Lunch Topics to Chew On and Other Online Feedback for West Des Moines Schools

Following are some recent discussions on the West Des Moines school district’s Idea Share website, an online site geared to give district patrons another opportunity for feedback about the school district and its programs.

Are Students Getting Enough to Eat?

“Why don’t you ask students and their parents what to include on the menus?” asks Jody. “That way, you’ll know exactly what will be eaten and can avoid food going to waste.”

If it’s healthy, it’s a good choice, posted Demetra, who praised the school district’s work to improve school lunches.

But is it enough?

Zachary thinks having to spend $6 just to feel satisfied is “ridiculous.”

“I have to get multiple lunches because the main entree is so small,” he wrote.

“I think the district is way to large for this to work,” another user, Laura, responded. “There are too many students, no matter what the food option, there will always be many that don't like it.”

She pointed out that school lunch budgets are limited.

“How can we better focus on healthy, high quality ingredients that are cost effective as well?” she asked.

Bring the Curriculum to Exceptional Learners

Rather than shuttle accelerated learners in grades five through nine between buildings, why not bring the curriculum to them, asks Kristi. She points out all the moving back and forth sometimes causes students to miss out on other courses and be isolated from their peers.

“It feels like direct punishment for learning to the child,” she wrote.