NUTRITION, HEALTH, AND WELLNESS PRACTICES Food Service The Wicomico Coun8788ty school system provides a comprehensive food service program in each school. Breakfast and lunch menus are published once a month, posted on the WCBOE website (www.wcboe.org). Specific schools also host the “Maryland Meals for Achievement” breakfast in the classrooms and After School Snack programs. Menus for these programs are promoted through the schools. Free or reduced-price meals are available to children qualifying under federal government guidelines. Applications for free or reduced programs are available in each school, and parents are urged to apply if their income meets the income guideline. Parents may wish to prepay for student meals by check or cash. Payments may be made on a weekly or monthly basis. Meal purchases will be deducted at the point of sale. Parents are also afforded the opportunity to manage their student’s meal accounts through a secure and safe website by visiting https://www.mypaymentsplus.com/. You can set up a free account that will allow you to view and monitor your child's meal activity. In addition, you can post money on their account from the convenience of your computer or home phone. A small fee applies to post money on the account. All other activities are free. Health Screening Maryland law (COMAR) requires that the students be provided with hearing and vision screening “During the years the student enters the school system, enters the fourth, fifth, or sixth grade and enters the ninth grade.” Results of all screening will become part of the student’s permanent record. Parents will be notified if the student requires further follow-up as a result of these screenings. Vision Screening Unless evidence is presented that a student has been tested by an optometrist or ophthalmologist within the last year, vision screenings will be provided to students as they enter the school system, 1st grade, 4th grade and 8th grade. Vision screening does not replace a complete eye exam by an eye care specialist. Childhood vision problems that are detected and treated early can, in many cases, improve outcomes. Left untreated, vision problems can decrease the potential of the child and have long-term health and vision implications. When students have poor vision, they may suffer from low grades, restlessness, or disruptive behavior. Nearsighted children struggle to read the board. Farsighted children have difficulty doing close work, such as reading, drawing, or writing. Poor vision could lead to behavior and social issues, as well as difficulty playing sports. Certain groups of students are at increased risk for vision impairment. These include those with hearing impairment, close relatives with a visual impairment (amblyopia and strabismus), and children with other health conditions such as autism, Down syndrome, or neurodevelopmental disorders. If you have any concerns regarding your child’s vision, follow up with your child’s vision care specialist is recommended.
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