Seward Area Schools Delay Start 10.17.18

2018_10_17 Seward School Delay Start
ALERT: TWO HOUR DELAY START* for these Seward area KPBSD schools on WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2018 due to weather conditions.

  • Moose Pass School
  • Seward Elementary
  • Seward High School
  • Seward Middle School

If weather and road conditions warrant a full closure, an announcement will be made by 8:00 AM.
*A two hour delay means that buses run two hours later than normal, school begins two hours later than normal, and staff arrives at school two hours later than normal.
Parents and guardians, if you decide, based on conditions near you to keep your child at home, kindly call your school to let them know. Absences will be excused.

College Fair for teens in Kenai, Alaska

News Release
FY19 College Fair Event

9th Annual Kenai Peninsula College Fair
Nearly 50 educational institutions will send representatives to meet with KPBSD high school students on
Tuesday, October 16, 2018, from 10:00—1:00
in the Kenai Central High School gymnasium.

The ninth annual Kenai Peninsula College Fair is free, and no appointments are needed. Students and parents can learn more about scholarships, loans, state and federal financial aid programs at the Financial Aid booth. KPBSD juniors and seniors will attend with their schools. Connections, IDEA and Cook Inlet Academy students can sign-in at the door. KPBSD students need to sign-up with their school counselor to attend; transportation is provided.
 

Confirmed educational institutions:

Academy of Interactive Entertainment, Alaska Christian College, Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE), Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Peninsula Job Center, Alaska Pacific University, Alaska State Troopers, Boise State University, California Baptist University, California Lutheran University, College of Saint Benedict & Saint John’s University, Colorado Mesa University, Colorado State University, Corban University, Eastern Washington University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Fort Lewis College, Grand Canyon University, Idaho State University, Kenai Peninsula College, Kenaitze Indian Tribe, Lewis-Clark State College, Linfield College, Northern Arizona University, Northwest Nazarene University, Pacific Lutheran University, Peninsula College, Southwestern Oregon Community College, The College of Idaho, Tulsa Welding School-The Refrigeration School, Universal Technical Institute, University of Alaska  Southeast, University of Alaska College of Engineering, University of Alaska Fairbanks, University of Alaska Fairbanks-College of Liberal Arts, University of Alaska Fairbanks College of Engineering and Mines, University of Alaska Southeast Sitka, University of Idaho, University of Montana, University of Montana Western, University of Portland, University of Puget Sound, Washington State University, Weber State University, Western Washington University, Whitworth University, and Willamette University.
 

“We are excited to have so many post-secondary institutions visiting our district to meet with our students,” said Sean Dusek, Superintendent. “This partnership allows our students to explore their college and career aspirations in a convenient and safe location. This is due to the large number of students in our district that are qualified for post-secondary education.”
 

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Homer Middle School, 2018 National Blue Ribbon School

News Release2018 BR Eagle
Homer Middle School achieves 2018 National Blue Ribbon School recognition

“It is with great pride for Homer Middle School to be recognized as a 2018 National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. Students, staff, parents, and the community of Homer are all responsible for this extraordinary achievement. This accomplishment is a result of support, hard work and dedication to high academic expectations that makes Homer Middle School one of the best schools in the Great State of Alaska.” –Kari Dendurent, Homer Middle School principal
“Congratulation on your students’ accomplishments and for your extraordinary commitment to meeting their unique needs,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos in an October 1, 2018, video message announcing the awardees. “We recognize and honor your important work in preparing students for successful careers and meaningful lives.” Homer Middle School is a 2018 National Blue Ribbon School, based on overall academic excellence or their progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups.

One of three schools in Alaska to receive this distinguished honor in 2018, Homer Middle School, in Homer, Alaska, joins ten other schools in the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District (KPBSD) to achieve the National Blue Ribbon excellence designation. Nationwide, 349 schools are honored with 2018 National Blue Ribbon School recognition.

