During this unprecedent time, Calais School students have a new way to socialize with their friends and share common interests thanks to the virtual Lunch Club.

After many Calais students expressed how much they missed their friends during the pandemic, Guidance Counselor Michelle Primiano created special lunch groups to give students the chance to see other and socialize. After the first pilot lunch club, the students loved it so much that they could not wait until the next one was scheduled. Mrs. Primiano said she arranges the groups by grades and by interest and so far, the groups have been a hit. Staff members also participate and get to spend time with the students. While some staff help run the lunch groups, other staff members are encouraged to drop in to say “hello” to students.

The program was created as a pilot earlier this fall, but was such a success, that it is now a regular weekly activity.

After attending both high school groups, Mrs. Primiano was thrilled. “It was wonderful to see all of the happy faces,” she said. “It was obvious from the laughter that the students really enjoyed seeing friends outside of their homeroom cohort.”

The groups, which meet on Wednesday afternoons over Google Meet, talk about different topics such as art, movies, TV shows, music, sports, and books. They also play games including one where they ask each other “would you rather?” questions.

Students are also excited to hang out with friends in the lunch groups. “I loved it,” said senior and hybrid student Rory S. “It was just fun to see and talk to everyone. I wish we had it more often.”

Virtual student Matthew O., a 10th grader, enjoyed seeing his friends that he does not get to see every day at school now that he is a virtual student. “We get to socialize and have people from different homeroom classes come together and eat together and have fun,” he said.