BY MARK J. CRAWFORD
Telegraph Editor
STARKE — It’s now possible to receive three square meals a day at Bradford elementary schools.
Food Services Director Bruce Dicks told the school board Sept. 11 about the supper program addition to the elementary after-school programs. He said it’s off to a great start.
Now, in addition to free breakfasts and lunches, students in the after-school programs can eat supper at school as well. The site coordinators at each elementary school determine the best time to serve students, based on when they are hungry, Dicks said.
“We’ve had a lot of positive feedback about that, and I wanted to tell the board that we’re hoping to expand that for our middle school and high school,” he said. That would be based on the number of students and the need.
The school district promoted an after-school program at Bradford, Lawtey and Starke elementary schools this year, hiring part-time coordinators and activity leaders to oversee activities.
It is a fee-based program for students 5 years old through sixth grade. The cost is $55 per week plus the $25 registration fee, but families with more than one student pay a discounted $50 for each. The program lasts from after school to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, school days only.
Starke Elementary Principal Raymond Schaefer said they currently have 26 students enrolled.
“The program primarily focuses on recreation, but after snack time, students are given time to complete homework before starting the other activities,” he said.
Participation has remained strong since the program began, Schaefer said, and if the program continues to grow, they will need to hire another activity leader.
“We currently have posted on Skyward one open position for an activity leader. We are looking to hire qualified applicants ASAP,” he said.
According to Bradford Elementary School Principal Cassie Melvin agreed it is a time for supervised activities and play for the students. They have 16 enrolled and are still accepting registrations.
More information on Lawtey’s program was not available as of press time.
Registration packets for the programs are available at each school.