“I am very proud of the effort our staff and students put in at Homer Middle School,” said Sean Dusek, superintendent. “This is a very well deserved award that exemplifies what is happening around KPBSD. Congratulations Homer Middle School! Great job and I look forward to many more years of great leadership, excellent instruction, and significant student learning growth.”
“These three diverse Alaskan schools are excellent examples of educational communities coming together to support all students, every day,” said Alaska Education Commissioner Dr. Michael Johnson. “I am pleased that Homer Middle School, Pioneer Peak Elementary School and, for the second time, Stellar Secondary School are being recognized as National Blue Ribbon Schools. Congratulations to the students, staff, and families of these schools. Alaska is very proud of you!”

 
Homer Middle School Blue Ribbon
The U.S. Department of Education will honor the 300 public and 49 private schools at a recognition ceremony on November 7-8, 2018, in Washington, D.C.
Links:

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Homer Middle School National Blue Ribbon 2018-3
Homer Middle School National Blue Ribbon 2018-2
Homer Middle School National Blue Ribbon 2018-4
Homer Middle School National Blue Ribbon 2018
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Native Education Advisory Committee seeks members to serve

FY19 Native Education Advisory Committee

  • Is setting priorities to meet the unique educational and culturally related academic needs of our 1,200 Alaska Native and Native American students of value to you?
  • Do you believe it is important to encourage or assist our Alaska Native and Native American students to stay in school and pursue further education?

The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District Title VI (Indian Education), formerly known as Title VII, seeks parent, student, and staff advisory committee representatives. The qualities desirable in the members of the advisory committee are:

  • Willingness to actively participate
  • Involvement in community affairs
  • Represent the interest of all children in the KPBSD who are eligible for Title VI

Committee members must commit to quarterly meetings, usually held at the KPBSD office building in Soldotna. Remote area representatives participate via Skype for Business.

Seats by Region


Parent Representative
A parent is any person who on the date of election for Advisory Committee membership is the parent, acting local parent, legal guardian, or elder of a student currently eligible for Title VI and enrolled in KPBSD

  • Seat D—Region 4 (Ninilchik, Anchor Point, Homer)
  • Seat E—Region 5 (Seldovia, Nanwalek, Port Graham)
  • Seat F—At-Large (any region)

Student Representative Any KPBSD Title VI enrolled student

  • Seat G—At-large
  • Seat H—At-large

Staff Representative Any KPBSD employee

  • Seat I—At-large

The KPBSD Title VI Advisory Committee is a requirement of the federal government to receive Title VI funds and assists KPBSD in setting the priorities to meet the unique educational and culturally related academic needs of Alaska Native and Native American student population. The KPBSD Title VI Advisory Committee will also consider and make recommendations as to programs, projects, or other efforts specifically aimed at encouraging or assisting Alaska Native and Native American students to stay in school and pursue further education.
Nominations for membership are due by noon on September 28, 2018. (scroll to the bottom of the webpage for nominations.) Return your completed nomination by region to Conrad Woodhead, KPBSD Native Education Coordinator, at cwoodhead@kpbsd.k12.ak.us. Questions? Please call 907-235-8671.
A Title VI Advisory Committee Meeting will take place October 3, 3018, 3:00 – 4:30 p.m., Borough Assembly Chambers, or via Skype.
Links

KPBSD
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KPBSD school calendar dates, what do you think?

FY19 School calendar committee
 

  • What do you think about school start dates, holidays, and inservice days?
  • Will you serve on a committee to set a future KPBSD school calendar?

Everyone: kindly provide your thoughts about the school start date, holidays, and inservice days.
Survey closes September 28.

 

Calendar Committee Volunteers
Apply by October 1, 2018

The calendar committee reviews the 2019-2020 calendar and makes recommendations to the school board for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 school calendars.
WHO: Three parents, one teacher, one administrator, one support employee, one board member and one student serve on the committee
WHEN: The meetings will be October 9, and October 16 (if needed) at the District Office in Soldotna, Alaska.
APPLY by October 1, 2018
Details and the 2018 Calendar Committee Application are online at Calendar Committee or contact Natalie Bates at 907-714-8858.
Return your application to NBates@kpbsd.k12.ak.us or fax to 907-262-5867 by October 1, 2018.

