Change in Meal Distributions
On Monday, March 30, Dearborn Public Schools is changing the format of its free student meal distributions.
Meals will now be distributed three times a week, instead of five.
Meals will generally be distributed on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. However, the week of April 6 to 10, meals will be handed out on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Friday, April 10, is Good Friday and a holiday for District staff.
Fewer meal distributions should make it easier for families to get food while reducing the risk of virus exposure for both our families and our staff. Each food bag will still contain both breakfast, lunch, and milk for a child under 18, but now the bag will have food for each day until the next distribution.
The grab-and-go meals will continue to be handed out between 10 a.m. and noon at the same seven schools. The Dearborn Schools student does not have to attend that school to be eligible for a meal. A designated person can pick up meals for multiple children. The student does not need to be present.
The distribution sites are Fordson, Dearborn and Edsel Ford high schools; McCollough/Unis; Salina Intermediate; Smith Middle School; and Woodworth Middle School.
The program is allowing the District’s 20,700 students to continue to have access to healthy food. The meals are funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s School Lunch Program. Dearborn Public Schools already used the federal program to offer all kindergarten to 12th-grade students free lunch and breakfast on school days.
Meal distributions will continue through the state-ordered school closure. Currently, schools are set to reopen on April 14.
Check firstbell.dearbornschools.org for the latest information on the school closure and the food program.
Playgrounds Closed
The weekend is here and although the weather forecast is calling for rain, we all like to get outside and get some fresh air. This is especially true during this time of year when the temperatures are on the rise and we all have been spending a lot of time inside.
Many are thinking that it might be alright to get outside and have children play with one or two friends. Unfortunately, this is not something we should be doing at this time. The battle to stop the spread of the COVID 19 virus is on-going and gathering in small groups, even outside at the local park is not something we should be doing.
During the State of Michigan mandated shut down, all Dearborn Public School facilities, including playgrounds, and athletic fields, will be closed to the public. Please do not attempt to go onto the fields or access the playgrounds. If you are found on the property you will be asked to leave.
The Governor has ordered that we all shelter in place. This is not a recommendation or suggestion. This action is being taken to help in the effort to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus and to mitigate the number of people becoming sick. Hospitals in southeastern Michigan are being overwhelmed and are reaching the point where they are unable to meet the needs of those arriving for care. We must all do our part to help slow the spread of this virus and remain at home!
The Governor did say that it is ok to go for a walk, run, or bike ride. However, we can not gather in groups at local parks or playgrounds.
We look forward to the day, hopefully in the not too distant future, when our facilities will once again be open to the public and we can all return to our regular routines. The District appreciates all of the support that the Dearborn community has shown and the tremendous amount of community spirit that has been demonstrated during this very difficult time. Together we will get through this, one community, #DearbornStrong!
