Free Lunches and study materials are being offered at eight city school sites for any student on a pick-up and go basis. Staff to get full pay during crises and called in staff will receive holiday pay.
After a special called meeting of the Monroe City School Board Monday, the board has approved special actions that will provide meals and educational materials for students who are home during the Coronavirus health crises.
Betty Cooper, president of the school board, said the board has endorsed plans by superintendent Brent Vidrine for the following response to health crises in light of Governor John Bel Edwards emergency declaration:
–Schools will remain closed until April 13th
–Meals will be available for students on a pick-up and go basis
–There will be no LEAP 2025 testing this school year.
–Teachers and support staff will receive full pay during health crises.
–Staff called in while others are off will be paid Time and Half.
–All school proms have been canceled.
Cooper said, beginning Tuesday, March 17. the district will begin providing grab and go meals for children. Monroe City Schools educators will also operate a hotline for families who need academic support.
Meals will be provided on weekdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., beginning March 17. Families can pick up the first round of printed learning packets in the grab and go meal line.
The grab and go locations are:
- Berg Jones Elementary
- Jefferson Elementary
- Wossman High School
- Sallie Humble Elementary
- Shelling Elementary
- Madison Foster Elementary
- Carroll Jr. High
- Barkdull Faulk Elementary
Meals will be offered to any child age 18 and under regardless of whether they are a Monroe City Schools student. Printed learning packets will be available for students in grades pre-K to 8th. Children must be present with an adult to receive a meal and learning packet. Meals will include lunch for that day and breakfast for the following morning. The printed learning packets are intended for families who do not have internet access to the resources available on the district website. High school students are encouraged to use the digital coursework linked to the school or university website.
Cooper said the grab and go service will include pick-up lines outside the school for families to drive through or walk-up.
She said to avoid creating a large crowd, it is important that families immediately leave campus after receiving their meal and packet.
“We encourage our families to reach out to their teachers with any academic questions. Teacher email addresses are available on individual school websites. For a school website directory, visit www.mcschools.net. Schools will be open weekdays Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. beginning March 17,” Cooper said.
Dr. Brent Vidrine, superintendent of city schools said precautions are being taken to insurethe safety of both staff and students of the system.
“One of our next steps is to ensure the safety of all our employees. All Monroe City Schools and Central Office buildings will institute the office hours of 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Monday-Thursday. The families who need to retrieve their essential student medications, please do so during those hours.
“I want to thank everyone for their understanding and ongoing commitment to prioritize the safety of our students, staff, and school communities.
“Thank you to our students, families, and staff. Whether you’re supporting our students by leading our schools, providing high-quality instruction, serving on our school board, keeping our buildings clean, providing meals for students, completing payroll, or providing updates to our families, I appreciate everyone’s hard work and dedication. Thank you to our community members, including our medical and emergency personnel, parish government officials, and other partners who continuously work to keep our communities healthy and safe.
We are working to get you up-to-date information and will continue to be in regular contact. For the latest official district updates, visit the Monroe City Schools webpage.” he said.
