The Quill 5-26-21
Creating Opportunities Together
A Tought or Two From Mr. Nieslanik
As we step into the Memorial Day Holiday I hope this edition of The Quill finds you well. I am well and continue to be as busy as ever. My current work lies in the behind-the-scenes preparations for our return to school in September, as well as wrapping up this school year and finalizing Graduation on June 13, 2021. The annual tasks of hiring, budgeting, and purchasing for the opening of school are at the top of my to-do list.
We have recently completed our first hire, a new Assistant Principal, Mr. Gerardo Ibarra Elola, who will be replacing Mr. Weeks as he retires after 32 years in public education. Mr. Ibarra comes to us after spending the last six years as an Assistant Principal at Reynolds High School. Mr. Ibarra's passion is working with students and families who do not have English as their first language and those who may be struggling in connecting with school. I am excited to welcome Gerardo into our Southridge High School community. Over the next several weeks we will be adding six additional staff members, not due to staff leaving, but to additional staff being added into our community. This is exciting news, as we will be better able to meet the needs of all our learners.
Additional Food Assistance Funds
Great news! Oregon has been approved to issue retroactive Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) funds for the 2020 -2021 school year. This will provide more than $550 million in food assistance for approximately 572,000 children in Oregon. Funds will begin going out in the US Mail in July 2021. Apply now for Meal Benefits at www.schoolcafe.com to be sure you are eligible for P-EBT funds! Some households do not need to apply for P-EBT if they already qualify for free meals. Students in the following categories will automatically receive P-EBT funds. You DO NOT need to apply if ANY of the following are true:
- You receive SNAP or TANF benefits
- Your students qualify as Migrant, Foster, or Homeless
- You have already received a Meal Benefits approval letter for 2020-2021
Some households DO need to apply for Meal Benefits by June 30, 2021 to be considered for P-EBT. Go to www.schoolcafe.com to apply if:
- You have any students at a non-CEP school
- You have not applied or been approved for Meal Benefits for the 2020-2021 school year
If you're not sure if your students are eligible, go to www.schoolcafe.com. From there, you can:
- Check your existing account for student eligibility
- Create a new account
- Apply for Meal Benefits
Qualifying for free or reduced meals for the 2020 –2021 school year before June 30, 2021 will ensure you receive P-EBT when the benefits are issued. P-EBT benefit eligibility and amounts will vary. Visit pebt.oregon.gov for more information.