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Leetonia District treats students to Friday lunches

LEETONIA — Leetonia students will be receiving free lunches in September.

Schools Superintendent Rob Mehno told the school board last Tuesday that every student in grades kindergarten through 12 will be offered a free “complete” lunch each Friday when school is in session in September as part of “Fall Free Lunch Friday.” A la carte items will not be included.

Mehno said the free lunches are one way to share the district’s good fortunes this past year with those who matter most.

“We’ve been looking for ways to give back to the students,” he said.

In addition to the Fall Free Lunch Fridays, the district will continue its Lunch with the Superintendent program for seniors in September.

The Nutrition Group, which manages the cafeteria and food services for the district, is using the lunch programs to kick off the cafeteria’s new Facebook page, Mehno said. Once the page is complete, it will be linked to the district’s page.

In a copy of the district’s newsletter, Mehno also highlighted other initiatives instituted this year including a new sign in system and threat extinguishers, as well as an expanded Chromebook program.

Mehno said the district will be using a School Safe Visitor Management System (SchoolSafe ID) this year which will be installed in September.

Visitors will use their driver’s license when signing in as a visitor at the school for the first time. During their first sign in, the system will ask to establish a “digital pass” that will go on a cell phone or smart watch, so visitors do not have to have their driver’s license for the next sign in; driver’s license or digital pass must be used at the school once installed.

The kiosk will also print a visitor badge each time someone visits the school. The district will use one point of entrance as another safety precaution.

“We understand this can be an inconvenience and appreciate your patience with the new sign in system as well as the new traffic pattern,” Mehno said.

The new traffic pattern Mehno referenced is a change in the lanes of travel for arrival and departure of students in grades six through 12. The change is a result of suggestions from the Leetonia Police Department to prevent parking in the fire lane in front of the school as well as safety protocol that recommends one point of entry to the campus.

Mehno reminded parents and community members that the police department will ticket anyone parked in the fire lane in front of the school at any time, including athletic events.

This year, the district will also be installing threat extinguishers throughout the building.

According to Mehno, the threat extinguisher contains a “Less Harmful” pepper spray similar to “Bear Spray.” Once the canister is removed from its case the units will trigger a siren alarm, immediately contact the local police and send text messages to school officials.

When it comes to technology, the district’s curriculum this year will be expanding the 1:1 Chromebook initiative to include students in grades seven through 11. Students in grades three through six will have access to Chromebook carts and students in grades kindergarten through two will be using iPads.

Beyond the curriculum and safety measures being introduced this year, Mehno said the district will continue to work with the Salem Area Sustainable Opportunity Development (SOD) Center and Columbiana County Educational Service Center (ESC) on a community connectors grant “designed to bring together families, community organizations, faith or values based organizations, businesses and others in support of our schools and to mentor students.”

Mehno said mentors will focus on values that business and industry indicated are important such as attendance, discipline and good work habits. This year will also include a wellness and financial literacy piece to the mentoring program.

To become a mentor contact high school guidance counselor Mary Rice.

khowell@salemnews.net

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