LaFayette Intermediate School is piloting a unique “zone” model during lunch periods, giving students different ways to enjoy an important social period of the school day.

Zones include the social zone, with circular tables that allow students to interact with friends; the movie/music zone, where students can don headphones to block out the loudness of the cafeteria with comforting music and educational tv shows and documentaries; and the nature zone, which is set up to allow students to enjoy reflective time with views of the outdoors.

“We wanted to make lunch periods smoother, better, and safer for students,” said Molly Lahr, principal of LaFayette Intermediate School. “We know that students have different sensory needs, and might need a little bit more support in how to appropriately communicate with each other. These zones address those different needs, and students can choose which ones they want to enjoy.”

The idea for lunch zones came from other school districts in the region doing something similar. They have also experienced successful outcomes in creating orderly and safer lunchroom environments.

Waterloo students have embraced the opportunity, such as third-graders Mila Bree and Peyton Youngs. Their favorite zones are the social and movie/music zones. Some days, they welcome the chance to talk with friends outside of class. Other days, they welcome a break from the noise and the chance to watch documentaries about animals or an episode or two of familiar content such as Bluey.

“I like having the choice,” said Mila.