Lexington One Announces Free and Reduced Meal Policy

Lexington One School District has announced the implementation of a free and reduced meal policy for the upcoming academic year 2024-2025. The policy, aimed at ensuring that all students have access to nutritious meals, outlines the criteria for eligibility based on household income and size.

Eligibility Criteria for Free and Reduced Meals

The free and reduced meals policy states that eligibility is determined by the size and income of the household. As the size of the household increases, the income threshold also scales up. In order to verify eligibility, households have to disclose a SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) or TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) case number. In addition, an adult household member must validate the information provided by signing a form that includes all household members’ names, the applicant’s social security number (last four digits), and current income sources.

The Lexington One school district’s eligibility supervisor would review applications for approval. If applicants are not satisfied with the decision, they reserve the right to appeal to the school district’s Chief Financial Officer. Additionally, if a household’s size or income status changes, they could potentially file a revised meal application with the school, which might render the household’s children eligible for free or reduced meals. Full details of the policy can be acquired from the School District or individual schools.

All Pelion Schools to Offer No-Cost Meals

For the 2024-2025 school year, students in all Pelion schools within the Lexington Community District One can enjoy no-cost meals. Participating institutions include Fort Pond Elementary, Pelion Elementary, Pelion Middle, and Pelion High School. As part of the Community Eligibility Provision in the 2010 Healthy, Hunger Free Kids Act, parents don’t need to complete meal applications for their children to be eligible for complimentary breakfast and lunch. However, parents opting out of the program or seeking additional information can reach out to School Food Service Director Deidre Yonce.

Over 1,300 Free Meal Sites by SCDE for the Summer

The South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) is running over 1,300 free meal sites across South Carolina during summer break. Any child aged 18 and below can avail of free breakfast, lunch, dinner, or snacks at these sites. State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver commended the partners contributing to the initiative, stating that the department’s commitment to South Carolina’s children’s wellbeing doesn’t halt with the school year, and they were grateful to the partners working together to provide nutritious meals across the state.

Lexington County Coroner Confirms Lake Murray Drowning Death

Cody Miterko, a 27-year-old, Columbia resident, was the man tragically drowned in Lake Murray on June 15. Miterko was swimming with friends near the 500 block of Windmere Drive when he went missing and was later found in 10 to 15 feet of water around 6:30 p.m. An autopsy confirmed drowning as the cause of death.

A New Principal for Lakeside Middle School

The Lexington County School District One Board of Trustees has officially appointed Dr. Megan Carrero as Lakeside Middle School’s new Principal. Dr. Carrero, who possesses an impressive educational background and extensive experience as a middle school science teacher and administrator, is celebrated as an accomplished instructional leader and educator who championed students, their teachers, and families.

Lexington Transitions to .gov Domain

The Lexington County Council approved a shift from their existing LexSC.com domain to LexSC.gov to safeguard the town’s online presence further and expand the federal government’s support measures. Effective June 12, all town email addresses have transitioned from @LexSC.com to @LexSC.gov, and users are encouraged to update all website bookmarks and email address contacts accordingly.