Collective Bargaining and Tentative Agreements (TA)

KPBSD, and KPEA and KPESA Negotiations Summary*
Tentative Agreement (TA) dates are noted; if new language is adopted that differs from the original proposals exchanged February 15, 2018, the new language is linked in a pdf, next to the TA date.
Proposals and counter-proposals still open for bargaining and exchanged after opening offers are linked in a PDF in the “Proposal” column.
Articles or sections still open to bargaining do not indicate a TA.
KPBSD Collective Bargaining Webpage
Opening offers:

October 17, 2018 package offers, expire October 31, 2018:

October 17, 2018: KPBSD Supposal MOA to KPEA and KPESA District exploratory effort at a Memorandum of Agreement to use one-time funds to increase employee compensation in current year FY19 without increasing salary schedule.
Proposal Cost of February 15, 2018 KPESA and KPEA offers to KPBSD
FY18 KPEA and KPESA Salary Schedules with percentage increases by steps and lanes

Kenai Peninsula Borough School District (KPBSD)
and Kenai Peninsula Education SUPPORT Association (KPESA)

District Proposal to KPESA Date of Tentative Agreement (TA)
Article 3 Association Rights
8.9.18 KPBSD Proposal
10.17.18 adopted TA language
Article 10 C 1 (b) Transfers
Article 16 Salary Schedule
Article 17 F Payment Conditions
Article 25A Donations of Sick Leave
Article 27 Health Care & Appendix A
Article 36 Contract Conditions and Savings Clause

 

KPESA Proposal to the District Date of Tentative Agreement (TA)
Article 3 Association Rights
8.9.18 KPESA counter-proposal to KPBSD
 10.17.18 adopted TA language
Article 10 N. Lunch Breaks
Article 10 P. Pay Warrants
Article 11 Discipline and Discharge 3.1.18 adopted KPESA language
Article 12 D Resignation
3.1.18 revised proposal to KPBSD
Article 16 Salary Schedule
Article 17 G. Longevity
Article 17 A. Shift Differential
Article 20 Personal Leave
Article 21 Association leave
Article 27 Health Care
Article 36 Contract Conditions Term and Savings Clause
NEW Article 37 Extracurricular Programs 3.1.18 revised proposal to KPBSD
Article 121 Extracurricular Salary Schedule

 

Section Not Proposed for Change by Either Party Date of Tentative Agreement (TA)
Preamble 2.15.18
Particle 1 Administration 2.15.18
Article 2 Definitions 2.15.18
Article 3 Association Rights 2.15.18
Article 4 Fair Practices 2.15.18
Article 5 Membership Rights 2.15.18
Article 6 Management Rights 2.15.18
Article 7 Personnel Files 2.15.18
Article 8 Safety and Liability 2.15.18
Article 9 Term of Employment 2.15.18
Article 9A Classification 2.15.18
Article 13 Reduction in Force 2.15.18
Article 14 Mileage Reimbursement 2.15.18
Article 15 Special Certificate or License Reimbursement 2.15.18
Article 17A Discretional Funds 2.15.18
Article 18 Leaves and Benefits 2.15.18
Article 19 Holidays 2.15.18
Article 22 Civic Leave 2.15.18
Article 23 Unpaid Leave of Absence 2.15.18
Article 24 Leave of Absence for Reserve of Auxiliary Members of Armed Forces (AS 39.20.340) 2.15.18
Article 25 Sick Leave 2.15.18
Article 25B Sick Leave Bank 2.15.18
Article 26 Physical Examinations Reimbursement 2.15.18
Article 28 Life Insurance 2.15.18
Article 29 Travel Insurance 2.15.18
Article 30 Worker’s Compensation 2.15.18
Article 31 In-service Training 2.15.18
Article 32 Other Dedications 2.15.18
Article 33 Career Development Program 2.15.18
Article 34 Grievance Procedures 2.15.18
Article 35 Contract Dissemination 2.15.18
Article 36 Contract Conditions Term and Savings Clause 2.15.18

 

Kenai Peninsula Borough School District (KPBSD)
and Kenai Peninsula Education Association (KPEA)

