Free breakfasts offered to test-taking Mat-Su students

April 5, 2005

JOEL DAVIDSON/Frontiersman reporter

MAT-SU - More than 11,000 Mat-Su Borough School District students are eligible to chow down on free breakfasts this week as the district attempts to enhance test scores during state-mandated testing to be held April 5-7.

Students in grades 3-12 are eligible to eat for free during test days. The exams will measure proficiency in reading, writing and math and the results will determine education decisions within Mat-Su Schools. The federal government also uses test results to measure each school's Adequate Yearly Progress under the No Child Left Behind Act.

"Research proves that children who eat breakfast every day are better able to focus and concentrate on learning," Chief School Administrator Robert Doyle said. "From personal experience, we know it's difficult to pay attention when your stomach is growling. A healthy breakfast and a full stomach will help increase our students' chances for success, free from distractions or competing interests."

According to Kathy Walker, the district's supervisor of nutrition services, eligibility for free and reduced nutrition programs is typically based upon financial need and socioeconomic status.

"But we want to promote success, so we're opening the breakfast program to all students who are testing," she said. "We hope it will be a convenient option for our busy families."

Even though the district will likely give away roughly 15,000 breakfasts to students who don't normally qualify for the free meals, Walker said it won't cost the district any extra money because the meals are reimbursed by the federal government.

Over a three-day period, Walker's staff planned special breakfast menus for the students that include everything from yogurt, milk and bagels to cereal, cheddar cheese and applesauce.

"This allows students to focus on the test," Walker said. "The goal is to increase test scores."

Contact Joel Davidson at 352-2266, or joel.davidson@frontiersman.com.