Monroe Messages
A Newsletter of Monroe County Schools
Free, Reduced & Paid Meal Options Returning to Monroe County Schools

As you are aware, schools have been able to offer students breakfast and lunch at no charge during the last two school years. This benefit was made possible due to the support of the United States Department of Agriculture continuing waivers created during the pandemic.

Unfortunately, the waivers for student meals at no charge have not been renewed at the Federal level for school year 2022-2023. We will be returning to the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program with reimbursement categories of Free, Reduced and Paid. If you believe your student(s) are eligible for Free or Reduced benefits, it will be necessary to complete and submit a Free & Reduced Meal Application prior to the start of school. Only one Free & Reduced Meal Application per household is needed. Free and Reduced Meal Applications will be available online at SchoolCafe.com beginning July 1st with a deadline of July 25th.

For more information about Monroe County’s School Nutrition Program, please contact Sandy Peppers, Lead Manager, at [email protected] or Lisa Budd, Director of School Nutrition, at [email protected] or by calling (478) 992-5609.

The entire Monroe County Schools Nutrition team is looking forward to supporting you and your student(s) navigate the changes for the upcoming school year.
With summer break upon us, we know some students may face food insecurity while away from school buildings. FoodFinder is a mobile and web app created by a graduate of Georgia public schools that allows families to find food distribution sites (including food pantries, drive-through distributions, and school meal providers) based on their location. 
Just one week ago, more than 250 Mary Persons seniors officially became high school graduates. As usual, the momentous occasional was celebrated with a ceremony at Dan Pitts Stadium. Let’s listen to the graduation night speakers.

In just a few weeks, you will be able to access information about Monroe County Schools in a whole new way. We’re launching new websites for all of our schools, as well as the district. In addition, we’re getting our own Monroe County Schools app. MPTV spoke with Communications Specialist Kari Buckindail to get all the details. Click here to listen.
4 Conversations to Have with Older Kids and Teens About Their Screen Time Habits
Older kids and teens are spending more time using digital devices and social media than ever before. The increase in screen time causes many parents and caregivers to worry about how kids' online activities are affecting their physical, mental, and emotional health. Click here for full article from Common Sense Media.