A lunch count is taken in each classroom with attendance at the beginning of each school day. Students who sign up to eat a hot lunch are expected to do so. Meal purchases are recorded. Students bringing sack lunches may purchase milk from the supply available in the lunchroom.

Lunchroom Rules:

1. School rules are in effect during lunch and recess periods.

2. Lunchroom aides are available to assist students. They are to be given the same consideration and respect as all other staff members. This will be strictly enforced.

3. ENERGY DRINKS AND GUM WILL NOT BE ALLOWED IN THE SCHOOL.

4. Parents are encouraged not to bring fast food items to school for lunch.

MES will follow the Food Free Classroom and Celebration procedures in an effort to manage student food allergies and reduce the potential for life-threatening allergic reactions. All birthday, holiday, and special occasion celebrations will be food-free. If snacks or drinks are brought to the school, they will not be distributed to the students.

With prior administrative approval, food may be used in the classroom for educational and nutritional instruction, and rewards. It is up to each individual teacher to establish guidelines for food-free celebrations in their classroom. Please check with your child’s teacher for these guidelines before you plan or purchase anything.

Thank you for following the MES Food Free Classroom and Celebration guidelines, which will assist in the health, safety, and inclusion of all MES students.

MES will follow the appropriate guidelines listed in the Food Allergy Plan for a student with a life-threatening food allergy. A parent/guardian may request a written copy of the plan or view a copy on the school’s website.

State law requires our school district to annually inform parents of students with life-threatening allergies or life-threatening chronic illnesses of the applicable provisions of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and other applicable federal statutes, state statutes, federal regulations, and state rules.

Federal law protects students from discrimination due to a disability that substantially limits a major life activity. If your student has a qualifying disability, an individualized Section 504 Plan will be developed and implemented to provide the needed supports so that your student can access his or her education as effectively as students without disabilities.

Not all students with life-threatening allergies and life-threatening chronic illnesses may be eligible under Section 504. Our school district may be able to appropriately meet a student's needs through other means. If your student has a life-threatening allergy or life-threatening chronic illness, please notify the building principal.

Modified Meal Request Form

• Schools will support and promote good nutrition for students.
• Schools will foster the positive relationship between good nutrition, physical activity, and the capacity of students to develop and learn.
• Nutrition education will be part of the District's comprehensive health education curriculum. See School Board policy 6:60, Curriculum Content.

• Schools will support and promote an active lifestyle for students.
• Physical education will be taught in all grades and shall include a developmentally planned and sequential curriculum that fosters the development of movement skills, enhances health­ related fitness, increases students' knowledge, offers direct opportunities to learn how to work cooperatively in a group setting, and encourages healthy habits and attitudes for a healthy lifestyle. See School Board policy 6:60, Curriculum Content.
• Unless otherwise exempted, all students will be required to engage daily during the school day in a physical education course. See Board policy 6:60, Curriculum Content.
• The curriculum will be consistent with and incorporate relevant Illinois Learning Standards for Physical Development and Health as established by the Illinois State Board of Education.