The typical 30-minute school lunch break evolves into two hours or more when teachers get together during summer break.  Such was the case the last Thursday in June as eleven current and former High Pointe Elementary teachers met for lunch at Applebee’s restaurant in Cedar Hill.  Family photos were passed around amid laughter and tales of vacation plans.  When lunch ended and a photo was taken, conversations continued in the parking lot where contact information was exchanged and promises were made to meet again soon.

The unofficial group, consisting of anyone who has worked at High Pointe, or is a friend of the school, has been meeting monthly for nearly two years.  High Pointe Kindergarten teacher, Wanda Call, initiated the routine when she retired in 2006 and wanted to keep in touch with her colleagues.   Most of the luncheon participants now work at other schools, in different careers or have taken up retirement hobbies. They value the friendships made during their careers and plan to actively retain and renew them.

The next luncheon is scheduled July 31, 11:30 at Applebee’s.