought food since their freshman year, it was an immense disappointment to learn about the new rule. One student described it as, “A cold betrayal.”
One of the reasons the administration is for the new policy, is that they feel that the stores may have taken away instructional time. “What we’ve told them [the teachers] is, they can not sell snacks during classroom time,” Assistant Principal Lani Nobles said. “The time spent collecting money and handing out change could be spent teaching.”
Due to the school administrators being under pressure by the district to maximize instruction and improve test score data, the school leaders thought it best to suspend the selling of snacks. “Our number one concern is instruction,” Nobles emphasizes.
Recently, the Governor signed into law SB08-129. The bill requires each school district board of education to adopt a policy that prohibits the sale of certain beverages to students from any source.
According to the new guidelines, at least 50% of beverages offered must be water. There also has to be low-calorie options (no more than 10 calories per 8-ounce serving) available. Healthier food is also part of the compromise.
In addition, the administration believes that eating healthier can greatly improve a student’s performance in the classroom, playing sports, keeping a strong immune system, and having a lot of energy to survive the day.
Since the new policy, the loud crinkle of wrappers and audible crunch of chips in the classroom has been kept to a noticeable minimum (unless it is after lunch). Not being able to buy mid-day snacks would encourage students to eat breakfast before coming to school or get breakfast from the cafeteria.
The second big concern was that classroom stores were beginning to compete with DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America), the program in charge of the school store. “DECA is already approved by the school district and follows district approved nutritional guidelines, so is therefore best suited to offer snacks between classes,” said Nobles.
Matt Nicolo, the teacher in charge of DECA, thought it seemed a little unfair for DECA to have to follow the guidelines when their toughest competitors didn’t.
“DECA is an important program that helps raise money for the school, which wouldn’t have gotten much support if the classroom stores stayed,” Nobles concluded.
Another issue brought up by Nobles was keeping trash to a minimum. “Obviously, cleanliness is important in any and all establishments, especially when you share the space with others,” says Nobles. “There are often stray wrappers on the floor, hidden pop-cans, and crumbs – all of which attract unwanted bugs and rodents. Part of solving the issue was by eliminating one of the contributors to trash.”
The administrators have established a few compromises, should the teachers want to continue selling food. For example, following the new nutrition guidelines, and selling food when it doesn’t interfere with class time.
Teachers can also sell food after school. Furthermore, the teachers can also raise money with fundraisers for their departments, such as concessions at sporting and school events, and community gatherings. In the past, car washes have proved an efficient way of earning some great cash. “Teachers could earn $500 to $700 in one day in what would take months if they were selling food for 50 cents or $1. It is also a hassle for teachers to go out and buy more food outside of school,” Nobles pointed out. “As long as they follow the proper procedures they can start selling food again, but after school only!”
