Healthy schools - Chalkbeat

Newark parents have long complained about school lunches. This coalition is looking to change that.

Newark schools’ meal programs have been met with mixed reactions in recent years. A new coalition hopes to use a $3.8 million grant to give lunch a healthy update.

Samantha Lauten

| November 14

FROM Chalkbeat Indiana

New culinary lab, scratch kitchen expand food options and experiences at an Indianapolis charter school

At Circle City Prep’s new cafeteria, fresh produce replaces reheated pizzas, and an on-site chef prepares meals daily.

Amelia Pak-Harvey

| November 10

FROM Chalkbeat New York

Meet Harry and Lucy, NYC’s tween wheelchair racers

In a city where accessibility is a constant challenge, the Rising New York Road Runners Wheelchair Training Program focuses on removing barriers.

Amy Zimmer

| October 27

FROM Chalkbeat Newark

N.J. doesn’t have long-term plans to fund school construction in Newark. Who will pay for it?

Gov. Phil Murphy and the legislature are responsible for funding school construction projects in Newark and 30 other high-poverty districts. But with no long-term plans to do so, it’s unclear how Newark will completely fix its schools.

Jessie Gómez

| October 20

Healthy schools

More schools can give free meals to all kids, but many will struggle to afford it

A new federal rule permits 3,000 more districts to give free meals to all students. But without additional funding from Congress, many will likely hold off.

Kalyn Belsha

| October 11

FROM Chalkbeat New York

This abandoned Brooklyn lot will become a future hub for student learning and urban agriculture

Nearly 70% of NYC schools have access to some form of garden, but the planned Bergen Beach learning garden will be larger in scale and ambition.

Julian Shen-Berro

| October 10

FROM Chalkbeat New York

From hip hop to ‘Top Chef’: How two NYC after-school programs teach students about healthy eating

“Kids can’t perform in the classroom if they’re not feeling healthy, well nourished, and sleeping well,” one after-school provider said.

Julian Shen-Berro

| October 6

FROM Chalkbeat New York

After flubbing flood response, NYC education officials send guidance for a drizzle

NYC education officials gave schools little guidance during last week’s flooding. This week, a chance of a quarter to an inch of rain prompted a detailed memo.

Amy Zimmer

and

Michael Elsen-Rooney

| October 6

FROM Chalkbeat Colorado

More Colorado schools stock drug overdose reversal meds, but others worry about stigma

Keeping medicines like naloxone should be seen as no different from stocking albuterol for asthma attacks or epinephrine for anaphylactic reactions, says the head of the national school nurses association.

Rae Ellen Bichell

and

Virginia Garcia Pivik

| October 3

FROM Chalkbeat New York

Flooding hits 150 NYC schools, upends commutes

The downpour affected service on every subway line, delayed dozens of school buses, and prompted both NYC Mayor Eric Adams and Gov. Kathy Hochul to issue a state of emergency.

Michael Elsen-Rooney

Alex Zimmerman

and 2 more | September 29

FROM Chalkbeat New York

Here’s what to know about COVID guidance at NYC schools this year

NYC schools no longer will report COVID cases, but students and staff still need to isolate for five days.

Amy Zimmer

| September 12

FROM Chalkbeat Newark

Newark students struggle in hot schools amid heat wave

Studies have shown Newark is one of the hottest cities in the nation. With temperatures soaring into the 90s, parents are raising concerns about inoperable water fountains and no air conditioning systems in schools.

Jessie Gómez

| September 8

Healthy schools

Most Americans support universal free school meal programs, new poll finds

Six in 10 U.S. adults are in favor of providing all students with free lunch, a new national poll found. The results come as more states adopt universal school meal programs.

Kalyn Belsha

| September 7

FROM Chalkbeat Colorado

Denver added air conditioning to 11 more schools this summer. That leaves 43 without.

Temperatures in Denver can reach the 90s in August and September.

Melanie Asmar

| August 18

Healthy schools

Districts tout benefits of universal school meals as more states let all students eat for free

At least nine states will offer free breakfast and lunch to all students this year. That number could grow, though concerns about cost remain.

Kalyn Belsha

| August 10

Healthy schools

Bullying, food insecurity, test scores: What research shows about universal school meal programs

Offering free school meals for all students succeeds in increasing take-up of breakfast and lunch at school. Evidence of its impact on academic improvement is more mixed, but suggests some benefits.

Matt Barnum

| August 10

FROM Chalkbeat Detroit

Detroit school district gains new partners to fund health hub initiative

The organizations will add an additional $1.8 million to the initial Ballmer Group donation of $2.76 million

Ethan Bakuli, Chalkbeat

| July 31

FROM Chalkbeat Tennessee

From buildings to budgets, here are five key issues facing Memphis-Shelby County Schools this year

Memphis students return to classes for a new school year that could turn out to be pivotal.

Laura Testino

| August 7

FROM Chalkbeat New York

Here’s how NYC families can find free summer meal sites

NYC families can quickly locate the nearest free summer meal sites for their children, thanks to a text service from No Kid Hungry.

Julian Shen-Berro

| July 27

FROM Chalkbeat New York

New wave of funds to teach 6,000 kids to swim at NYC public school pools

This year’s budget includes an additional $5 million for opening public school pools for free lessons.

Katie Honan, THE CITY

| July 11