District Proposal to KPEA Date of Tentative Agreement (TA)
Section 105 Teachers’ Salary Schedule
Section 110 H Salary Conditions
Section 120 Extracurricular Programs
Section 121 Extracurricular Salary Schedule
Section 210 Health Care & Appendix A
Section 305 Instructional Leave 2.15.18 adopted KPBSD language
Section 306 Instructional Leave Bank 2.15.18 adopted KPBSD language
Section 343 Donations of Sick Leave
Section 470 Workday 8.10.18 adopted KPBSD counter-proposal to KPEA
Section 550 Dues, Fees, Deductions, Continuing Membership
8.9.18 KPBSD proposal
10.17.18 Adopted TA language
Section 650 Duration

 

KPEA Proposal to the District Date of Tentative Agreement (TA)
Section 105 Teachers’ Salary Schedule
Section 110 E Salary Conditions
Section 210 Heath Care
Section 305 Instructional Leave 2.15.18 adopted KPBSD language
Section 306 Instructional Leave Bank 2.15.18 adopted KPBSD language
Section 320 Personal Leave
Section 325 Personal and Sick Leave for Less Than Full Time Employees
Section 340 M. Sick Leave
Section 342 Use of Sick Leave for Bereavement 2.15.18 adopted KPEA language
Section 470 D. & E. Workday 8.10.18 adopted KPBSD counter-proposal to KPEA
Section 475 Teacher Preparation Periods
Section 550 Dues, Fees, Deductions, Continuing Membership
8.9.18 KPEA counter-proposal to KPBSD proposal
 10.17.18 Adopted TA language

 

Section Not Proposed for Change by Either Party Date of Tentative Agreement (TA)
Article 100 District Rights 2.15.18
Article 101 Association Recognition 2.15.18
Article 102 Contract Definitions for the Purpose of this Agreement 2.15.18
Article 115 Initial Placement on the Salary Schedule 2.15.18
Article 120 Extracurricular Programs 2.15.18
Article 130 Reimbursement for Physical Examination 2.15.18
Article 135 Mileage Reimbursement Rate 2.15.18
Article 140 Discretional Materials 2.15.18
Article 150 Vandalism 2.15.18
Article 220 Liability Insurance 2.15.18
Article 221 Worker’s Compensations 2.15.18
Article 230 Life Insurance 2.15.18
Article 232 Insurance During Approved Leaves 2.15.18
Article 307 Legal Leave 2.15.18
Article 310 Career Development 2.15.18
Article 325 Personal and Sick Leave for Less Than Full-Time Employees 2.15.18
Article 330 Civic Leave 2.15.18
Article 335 Sabbatical Leave 2.15.18
Article 339 Automated Substitute System 2.15.18
Article 341 Sick Leave Bank 2.15.18
Article 345 Unpaid Leave of Absence 2.15.18
Article 346 Leave of Absence for Reserve or Auxiliary Members of Armed Forces (AS 39.20.340) 2.15.18
Article 405 Additional Educational Employment 2.15.18
Article 410 Involuntary Transfers 2.15.18
Article 415 Student Discipline Procedure 2.15.18
Article 420 Duty Free Lunch 2.15.18
Article 425 School Closures 2.15.18
Article 427 Forced Absences 2.15.18
Article 430 End of Quarter Days 2.15.18
Article 431 Inservice Training and Workshops 2.15.18
Article 435 Job Openings 2.15.18
Article 436 Teacher Involvement in Selection of Administration 2.15.18
Article 440 Job Sharing 2.15.18
Article 445 Personnel 201 Files 2.15.18
Article 446 Due Process 2.15.18
Article 450 Academic Freedom 2.15.18
Article 451 Assignment of Student Grades 2.15.18
Article 455 Reduction of Staff 2.15.18
Article 460 Recall Rights and Tenure Acquisition 2.15.18
Article 463 Subcontracting 2.15.18
Article 466 Specialists 2.15.18
Article 474 Impact of Class Size 2.15.18
Article 479 Teacher Exchange 2.15.18
Article 480 Notification of Non-Retentions 2.15.18
Article 483 Teacher Rights 2.15.18
Article 490 Teacher Evaluation 2.15.18
Article 505 Information 2.15.18
Article 510 Release Time for Meetings 2.15.18
Article 515 Meetings 2.15.18
Article 520 Use of School Buildings 2.15.18
Article 525 Use of School Equipment 2.15.18
Article 530 Supplies 2.15.18
Article 535 Mail Facilities 2.15.18
Article 540 Non-jeopardy Clause 2.15.18
Article 541 Membership Rights 2.15.18
Article 545 KPEA Professional Leave 2.15.18
Article 553 IRS Section 125 Plan 2.15.18
Article 555 Other Deductions 2.15.18
Article 560 Conformity to Law 2.15.18
Article 565 School Board Agenda 2.15.18
Article 575 Bulletin Boards 2.15.18
Article 630 Agreement Dissemination 2.15.18
Article 640 Grievance Procedures 2.15.18

