All Hempstead ISD families are strongly encouraged to complete the 2023-2024 socioeconomic form. These forms will be available online and will be sent home with each student in Pre-K - 12th grade in a First Day of School packet.
Hempstead ISD will continue its policy to operate the Community Eligibility Program (CEP) under the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program for the 2023-2024 school year. This simply means that each campus will serve breakfast and lunch to all students at no charge, eliminating the cost of reduced-price and paid student meals. However, in order to ensure that we can continue qualifying for this opportunity, we need all socioeconomic forms completed and returned by Friday, September 8.
This approach reduces burdens for families and helps ensure that students receive nutritious meals. However, it is more than just a meal.
DID YOU KNOW?
Completing the socioeconomic form provides choices and opportunities for students beyond the school cafeteria. There are several benefits for families that complete and return the application.
Benefits include:
School Meals - Free or Reduced prices on delicious and nutritious meals
Academic Tests – Reduced registration Fees for AP, SAT, and/or ACT tests
College Applications/Resources - Discounts on fees associated with applying for college, FREE college course credit, and scholarships
Activities – Free or discounted fees to participate in activities
Internet Access – Eligible for discounted rates on internet services
Additional District Supports - Access to additional staff, instructional materials and other academic support to ensure students receive the support they need and deserve.
The amount of state and federal funding available to support these resources is based on the number of Hempstead ISD students who qualify for free or reduced-price meals. Socioeconomic forms are also utilized in the annual state accountability ratings, ensuring that each campus is compared to other campuses with the same percentage of economically disadvantaged students.
Once the form is turned in, it is good for the entire school year. Only one form per family is necessary. Socioeconomic forms need to be submitted each year and are due by three weeks after the start of school, for returning families.
Every form counts. Each form that is not submitted means lost resources for our students and schools.