School briefs for August 20, 1999

Friday, Aug. 20, 1999 | 4 a.m.

880 bus drivers hired to handle crunch

Nearly 40 percent of the Clark County School District's 216,000 students take the bus to school.

As a result, the district has hired 880 drivers to take about 86,000 students to and from school starting Monday.

Lori Harris, district spokeswoman, said students who live two or more miles from their assigned school are eligible to ride a bus.

For bus registration and related information, call 799-8100. You can register online at the website ccsd.net/transportation.

Reduced-fee lunches available at school

The National School Lunch/Breakfast Program is being offered at Clark County elementary and middle schools for poverty-level students. Applications are being accepted through today at area schools.

The qualifying standard varies depending on a family's income and size. A family of four with an annual income of $21,710 or less qualifies for free meals for the children. A family of four with an annual income of $21,711 to $30,895 qualifies for reduced-cost meals.

Families currently on food stamps or receiving Temporary Aid for Needy Families automatically are eligible for free school meals.

For more information, call 799-8123, Ext. 233.

Some 6-year-olds tested for placement

A new state law is in force this school year to ensure that all students entering the first grade are ready to learn.

Children who turn 6 before Sept. 30 but have not completed a state-approved public or private kindergarten program must be tested to determine if they are developmentally ready for the first grade.

Children who fail the test are required by law to enroll in kindergarten.

Children who attended public-school kindergarten, state-licensed or state-exempt private school or equivalent home schooling approved by the district are exempt.

Back-to-school fair at Meadows

The last Back-to-School Fair is Saturday and Sunday at the Meadows mall.

Parents can obtain information to help them at various booths.

The Clark County Health District will offer free immunizations.