Westside Community Schools Update
September 11, 2020
FREE MEALS AVAILABLE
We have great news! The USDA and NDE Nutrition Services have provided additional funding as an extension of the CARES act due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Until further notice all Westside current K-12 students will receive breakfast and lunch meals for FREE. This opportunity will run through the end of the calendar year 2020 or until directed by the NDE Nutrition Services. All students, K-12, qualify. Meals included are all student meals served in Westside Community Schools as well as those meals taken home for extended campus learning. (Any extra servings, bottled water, or grab and go items above and beyond a complete breakfast and lunch will be charged accordingly.) We are hopeful this will help our students and families as we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. Nothing needs to be done to receive the benefits of this program.
Please note, while this program will run retroactively from September 1, We strongly encourage you, if you have not already, to fill out our Free/Reduced Meals Application. This could benefit your family when this extension ends. CLICK HERE to review: https://www.myschoolapps.com/. ALL STUDENTS at WESTBROOK and WESTGATE Elementary Schools receive FREE MEALS under the Nebraska Department of Education’s Community Eligibility Provision. This will stay in effect for the entire school year.
For all extended campus learning we will continue to provide take home meals. Pick-up will take place each Wednesday at your child’s school through the remainder of the first quarter. We will follow the same practices we have had in place since the start of the school year, and need all families who intend to use this service to sign up so we have enough meals available. CLICK HERE to sign up (this is anonymous, but will allow our Nutrition Services team to prepare as needed.) https://forms.gle/m8cEQawscdeWxe5b6
For meals taken for extended campus learning, please note the following:
- We will provide 1 day or 5 days worth of lunch or breakfast and lunch for each child in your household, depending on need.
- Pick-up times are 8:30-12:30 each Wednesday at your child’s school. There is also a 4:00 PM-6:00 PM pick-up option for K-8 students at the WMS and WHS and West Campus students at WHS.
- When you arrive, please tell the front office you are there to pick-up meals, and a nutrition service member will bring the meals to you.
Finally, please know we have additional resources available at Westside Community Schools to ensure our students and families are supported. If you would like to access the Westside Food Pantry or the Westside Clothing Closet, please contact your child’s principal or Director of Student Services Robert Aranda at Aranda.robert@westside66.net. These resources are available to our families on an anonymous and private basis.
NEW COVID-19 DIRECTIVES FROM DOUGLAS COUNTY HEALTH
Please review the following update from the Douglas County Health Department:
If a household member (sibling, parent, other person living in the home) of a person who has developed the sudden onset of new symptoms, including cough, shortness of breath, or loss of taste or smell, with or without fever, they must quarantine at home until the person with such symptoms has been tested.
If the person tests positive for COVID-19, household contact(s) need to continue quarantine based on current quarantine recommendations. If the person tests negative or has a documented alternate diagnosis, then the household contact(s) may return to regular activities, including school and work.
If a household member (sibling, parent, other person living in the home) has two of the following symptoms: unusual muscle or body aches, persistent headache, sore throat, nausea/vomiting/diarrhea and congestion/runny nose that individual would need to isolate for ten days. Household members may return to regular activities, including school and work.
If you have any questions, please contact Robert Aranda, Director of Student Services, (402) 390-2150 or email feedback@westside66.net.
WE ARE HIRING!
Please help us spread the word that we are interviewing and hiring qualified candidates at positions throughout Westside Community Schools.
Here is a direct link to all available positions, with quick links to apply immediately: https://westside.tedk12.com/hire/index.aspx