School Nutrition
“ Providing nutritious meals for a healthy diet , body , and mind .”
Good nutrition is a key component of student success and achievement in the classroom . Consequently , the goal of the School Nutrition Department is to provide appealing , nutritious , healthy , and well-balanced meals to our students daily . Our customers may choose from a variety of entrees , whole grain-rich foods , fruits , vegetables , and one-percent or skim milk . This variety is essential to properly supply our students ’ many nutrient needs . Fresh fruit is available daily , and seasonal purchases of locally grown produce are coordinated through the N . C . Department of Agriculture and GAP certified farmers . Nutritional information for all menu items is available from the Cafeteria Manager , School Nurse , or School Nutrition office .
Breakfast and lunch programs are offered at all schools . During the 2016 -2017 school year we served more than 21,900 lunches and 8,800 breakfasts each day in the system ’ s 54 school cafeterias . Collectively that equals more than 3.8 million lunches and 1.5 million breakfasts annually . Meals served in school cafeterias must meet menu patterns and rigorous nutritional specifications established by the U . S . Department of Agriculture . However , if your child has been determined by a physician to be handicapped , and the handicap would prevent your child from eating the regular school meal , then School Nutrition will make any substitutions prescribed by your doctor . If a substitution is needed , there will be no extra charge for the meal . However substitutions and modifications to the menu are not available for personal , cultural , or religious preferences . Please contact the School Nutrition Office at ( 704 ) 836-9110 for further information .
School Lunch Prices
|
Breakfast |
Lunch |
Elementary |
$ 1.20 |
$ 2.70 |
Middle School $ 1.20 $ 2.80 High School $ 1.20 $ 2.80
School Staff |
$ 1.50 |
$ 3.75 |
Adult Guest |
$ 1.50 |
$ 3.75 |
Students with Special Diet Needs
Students with medical conditions such as allergies and diabetes may request modification to school meals by completing a Diet Order form . Parents may obtain a Diet Order application from the cafeteria manager , school nurse or School Nutrition office . The form must be signed by a physician and returned to the cafeteria manager or sent to the GCS School Nutrition Office , 500 Reid Street , Lowell , NC 28098 . For more information , contact your school principal or call the GCS School Nutrition Office at ( 704 ) 836-9110 .
Free and Reduced Lunches
All students enrolled in the Gaston County Schools are given an opportunity to apply for free or reduced price breakfast and lunch . To apply , a parent or guardian must complete and sign a Free and Reduced Price Meal application form . The form must be submitted each year . Only one application per household is necessary . Eligibility for free and reduced price meals is based on household income and number of people in the household . Applications are available from the cafeteria manager , school office and the School Nutrition office .
Transportation and Bus Safety
The Gaston County Schools Transportation Department operates one of the safest school bus fleets in the state . Bus transportation is provided to elementary , middle , and high school students living at least a mile and a half from their assigned school . All bus drivers must be 18 years or older and pass a bus driver training program designated by the N . C . Division of Highways . Bus drivers are trained and licensed by the N . C . Division of Motor Vehicles .
The transportation department was chosen as one of the Top Ten School Bus Fleets in the country and we are the first school system in the United States to produce its own biodiesel fuel . The department uses recycled vegetable oil from our school cafeterias to make the fuel .
Bus Schedule
Questions concerning your child ’ s bus schedule should be directed to the school principal .
School Bus Safety Tips
School bus safety is a top priority with Gaston County Schools . In order to make the bus transportation system as safe as possible , parents should remind children of the following conduct and bus safety rules :
• Always obey your bus driver .
• Observe good conduct . Always talk quietly on the bus . Never scream .
• Be at your bus stop on time .
• Help keep the bus clean .
• Stay off the street when waiting for the bus .
• Stay in your seat until the bus comes to a complete stop .
• Don ’ t play with the emergency door .
• Leave the bus only at the front of the door except in case of an emergency .
• Always keep hands , arms and head inside the bus .
• Never use drugs , tobacco , alcohol or profane language on the bus .
• Always use the handrail to get on and off the bus .
• Walk on the left side of the road facing traffic when going to the bus stop . Always stay well off the road .
When approaching or leaving your bus , if you must cross the street , always cross in front of the bus where the driver can see you . Always make sure the bus has stopped and the stop signal is extended . Always occupy the seat assigned by the driver or principal .
Citizens , Please Be Cautious
As the new school year begins , we ask all citizens of Gaston County to watch out for children who ride the bus . During the morning and afternoon hours when the yellow buses are transporting children to and from school , pay close attention to children getting on and off the bus . Always be extra cautious when approaching a yellow school bus . After all , we do transport daily the most valuable and precious resource in the world - our children .
8 • September / October 2017 • Parent Teacher Magazine