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It is Angel Tree time again! This year we are again having all forms filled out online and there will be a few changes in the Angel Tree process due to COVID. If your family is in need of assistance from the Angel Tree Program this holiday season: Please fill out the form at the following link by Monday, October 12th: https://forms.gle/4JYpcBCYtVVyTaVN6 If you need assistance filling out the form please contact the NCRC office 515-382-1600 or email Whitney at wanderson@nevadacubs.org. To ensure privacy for families participating in the Angel Tree Program, a number will be assigned to each child's angel rather than using the child's name. Please list what you feel are the most important needs/wants of your child. It is very important to indicate the SIZE of all clothing/shoes that your child is in need of. Also, be specific in requesting games, books, etc. so that the person purchasing the item has a better idea of what your child really wants. At the end of the Angel Tree request form there will be a "submit" button that you must click so that we receive your request. You will be emailed a copy of your response after it is submitted. Please be sure you receive an email copy so that you know your request was received. Due to COVID, Angel Tree pick-up will be on Saturday, December 19th. As December 19th approaches we will notify you of pick-up details. If you want to help a local child:

• To purchase items for a local child, starting Monday, November 9th, please email Whitney at wanderson@nevadacubs.org with number of angels you would like to provide for as well as age range & gender(s) if you have a preference (we will do our best to accommodate your preferences).
• All purchased gifts MUST be returned to the NCRC by Monday, November 30th, if it is not possible for you to return gifts by this date another option is to make a monetary donation.
  • We ask that you do NOT wrap the gifts so that the families can see the gifts you have so generously provided.
  • We request that you wear a mask at drop off & stay in the entryway. If no one is in the office please call 515-382-1600 to let us know you are dropping off.
  • Please be sure to include your name & angel number in the bag.
• If you would like to make a monetary donation, your checks can be made out to "NCRC Angel Tree" and send it to the NCRC (1037 8th Street).

If you have any questions, please call the NCRC at 515-382-1600 or email Whitney at wanderson@nevadacubs.org.

The USDA has announced they have extended flexibilities for our lunch program which will give us the ability to serve free meals to all children until December 31, 2020, or until the congressionally appropriated funding runs out. We have been approved to start this today, September 10, 2020! This extension allows ALL students in our district to receive free meals regardless of their meal status during this time. This applies to meals served to students when they are attending school in person or when they are learning virtual. Below you will find some questions and answers to help guide you through these changes.

• Who gets the free meals?
  • All students 18 years old or younger can receive a free breakfast and lunch every day while on site
  • All Virtual Learners & children under the age of 18 can receive a free breakfast and lunch by pre-ordering meals for daily pick up at our High School Location. The online pick up form is located on the Nutrition page of our website or you can click here -   next week's order form will open on Friday.
• When do free meals start?
  • All free meals (Breakfast & Lunch) will begin Thursday September 10, 2020.
• Can I get credit for the meals I have purchased so far this school year?
  • No, we only have approval for free meals starting on September 10th
• Can I get a refund on the money in my students account?
  • We prefer you leave your money in your child's account. This flexibility is only available through December 31, 2020 or when funds run out.  If you leave your money in the account you will then have a positive lunch balance when it is required to go back to paid meals.
• How will my students get their free Breakfast & lunch?
  • Our program will run as normal where the students will go through the lunch line. They will enter their student ID number or have their card scanned.  They then will be charged a meal but that cost will come up as free. This allows us to keep track of how many meals and who is eating but there will be no charge to your account.
• Will the menu change?
  • The new flexibility requirements run under the Summer Food Service Program. Those guidelines are a little different than what is required in the National School Lunch Program. So, yes the menus have changed a little and you can find those posted on the website for your convenience.
• Do I still need to fill out a free & reduced application?
  • Even though meals are free right now, we do ask that you fill out a free & reduced application so when meals do switch over to being paid, you will be charged per your eligibility.
• Can my student still purchase A La Carte Items or even an extra lunch?
  • Yes, Middle School and High School students will still have the option to purchase an extra meal or a smart snack approved item but will be charged for those items. We are only allowed to give free full reimbursable meals so extra milk is not a full meal so it must be charged.
• If I decide to still bring a cold lunch for my student, will I be charged for milk?
  • Yes, milk is not a full meal and so it is considered A La Carte and will be charged.

If you have any further questions concerning these new changes please feel free to contact Nutrition Director Billie Veach - bveach@nevadacubs.org.

Does your family need assistance with school supplies?  Don't worry, we can help! Visit this link to request supplies.  The request form will be available through August 14th. After requesting supplies, a drive-thru pickup will be available on August 18th at the NMS Circle Drive from 4-6pm. If you have any questions please contact Jodi Heeren or Elizabeth Gindt.

Resources

Meals	Guidance & FAQ from Iowa Department of Education	Guidance for Schools from Iowa Department of Education
Educational Resources for Home	McFarland Clinic Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources

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