August 11, 2022
Dear Manhattan School District 114 Families,
Good afternoon! I hope this message finds all of you still enjoying the summer. It has been a hot and sunny summer and I hope everyone has gotten the chance to take advantage and enjoy time with your family. My message at this time means that the summer break is quickly coming to a close and the start of school is fast approaching. We will be welcoming our staff back on August 22nd and 23rd and then we will excitedly welcome back all of our students on Wednesday, August 24th!
As the new year approaches, I have some last minute things I wish to share with you in regards to transportation, school lunches, class assignments, and upcoming events.
Transportation: Last week you should have received a message from Mrs. Pam DeBoer that read; In an effort to plan transportation routes, we need your assistance. If you have not done so, please let us know if you are choosing to drive your children to school this 2022-2023 school year instead of bus transportation by emailing Pam DeBoer the following information: Student's Name & Grade, Car Rider in the AM - PM or Both: AM & PM, Please email pdeboer@manhattan114.org
- As we continue to deal with a significant bus driver shortage, parents are asked to assist with the following: Refrain from requesting bus stop changes. Transportation is working diligently to create efficient routes that will maximize the limited number of drivers. Bus stop change requests will be scrutinized and will be approved based on safety only.
- With a limited number of drivers available, routes may experience significant delays throughout the school year. We will do our best to communicate delays to our families but ask parents to demonstrate patience when delays occur.
- We encourage families to share the attached flyer with anyone interested in becoming a bus driver.
LWHS is hiring bus drivers. Click here for additional information.
School Lunch: Our food service provider, Preferred Meals, cancelled our contract as they are no longer serving meals to K-12 schools. We worked quickly in trying to secure a food service for the upcoming school year and found one provider willing to provide us with student meals for the 2022-2023 school year, Quest Foods. We are working with them to quickly prepare everything prior to the start of school. Also as a result of changing food service providers, the cost of student lunches will increase. At the board meeting last night, the board approved an increase of student lunches to $4.00. I apologize for the late notice. Click here for additional information on school lunches, meal planner, and menu items.
Class Assignments, Locker, and Bus Information: Parents will be able to view class assignments and bus information in Powerschool as of Monday, August 15th at 10 AM. Click here for PowerSchool Parent Portal Instructions on how to view schedules and bus information.
Meet the Teachers at Wilson Creek, Anna McDonald, and Manhattan Junior High Schools on Monday, August 22nd from 4 PM - 6 PM. School supply drop off for grades ED - 5 will also occur at this time.
Lastly, I want to once again thank you and all of our community for the support of our schools. We continue to grow and welcome new families into our schools and our community. We will begin the upcoming school year with at least 20 more students than last school year. Your support was never more evident than with the approval of the referendum to begin work on a new Manhattan Jr. High School. We hope that you will follow our progress on the district website, phone app, and also follow us on Facebook as we begin this exciting new chapter in our district’s history. Once the project is complete, we will have a ribbon-cutting ceremony and an open house for the community.
In closing, we are looking forward to another great year. Our community and our schools are an example of what can be accomplished when we all stand together, despite our differences. It is what makes Manhattan an exceptional place. I hope all of you enjoy the rest of your summer and your time together with your family. We look forward to seeing everyone in a couple of weeks!
Sincerely,
Mr. Rusty Ragon
Superintendent