With jam-packed school days filled with tests, assignments, and rushing between classes, it can be difficult for students to find time to slow down and relax. Some students at Cleveland High School have become increasingly frustrated with the lack of free time in their hectic schedules. 

Deeming a 30 minute lunch period as an insufficient amount of time for eating and taking a break, a petition calling for change has been created.

This petition sheet was taped to the wall in the hallway of the first floor, and anyone could sign their name. It was accompanied by signs with messages such as, “Students need more time to eat.” Though the creator of the petition remains unknown, it has caught the attention of the student body, with over 40 signatures already. 

“It totally should be longer, maybe just even 15 minutes would make a difference,” said Jaoquin Swanson, a junior. 

Many students expressed their concerns about waiting in the long, crowded lines in the cafeteria.

“I’ve seen the signs but I haven’t signed it yet. We should have a longer lunch to have more time to talk to friends and then we could wait until the lunchline was shorter,” said Blanche Noudjouamang. 

However, some students worried that a longer lunch would take away time from learning, or even result in longer school days.

“I haven’t signed the petition. I’m pretty satisfied with how long lunch is, and there’s definitely enough time to eat. It would mess up the whole school schedule,” said Lia Young. 

The petition itself posed the idea that if all classes were just five minutes shorter, lunch could be at least 50 minutes in total. 

Another sign in the hallway suggested that not only do students deserve a longer lunch, but teachers as well.

“I believe that students have the right to petition for changes they believe in at school, because the First Amendment rights of students don’t end when they enter the doors of the school. I don’t know how effective it will be, but I signed it,” said Paul Kreutz, a government teacher whose classroom is located near the petition.

It remains unclear how the school administration will respond to the ongoing petition, as it is still controversial within the student body. Those who hoped to spark change with the petition aren’t backing down. 

Whether the schedule changes or not, it has become clear that some students are no longer just hungry for food, but for more time.