“I see these four administrators as change makers who have the passion to do the best for their students. Their support in implementing the breakfast in the classroom program helps ensure students receive the nourishment they need both physically and mentally for overall success.” – Adriane Robles, SBCUSD director of nutrition services
Principals across California and the United States understand that ensuring kids have three meals a day is essential to their health, well-being and ability to learn.
As part of National Principals Appreciation Month, we’re uplifting innovative school leaders who have championed breakfast after the bell programs in their school so every student can start the day ready to learn with a nutritious meal. Meet five San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD) principals who have taken extraordinary steps to nourish their scholars.
Principal Dorothy McIntosh, Bing Wong Elementary
Bing Wong Elementary is a school of over 600 students. Prior to the breakfast in the classroom program, nutrition services were serving an average of 150 meals in the traditional setting. Principal McIntosh knew this was an opportunity to ensure more scholars had a meal to start the day.
With 23 years as an educator in the district and serving as Bing Wong principal for the last seven years, McIntosh understands how the barriers facing her families like transportation, high cost of living, and inconsistencies in jobs and housing can affect their scholars’ ability to access nutrition and learn.
Since launching the program, students across all grade levels have taken ownership of it. “To see them problem-solve, persevere and support one another, determined to get the bags of meals to their classrooms is just beautiful,” said Principal McIntosh.
“Breakfast in the classroom presented an opportunity for us to guarantee two meals a day for our scholars. To know that we have given their brains the fuel to manage the cognitive load we demand is a win no matter how you look at it.”
Principal Janice Gordon, PhD, Barton Elementary
For 12 years as Barton Elementary principal, Dr. Gordon has cultivated a supportive, caring and collaborative school community. Inspired by her own children, she works hard to ensure her scholars have the same opportunities and a strong foundation to become responsible and engaged adults.
Dr. Gordon wants to remove barriers for her students by providing equitable access to a quality education. She believes that starts with a full stomach and an energized brain.
“I will always do my best to think outside the box to create opportunities for all students to have equitable access to a rigorous education,” said Dr. Gordon.
“It takes perseverance and an innovative approach to establish systems and procedures when starting something new,” said Dr. Gordon. “Most importantly, it takes a great team of teachers and staff to make a greater impact on student learning through removing barriers such as hunger. I am proud to say I have that team at Barton Elementary School.”
Principal Tamika Casey, Cole Elementary
Being an educator has been a lifelong dream since she was a child, and now with nearly 30 years in education, Principal Casey’s mission has remained the same, to ensure every child achieves academically, socially and emotionally in order to be successful in their future.
“Having their basic needs of being fed first thing in the morning has impacted their readiness to learn,” said Principal Casey. “Our scholars love the sense of responsibility of transporting the meals to and from their classrooms. They are also able to express themselves a bit more, because our teachers use this time for their social and emotional learning check-ins. As they have breakfast, they’re able to talk to each other about how they’re feeling and what they need to be successful for the day. Breakfast in the classroom has changed the vibe of the school.”
With less ‘hangry’ kids, Principal Casey hopes that more schools will get on board and see the value in the program for their scholars. “I want our community to be a thriving community. Even though there was a lot of apprehension about implementing the program, many who were naysayers have become advocates.”
Principal Breanna York, Jefferson Hunt Elementary
For 18 years, Principal York has served the SBCUSD community in various capacities as an educator, coach, vice principal, and now school principal. Driven by a hope for all of her students to meet their fullest academic potential, where they feel seen, heard, valued and loved, Principal York knew it was important to support breakfast in the classroom at Jefferson Hunt Elementary.
“All students deserve to show up each day with the same access as their peers in neighboring cities,” said Principal York. “This includes access to the most basic of needs including food.”
Since launching the program, students have shared that breakfast is their favorite time of day. Even after some initial hesitations, educators and school staff are “overwhelmingly in support of breakfast in the classroom.”
“We have found that students are less likely to require snacks (which the school would fund annually), less frequent trips to our health aide for tummy aches, a decrease in tardies, and an overall pleasant start to the school day.”
Principal Elizabeth Cochrane-Benoit, Captain Leland F. Norton Elementary
We want to take this time for a special shout out to our 2021 No Kid Hungry Hunger Hero Principal Cochrane-Benoit, who showed us the possibilities of fighting hunger at SBCUSD. Read more of Principal Cochrane-Benoit’s story.
Join No Kid Hungry in celebrating National Principals Month!
This October, we recognize the school leaders behind the scenes , making decisions to help staff and students stay safe, healthy and nourished. Feeding kids today is one of the smartest investments we can make to ensure they’re ready to face the challenges of tomorrow.
— Use the hashtag #NationalPrincipalsMonth: Reach out to celebrate and thank school principals who educate and care for our kids. Make sure to showcase your efforts on social media.
— Donate: 1 dollar can help provide 10 meals for kids in need. Your support will help us fund breakfast after the bell programs like those you just read about all over California and the country and help us advocate for policies that will help kids get the meals they need.
— Speak up for kids: 1 in 8 kids in the United States is affected by hunger. Tell your lawmaker to protect CalFresh/SNAP and other federal nutrition programs that feed kids.
Last Reviewed: October 31, 2023