The U.S. Department of Agriculture has officially extended its summer meal waivers for the entire 2020-21 school year. 

The USDA waivers, which will now be in place through June 30, 2021, allow schools to waive meal pattern requirements and serve meals to all children under 18 at no charge. The waivers also enable meals to be served outside of the typically required group settings and meal times, and permit parents and guardians to pick up meals for their children. 

The previous extension of these waivers was originally set to expire at the end of December. Earlier this month, however, Congress passed a continuing resolution bill that granted authority and funding for further extensions, which was later signed into law.

The School Nutrition Association has been advocating for the waiver extensions, saying that they are vital for students and their families who may be struggling with food insecurity due to COVID-19.  

“These waiver extensions are great news for America’s students and the school nutrition professionals working so hard to support them throughout this pandemic," School Nutrition Association President Reggie Ross said in a statement. “Families struggling to make ends meet can be assured that their students will have access to healthy school meals, whether they are learning at home or in school. School meal programs can remain focused on safely meeting nutritional needs of children in their communities without having to worry about burdensome regulations.”  

Superintendent Hughes was Supercharged after another visit at The Magnet Innovation Center (WCSD’s 1^st STEM School).  WOW!!!!!  The level of instruction, Instructional Instruments and resources being used to provide cutting edge Innovative Learning for students in the 21^st Century.  A quick observation of what Mr. Kamando and Mrs. Dickerson was facilitating in Introduction to Engineering and Pre-AP ELA was phenomenal.  EPIC is truly The Way; Hang On and Gain On!!!!!

Dune Lakes Elementary Art Instructor, Kathleen Whaley and Media Instructor, Rachel Gonzalez blend their Kindergarten curriculum to bring alive the book, The Dot, by Peter H. Reynolds.  

The Dot is rellistic fiction children’s book that explores overcoming self-doubt through the simplest of measures.  Vashti, the story’s main character is a reluctant learner who, through making a single dot on a page, learns that she can draw and ultimately be an inspiration to other new artists.  With the simple encouragement from her teacher “Just make a mark and see where it takes you!” Vashti is set on a path to explore something new with confidence. 

Dune Lakes Elementary Kindergarten students read The Dot in both art class and in their media class. In their art class, each student created two dots. Look where it took them – a beautiful collaborative installation between all Kindergarten classes and two special classes.

Dune Lakes is keeping it EPIC in special classes and Kindergarten! 

This week, Mrs. Chest's Civics class used the AVID strategy Socratic Seminar to conduct a civil conversation on current issues. They were able to examine multiple perspectives on many different issues.