Since the start of 2018, the West Branch cafeteria has undergone many changes meant to improve the look and feel of the cafeteria. Last winter, the West Branch cafeteria funded the addition of The Branch, a snack stand that sells many food items. The Branch offers snacks, such as soft pretzels, assortments of chips, varieties of cookies, coffee, and many other snacks. Students are able to purchase these items in addition to lunch. Bottled water, tea and lemonade are available also. When asked, students had positive feedback. Olivia Straka said, “ The snack bar allows me to buy snacks along with my main meal. It also allows me to buy snacks for after school practices and games.” Other students who like the snack bar also would like to see more snacks added to the menu, like fruit, nachos and smoothies.
The cafeteria has also added a lounge area which includes couches, stand up tables, and a bar area with stools. According to cafeteria manager Tiffany English, the improvements will continue: “ A bar with seating which will be added eventually will have a charging station for devices. The technology department will also be adding charging lockers to the area. Students will be able to charge their devices during study halls or lunch by checking them into the locker and assigning a pin number.”
The West Branch cafeteria and school district have improved and made the environment more student-friendly. The administration meets with the Youth Advisory Committee and uses their suggestions to improve the school.