*Links

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Growing awareness: helping students who are homeless

Are you, or is someone you know sleeping in a motel, a camper, a tent, couch-surfing, shelter, or “doubling-up” living with friends or relatives until you can find or afford a place on your own?

The KPBSD Students In Transition program can help families or unaccompanied youth who lack a stable, adequate, and permanent place to sleep at night.
 
FY19 SIT Program HL

 
“Homelessness isn’t an issue specific to a certain age, gender, ethnicity, or education level, it is a human experience that most everyone is vulnerable to.” –Kelly King, KPBSD Homeless Liaison

Are you seeking a way to assist? Connect at the KPBSD Students In Transition Facebook page where you will discover posts about ways to be involved, and stories KPBSD has permission to share.
KPBSD Students In Transition (SIT) Program
Thousands of KPBSD students have received supports and services from the SIT program since the beginning of the program in 2003. At the new start of every school year, the “number of students identified” count starts at zero. While students can be re-identified each school year based on their current living situation, there is no carry-over of students from the end of a school year in May to the beginning of a new year in August.
2018_09_12_SIT Homeless Students
On September 12, 2018, KPBSD Homeless Liaisons have identified 98 students as meeting the homeless definition given by the McKinney-Vento Act. This is a 42% increase (or 29 students) from this time last year (69 students identified 9.12.17 district-wide). Both Liaisons have additional referrals coming in, almost daily. For perspective, on average, the KPBSD SIT program identifies and serves close to 250 students per year.

Snapshot in time

“City of Onset Residency” is the community in which the student was sleeping on the day they were identified by SIT staff. Very small communities with Students In Transition were combined in order to protect the privacy of the identified students. Of the 98 students, 32 are unaccompanied youth (homeless youth not living with their parent or legal guardian). Sixty-six students are with a family unit, and 31 families are currently being service. KPBSD homeless liaisons will continue to identify and enroll students until the last day of the current school year, and expect final enrollment numbers to be upwards of 300 students.

Focus: educational opportunity

The primary focus of the KPBSD SIT Program is access to kindergarten through high school graduation for homeless students. School can be challenging for all students, but students living in unstable situations face many additional challenges. The goal of the SIT Program is to ensure that homeless students have the same educational opportunities as their peers in permanent housing–that they have the ability to attend school and focus on learning. There are a variety of agencies and organizations who work hard to support vulnerable residents of the Kenai Peninsula. Our KPBSD homeless liaisons provide information to students and families about these resources to help address their additional needs.

The Students in Transition program provides:

 
An advocate to help students and families find the resources they need in the community for food, shelter, clothing, transportation, and permanent housing:

  • Free school meal benefits
  • Immediate school enrollment
  • School supplies
  • Paperwork assistance to secure school documents
  • Special academic support if needed
  • Local referrals to other agencies

To learn more about the Students In Transition program, which students may qualify, and available program services, please talk to your school principal, secretary, counselor or nurse, or contact your KPBSD local area liaison directly:

Connect on Facebook: KPBSD Students in Transition

 

Happy Constitution Day!

