Board restricts snacks; implements breakfast program
Sept. 19, 2014
Article by Sami Fischer; Video News Package by Kayla Fellers (below article)
Wake up just in time to get on the bus and have to skip breakfast? No fear; you can eat at school.
With the new lunch guidelines and classroom snack restrictions, Silver Lake Elementary School has implemented a new breakfast program.
“Due to a variety of concerns, The Board of Education directed the elementary school to discontinue daily snacks. The breakfast program was put in to provide a morning meal for students,” Ronda Pegram, elementary school principal, stated.
Breakfast costs $1.60 at a regular price, $.30 at a reduced price, and free breakfast is available for those who qualify. Breakfast is served in the elementary school kitchen from 7:30-7:50 a.m. Pegram said students go to the kitchen as soon as they get to school or get off the bus.
“We follow school nutrition guidelines. Tara Schooler, food director, chooses the meal options. Cereal is an option daily, and twice a week we have been providing other options such as mini pancakes, waffles, and cinnamon rolls. Students also get a variety of yogurt, fruit, and juice,” Pegram said.
Tina Bledsoe, third-grade teacher, shared her ideas on the breakfast program and daily snacks.
"I do believe that a good breakfast is very important, whether it's at home or at school. However, I do not believe that it can provide enough energy to last until lunch. The breakfast program is offered, but it is not a guarantee that all students are eating breakfast," she stated.