Breakfast rates jump with new 'grab-and-goes'

McCOOK, Neb. -- The "grab-and-go" breakfast has been a huge success at the McCook elementary schools.

Easy-to-eat items, such as yogurt parfaits and breakfast wraps, are being offered to children to eat in classrooms at McCook Elementary and Central Elementary. Initiated after Christmas break, it replaces the standard breakfast that used to be offered before school began each morning.

Central Elementary has seen triple the number of students now eating breakfast, Superintendent Grant Norgaard told the McCook School Board Monday night, with 90 students currently ordering items from the grab-and-go menu, compared to 25 who used to eat breakfast.

McCook Elementary has seen up to 120 students using grab-and-go, compared to about 40-90 students who used to come early for the breakfast program.

The program is not just for low-income families, Norgaard said Tuesday morning, but is available for all students. With today's dual-income families and early school activities, breakfast can be a challenge: "grab-and-go" makes sure all kids have something in their stomach.

It's been in the works for about a year, Norgaard said, with teachers even visiting a North Platte school to see it "in action" and if it would cause too much disruption.

"Kids are more alert and responsive when they aren't hungry," Norgaard said, adding that he hadn't received any complaints from teachers.

The McCook Junior High hasn't utilized it yet, Norgaard said, as the cafeteria is in the lower level so logistics are still being worked out. Plans are for it be started sometime in the fourth quarter. For several years, high school students have been able to purchase items at the concession stand in the common area and bring those to class.

The board was also given an update on the construction of a training room at MHS.

The site, on the first floor of the high school behind the gym, is for both girls and boys and will be used for a trainer being provided by Community Hospital. The area was originally a kitchen when the school was first built, said McCook Public Schools business manager Rick Haney.

All work is being done in-house, he told the McCook School Board.

Positive comments from board and administration Monday night include:

* Loretta Hauxwell: thanked the bus drivers who transport students with less-than-ideal road conditions.

* Brad Hays: thanked teachers for getting grades logged into the Internet site, Infinite Campus, for parents to check.

* Bob Elder: commented on how it's good to see students back into the swing of things after the holidays.

* Brian Esch: thanked those involved with extra-curricular activities. Those volunteers have an impact not only on students but also on the public as a representative of the school system.

* Teresa Thomas: thanked the administration team who recently spoke on the radio about upcoming activities.

* Tom Bredvick: a huge crowd filled the gym to almost-capacity at the Christmas band and choir concerts; students were professional in their conduct and performances.

* Rick Haney, business manager: commended Tina Johnson, the technology director of the district.

* Grant Norgaard: also commended Johnson for doing an outstanding job.

* Student council representative Katie Kjendal: time is being set aside twice a week during the school day for students to get information on scholarships. Earlier in the meeting, Kjendal told the board that Spirit Week is going on at the high school this week with the Color Day dance on Saturday and that preparations are being made for the annual Leadership banquet and the bike rodeo.