 
2018_09_17 Constitution Day
On September 17, 1787, the delegates to the Constitutional Convention met for the last time to sign the U.S. Constitution document they created.
KPBSD invites teachers, students, and the community to celebrate Constitution Day through activities, learning, and demonstrations of our love for the United States of America and the blessings of freedom our Founding Fathers secured for us.
This Canvas link provides resources teachers can use to engage students in civics and the Constitution: https://kpbsd.instructure.com/enroll/A474MW

News Release: Kachemak Selo New K-12 School Bond

2018_08_27_HL_K Selo BondKachemak Selo New K-12 School Bond*
Kenai Peninsula Borough Proposition No. 1
To be voted on by all KPB voters, October 2, 2018
Soldotna, September 10, 2018—The Kachemak Selo New K-12 School Construction project began July 9, 2011, when a petition was submitted to the school board by local residents requesting a public school facility. Kenai Peninsula Borough voters

Kindergarten through twelfth grade classes are currently housed in three leased residential facilities that have deteriorated beyond useful capacity. The estimated cost of this construction project will not exceed $15,460,000. The proposed bonds in the amount of $5,450,000 would fund the 35% local match as well as costs associated with planning, design, site acquisition, preparation and development, construction and equipping the Kachemak Selo K-12 School.
The approximate annual amount of taxes on $100,000 of assessed real or personal property value to retire the debt are $4.95 (based on the Borough’s FY2018 taxable assessed valuation). Review supporting legislation.
Links:

*GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS TO PAY THE LOCAL REQUIRED MATCH PORTION OF THE COSTS OF THE KACHEMAK SELO NEW K-12 SCHOOL. To be voted on by all voters October 2, 2018.
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News Release: KPBSD: Proposition 1 Kachelmak Selo New School

Free and reduced meal program in KPBSD schools

News Releasecropped-KPBSD_2017-2022_StrategicPlan_Seal-circle-no-edges.png
KPBSD schools offer National School Lunch Program
The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District (KPBSD) participates in the National School Lunch Program. Applications for free and reduced meals are currently being accepted, and meals will be available to all children at these schools:

Chapman School; Fireweed Academy; Homer High School; Homer Middle School; Kalifornsky Beach Elementary; Kaleidoscope School of Arts and Science; Kenai Alternative High School; Kenai Central High School; Kenai Middle School; McNeil Canyon Elementary; Moose Pass School; Mountain View Elementary; Nikiski Middle-High School; Nikiski North Star Elementary; Ninilchik School; Paul Banks Elementary; Redoubt Elementary; River City Academy; Seward Elementary; Seward High School; Seward Middle School; Skyview Middle School; Soldotna Elementary; Soldotna High School; Soldotna Prep School; Soldotna Montessori; Sterling Elementary; Susan B. English School; Tustumena Elementary; and West Homer Elementary.
Meals meet nutritional standards set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Your KPBSD schools participate in the National School Lunch Program, After School Snack, and School Breakfast Program.
Community Eligible Meals
Students at Homer Flex; Nanwalek; Nikolaevsk; Port Graham; and Tebughna qualify for the Community Eligibility Meal program that allows all students to eat a free meal for both breakfast and lunch. Families with students that attend these schools or attend a school that does not have a National School Lunch or Breakfast Program will not fill out the School Meals Application but will fill out the Income Declaration Form.

Parents and Guardians

If your income is less than or equal to these 2018-2019 guidelines you are eligible for free or reduced-price meals. These guidelines are effective July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019.
To receive an application for free or reduced-price school meals, or ask questions, contact KPBSD Student Nutrition Services, 139 Park Avenue, Soldotna AK 99669, or call 907-714-8831. Applications cannot be processed and determined until fully completed. Information provided on applications is subject to verification at any time.

Link: KPBSD Student Nutrition Services webpage: http://bit.ly/StudentNutritionServices

If you have children who are approved for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) formerly known as Food Stamps, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Native Family Assistance Program (NFAP), they are automatically able to receive free meals by filing an application that includes their assistance number from one of those programs. Students who are migrant, homeless, or runaways are automatically eligible and do not need to fill out an application. Foster children receive free meals regardless of the income of the household with which they reside. Note: Medicaid and Denali Kid Care case numbers do not qualify for eligibility.
Read the rest of the KPBSD schools offer National School Lunch Program news release
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