SCCPSS to provide free meals, new medical emergency drill this school year

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Chatham County students return to the classroom on Monday.

This year, the school district is making a few changes to the meals students will receive throughout the day.

Children need healthy meals to fuel healthy minds. The Savannah-Chatham County Public School System is offering free breakfast and lunch all year to help students succeed in and beyond the classroom.

Richard Byrd, the SCCPSS Culinary Program Manager, says “we have kids who come home that moms and dads are working two or three jobs and they’re eating ramen at home. Nothing wrong with ramen, but it’s not the nutritious meal that you need for a smart mind and an educated mind.”

Recipes are tested to ensure they meet USDA and Department of Education guidelines. Each meal is designed to provide key nutrients through fruits and vegetables, whole grains, dairy products and a variety of protein options.

In addition to making the meals nutritious, Chef Byrd also wants them to look and taste good.

Keeping students healthy during the school year

School nurses play a critical role in keeping your students health and safe throughout the year. Each school in the district has a nurse, and the district also staffs cluster nurses from area hospitals for extra support.

First-year students in Georgia are required to take hearing and vision tests before school starts.

Immunizations should be up to date as well.

Nurse Brenda Sierzant says the health checks can be completed at the health department or a doctor’s office.

Also before school starts, check in with your student’s school nurse if they take any medications during the day.

Nurse Sierzantonce students return to the classroom, there’s something new to expect this year.

“It’s an emergency drill for medical emergencies, so the students will be hearing that over the loud system. And parents should be aware of that so when the students come home and say ‘oh we did this funny drill. They were doing CPR in the hallways.’ they know that was the Cardiac drill that we have to do for the safety of everybody in the building.”

There are a few ways you can start preparing your students for class right now.

Make sure they’re getting at least seven to eight hours of sleep each night. Summer can effect your student normal sleep schedule, so now’s the time to get back in the habit of going to bed on time.

Also, make sure your student is staying hydrated, especially the first few weeks of school when it’s hot outside. Pack a water bottle for them to have throughout the school day.