In a recent meeting of the Derby School Board, significant strides were made in addressing student nutrition and attendance challenges. Under the warm glow of city hall lights, the board discussed the exciting news that Swayney Elementary has been classified as a rural school by the USDA. This designation opens the door for new meal distribution options, allowing families to pick up a week's worth of meals in one visit, a shift from the previous requirement for students to eat on-site. Starting this summer, families can collect five breakfasts, lunches, and drinks every Tuesday from 9 AM to 1 PM, making meal access more convenient.

Martha Lawson, the kitchen supervisor, expressed her gratitude for community support, particularly highlighting an upcoming garage sale aimed at funding food assistance programs. The sale promises to bolster efforts to feed students, with Lawson noting the staggering figure of 229,000 ketchup packets dispensed this school year, a testament to the scale of the food service operation.

The meeting also turned its focus to chronic absenteeism, with Dr. Holly Putnam Jackson presenting third-quarter data. The board aims to reduce absenteeism rates, which have seen fluctuations due to weather and health issues. For instance, Cooper Elementary reported a concerning 21.5% absenteeism rate, while Derby Hills managed to keep theirs at 12.5%. Each school is implementing various initiatives, from incentive programs to direct outreach to families, to encourage attendance.

As the board reviewed attendance strategies, they emphasized the importance of keeping students engaged and present in school. With the end of the school year approaching, the focus remains on maintaining momentum and improving attendance rates across all schools. The collaborative efforts of staff, families, and the community are crucial as Derby schools strive to ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed.