Out with the old, and in with the new. Goodbye, boring standard cafeteria tables, hello decked out Redhawk booths and tables. As students and staff were welcomed back to school, they were greeted with updated furniture in both of Barnstables’ cafeterias, a similar look to that of the movie High School Musical, with an emphasis on school colors and Redhawk pride.

 While the furniture was originally slated to be installed during winter break of last year, the move in of the new furniture finally transpired over summer break. The delays came from “availability issues from all vendors,” said Dave Badot, former District Food and Nutritional Director. Because of the confusion with shipping from the furniture companies, the team in charge of moving in the furniture believed it was best fit if they delayed the move in to over the summer so that no interruptions would ensue. Jason Conetta, principal of Barnstable High School, said they kept running into interruptions, starting in January. “The delays ran into finals and graduation,” Conetta said, adding that it wasn’t worth shutting down areas of the school at the same time as these important events.

But why was there a need for new furniture? Badot said, “It came from an overall review of the condition of the cafe,” with his team reviewing all tables throughout the district. It was found that the tables were in poor condition, and a change was needed. So far, all schools in the district have received updated furniture, with a plan to install new furniture at BIS during December break. But the new furniture wasn’t just a step towards improving products and services. “It gives us [students and staff] a sense of belonging that is specific to our Redhawks,” said Conetta, emphasizing that the change signifies the redhawk image. 

The furniture adds a nice touch to the cafeterias of the high school, and students have adjusted to the new aspect of their daily lunch periods. With many students praising the furniture and the modern update to the school, some students share their experiences with it so far. “I think it’s a good idea, but I think some of the seats are impractical,” said senior Ella Harrington, as she believes some of the high top tables are incapable of seating more than 8 at a time. She reflects on a time where some of her friends had to stand at the table because there wasn’t enough seating. Senior Joao Alves said, “I like it, but honestly, the main cafeteria got better stuff,” adding that when comparing the main cafe and jr/sr cafe, the main cafeteria appeared to have not just more furniture, but more of a variety. 

Badot believes that upgrade is important to the well being of BHS students, as Badot describes lunch period as a “time for students to relax, decompress, and connect with their peers, or have quiet time for themselves.” He envisions an area where students can take a break from the day’s work of homework and classwork assignments, and have a period of time where students can actually interact with each other without thinking about the homework due next period.