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 with a nourishing breakfast. Meet some of the principals who have taken extraordinary steps to nourish their scholars.
Principal Horacio Trejo, Valleydale Elementary
Azusa Unified School District
With a little over a year leading Valleydale Elementary, Principal Trejo has contributed tremendously to the health and well-being of his scholars.
He partnered with Stella Ndahura, director of nutrition services, and her team of school nutrition professionals, to launch the second chance breakfast program – giving kids who missed breakfast before class the opportunity to have breakfast after their first or second period.
“It is so obvious for me that the school nutrition staff love what they do,” said Principal Trejo. “They love the kids, and they love knowing that what they’re doing is having a positive impact on the school and their community.”
According to Principal Trejo, the amount of time their scholars spend outside the classroom in the nurse’s office and the amount of behavior issues has decreased dramatically since they instituted the second chance breakfast program.
Principal Sophie Phin-Rizo, Huron Elementary
Coalinga-Huron Unified School District
Huron is a small city in Fresno County with a population that fluctuates between 5,000 and up to 15,000 due to the harvest season.
Being a rural agricultural community presents significant challenges, Principal Phin-Rizo and her staff wear many hats to ensure students are taken care of and are providing a safe and welcoming environment for all students.
When approached by Chris Kuchman, director of food services, Phin-Rizo was thrilled to launch the breakfast in the classroom program at Huron Elementary. Because she knew that “some parents are up and out and off to work by dusk or dawn. Some parents just don’t have enough time in the morning. Or, we have students who are getting themselves ready in the morning. They’re getting their siblings ready in the morning.”
Since then, Principal Phin-Rizo has seen an increase in attendance and focus and a decrease in behavioral issues and nurse visits. “Breakfast in the classroom gives the students something to eat and gives them a great start to their day.”
Principal Jean Summy, Commonwealth Elementary
Fullerton School District
Commonwealth Elementary is the first and only school in Orange County to operate the breakfast in the classroom model!
“When I first heard about the breakfast in the classroom program, I knew it would benefit so many of our scholars. But I was hesitant to sign up without the input of my staff who would be implementing the program on a daily basis.”
Fortunately, Principal Summy’s team were more than happy to have breakfast in the classroom. “If there is a way for us to support our students, our staff will do it,” she said. Since launching the program, the feedback has been very positive!
“My advice to those thinking about implementing this breakfast in the classroom model is to not be afraid to engage your staff in discussions about how you can best serve your students, starting with their most basic needs,” said Principal Summy. “I encourage you to create a school atmosphere where students feel comfortable sharing their morning meal, creating their own sense of family, belonging and community right in the classroom. The classroom is where great things begin!”
Principal Sally Stevens, Yucca Mesa Elementary
Morongo Unified School District
For Principal Sally Stevens, with over a decade of experience as an educator and two years as principal, it was a no-brainer to start breakfast in the classroom at Yucca Mesa Elementary in January 2023. Since its launch, the number of students eating breakfast grew from 26 percent to 79 percent.
According to Principal Stevens, breakfast in the classroom helps to provide consistent and safe access to food for her students. In addition to providing a tranquil start to the day for the students, they start the day with nutritious food and all-inclusive social emotional learning time.
“We have less nurse visits and less behavioral issues in the morning. Parents feel less stressed in the morning trying to get the kids ready for school as breakfast is provided and it is one less thing to worry about. Employees enjoy their time in the morning that they are allowed to eat and bond with their students. It makes a world of difference.”
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 24, 2023