Medford, Ore.– Mrs. Lisa North put the final touches on her classroom Monday.
“It’s always exciting at the beginning of the year anticipating the new students coming and what your year is going to be like.”
The third grade teacher at Jefferson Elementary prepared for the first day of school Tuesday. She’s been with the Medford School District for almost two decadesand said this year there’s something new.
“Our district got a grant for some schools to be 100% title with our lunch program and all of our students will be able to eat free of charge this year.”
It’s a Title I grant. They got the federal money because they have a high percentage of low income students. More than 50% of them qualified for the free lunches.
“It’s really an amazing grant that the district was able to get to allow these kids to eat and have one less thing that they have to worry about.”
All Jefferson kids will get free lunches. On top of that, they’ll get free backpacks with school supplies inside.
“Inside the backpack there’s pens, pencils, erasers so that students have what they need at home to be able to do their homework and not worry about having to have extra supplies.”
A weight lifted off Mrs. Northand a new start. After one school year North said she’ll never forget. The teacher’s union went on strike February over contracts. It’s a time North said she’s put behind her.
“I guarantee we’re all looking forward to a fresh start we have a new superintendent. It’s a brand new year and we just look forward to moving forward and doing the best we can for Medford students.”
Eight schools in the Medford School District are Title I.
North said she doesn’t know if they all got the grant Jefferson did.
© 2024 KOBI-TV NBC5. All rights reserved unless otherwise stated.