Welcome Back to School!

I just wanted to take a few moments to welcome everyone back and let you know a few things about our food service program.  This year we will be implementing some changes in the items that we menu.  As you are probably already aware, there have been modifications to the food pyramid and the national school lunch program that have direct effects on school districts nationwide.  The good thing is that with the changes we made last year, we were already ahead of the curve.  We will continue to strive to bring you and your children the best tasting, most nutritious meals that we can.  In addition, this year we will be focusing more on fresh, locally grown produce (like the bibb lettuce from Medina Creative Housing) and ask that you speak to your child about the benefits of eating their fruits and vegetables.  We will be trying new entrée ideas in hopes that we can get our students to try new things and broaden their horizons.  I encourage you to also try some of the items on our menu, either by coming in and having lunch with your child or myself or by making them at home.  If you would like recipes or ideas, don’t hesitate to give me a call.

We are still on the free/reduced national school lunch program.  Those of you that were on the program last year will have until October 1^st to complete and send in an application for this year.  After October 1^st, unfortunately your child will be returned to pay status and you will be responsible for any charges they incur.  To make sure this does not happen, please fill out your free/reduced forms as soon as you get them and send them back to me.  I am located at the high school office.  We ask that you do not give forms to teachers, as they have a lot of forms to keep track of and are sometimes overwhelmed at the beginning of the school year.  Instead, if your child could bring their applications to the lunch ladies, they will make sure I receive them.  I will be sending out letters with your children determining their status.  If you would rather have your confirmation emailed, please contact me so that I can make that happen for you. 

For those of you that do qualify for free meals, I would like to remind you that includes breakfast and lunch.  Also, there are changes to the application this year, so please read them thoroughly so that you don’t miss something.  If you do not fill out the application in its entirety I will have to send it back to you and that could cause a delay in getting your child their free/reduced meals. 

Fee Waivers are now included on the application in part 5.  If you would like your fees waived, please put a check next to yes.  Your fees will not be waived unless you do so.  By law I cannot share any information concerning your application without your consent. 

Don’t forget you can still pay online with EZPay!  Just go to the district website and it will instruct you on how to fill out your account information.  You will need an email address and your child’s student ID number.

Special diet restrictions:  If your child has a food allergy or special diet restriction, please contact me ASAP so that we can put together a meal program that works for them. 

This will be another fantastic year for all of us at Cloverleaf.  The food service staff looks forward to serving you and your child’s needs.

As always, if you need anything, please don’t hesitate to email or call or drop by.  My office is now at the high school in the community education office.

Sincerely,