Some schools will dedicate a whole period for lunch and some have lunches across multiple periods. But what about schools who have multiple lunches within one period? We call these Lunch Waves. For example, during 4th period, you might have A, B and C lunch, which may occur at the start, in the middle, or at the end of the period. Our scheduling tool allows schools to add lunch waves to their schedules for better accuracy in monitoring student movement.
This article will walk you through the options in adding a Lunch Wave to your schedule.
Adding a Lunch Wave to a New Schedule
If you have not created a schedule before, click here for a detailed tutorial. The following instructions focuses on where to add a lunch wave when creating a new schedule.
Start on the Admin screen and use the left-side navigation menu to choose click Bell Schedule.
To create a new schedule, click the + Add Schedule button on the top right corner.
Name your schedule then, in the Regular Days box, click + Add Regular Day.
In the Add A Day pop-up, name your Day Type. If you have a rotating schedule, you can enter something like: A Day, B Day, or C Day.
Next, start creating your periods. First name them, then define their time frame(s).
Every period has the link + Add Lunches to this Period, providing the option to add a lunch wave. When you get to a period where a lunch wave occurs, click the + Add Lunches to this Period link.
Name each lunch in your wave then define their time-frame. You must create at least TWO lunches to create a wave. Based on period length, the system by default will divide up the lunches in 30 minute increments until there is no time left. Adjust the time frame as needed, then click Save.
Note: If you need to remove a lunch, click the trashcan icon to the right of each lunch block.
Click Save once you are done adding your lunches to your lunch wave.
When taken back to the Add Day Type pop-up, you'll see your lunch wave listed within the designated period. If you have additional periods that need a lunch wave, go ahead and add those. Once all your periods (and lunch waves) have been added, click Save.
From this point on, continue building your schedule like normal, then publish. Click here for a refresher on adding schedules.
Adding Lunch Waves to an Existing Schedule
If your schedule is already built out, follow the instructions below to learn how to add lunch waves.
Start on the Admin screen and use the left-side navigation menu to choose click Bell Schedule.
Your existing schedule(s) will be listed. Locate the schedule that needs updated and click the Change Schedule button at the bottom.
When the schedule opens, click the edit / pencil icon on the specific Regular Day schedule in which you need to add a lunch wave.
Next, locate the period(s) where your lunch wave takes place and click + Add Lunches to this Period.
Name each lunch in your wave then define their time-frame. You must create at least TWO lunches to create a wave. Based on period length, the system by default will divide up the lunches in 30 minute increments until there is no time left. Adjust the time frame as needed, then click Save.
Note: If you need to remove a lunch, click the trashcan icon to the right of each lunch block.
Back on the Edit a Day pop-up, you'll see the newly added lunch waves listed in their designated period.
Once lunch waves have been added, click Save again.
In order for the changes (added lunch waves) to take effect, you must re-publish the schedule. click Next all the way through until you get to the calendar.
Click Publish to save your changes.
A warning pop-up appears advising the schedule will be visible for all teachers and students. Click Publish one more time.
You'll be taken back to the Bell Schedule page. If you have other schedules that need lunch waves added, go ahead and do so.
Note: Editing a schedule to add lunch waves will undo acceptance for assigned classes in that period that were previoulsy accepted by teachers. Teachers will need to log in and re-accept those classes.
Accepting Classes
Add Lunch Waves to a new period that is unassigned to classes
Add Lunch Waves to a new period that is unassigned to classes
When a new period is created with a lunch wave and the schedule published, teachers can accept classes, just like normal.
Add Lunch Waves to a period that is assigned to classes
Add Lunch Waves to a period that is assigned to classes
When a lunch wave is added to an existing schedule, a pop-up warning will appear advising the period’s assigned classes will be removed. After publishing the schedule, teachers will need to log in and re-accept classes for that period and it's corresponding lunch wave.
For help learning how to setup and accept classes, click here.
FAQ
Can I add lunch waves to more than one period?
Yes, you can add lunch waves to more than one period.
Can I add more than two lunches within a lunch wave?
Yes, you can add as many lunches to your wave as the designated time frame permits.