Yeah it’s all a bit confusing on the school meals and the difference between the handbook and the communication we got saying it was free for everyone at Hyde. Has already set up an account so won’t really matter either way…

The lunch isn't free unless you qualify for free lunch.... the handbook says "A lunch option will be available to students in the cafeteria and DCPS will determine the cost of meals for families." Last year it was $3/meal... I don't know if it has changed this year.

Anonymous wrote:OP here - thanks will reach out. Lots of differences in info online and info I’m getting now closer to the start of the year - for instance just found out school lunches will be free this year so perhaps another before school care approach has been set up.

Thanks!

I’m pretty sure if there’s before care it’s not champions but instead school staff (teachers or admin) just watching the mixed age group in the library or something. That’s how it was at our old school.

We got the email about free lunches too, but when I asked the school about it they had no idea and said it wasn’t accurate. We are coming from a school that was Title I and had the CEP all school free meal designation, I wondered if they had my child on some list for the old school despite the letter itself clearly saying she’s at Hyde this year. I emailed the DCPS contact on the letter for more info.

I’m all for school meals, but honestly I was glad it wasn’t an option for my picky eater. They wouldn’t prevent kids from getting a school meal even if they brought one, she would pick the junkiest part of the school lunch to eat and then not eat any of the fresher, more balanced meal I packed for her. Anyway, good luck!

OP here - thanks will reach out. Lots of differences in info online and info I’m getting now closer to the start of the year - for instance just found out school lunches will be free this year so perhaps another before school care approach has been set up.

Thanks!

Anonymous wrote:OP - did you reach out to the school? They sent the updated handbook in the newsletter today and it does mention Before Care starting at 7:00 am.

We are a new family at HA this year too, so I don’t know more than that. Our previous DCPS had before care just for a handful of kids whose parents had a “demonstrated need” I assume a work schedule that required it. I would imagine Hyde’s would be similar?

Good luck!

It says "Beforecare - 7am (if applicable)"

Champions has not said anything about beforecare being available this year. They tried to get it started in fall 2022 but there wasn't enough interest so they nixed it. Frankly I think they would probably also have staffing issues (its only 90 minutes of paid work).

Handbook https://12f5.edulnk.com/e/42jmh/0PU2wR?__$u__&nk=NjZiZmEzN2ZmMzdhMjU4ZWExNzIzYjA2LGVyaW5nYmVyZ0BnbWFpbC5jb206Ojo2YXdvdnFpeWptNmRseHVw

OP - did you reach out to the school? They sent the updated handbook in the newsletter today and it does mention Before Care starting at 7:00 am.

We are a new family at HA this year too, so I don’t know more than that. Our previous DCPS had before care just for a handful of kids whose parents had a “demonstrated need” I assume a work schedule that required it. I would imagine Hyde’s would be similar?

Good luck!

It starts at 8:10 AM

That’s good to know! Many thanks

Anonymous wrote:Hello,

I have a rising second grader who will be new to Hyde Addison this coming year. I was wondering if anyone knew of any before school care options around there? Champions doesn’t do before care at the school it seems but wondered if other options exists (eg CentraNia in other parts of the city has kids before school and takes them along to the elementary school when it’s time).

Many thanks

The school breakfast is in the cafeteria before the school day begins. Kids who come early have to go down to the cafeteria and hang out there, unless actively watched by a caregiver on the playground. It’s not clear to me what time that begins, but I often see kids heading down there at 815-820am. There’s no programming, but the kids can hang out in the cafeteria under the watch of school staff. It’s not a real beforecare program, but it can buy you an extra 20-25 minutes before the school day begins.

Hello,

I have a rising second grader who will be new to Hyde Addison this coming year. I was wondering if anyone knew of any before school care options around there? Champions doesn’t do before care at the school it seems but wondered if other options exists (eg CentraNia in other parts of the city has kids before school and takes them along to the elementary school when it’s time).

Many thanks