BLAIR, NEBRASKA (2025 August 20, Wednesday)
Don Harrold, Writer / Editor
editor@blairtoday.com – Facebook
As Blair students returned to school this week, some parents expressed frustration on social media about morning drop-off procedures and breakfast time allocation, particularly at Arbor Park Elementary. BlairToday reached out to school officials to clarify policies and provide guidance for families.
The Parent Concerns
Several parents voiced concerns on local Facebook pages about the first day of school, citing long drop-off lines and insufficient time for children to eat breakfast before classes began. One parent noted that despite arriving for the 7:45 AM drop-off, their child didn’t exit the car until 8:04 AM, just one minute before the 8:05 AM tardy bell.
The concerns centered on whether children who rely on free school breakfast would have adequate time to eat without rushing or being marked tardy.
School Officials Respond
Flexible Policies in Place
Kyle Johnson, Principal at Arbor Park Elementary, clarified that while the school maintains a structured schedule, student nutrition takes priority over strict timing.
“At Arbor Park, drop off starts at 7:45 and the tardy bell rings at 8:05,” Johnson explained. “Students are able to enjoy breakfast in the cafeteria, and while we work to have them in class by the tardy bell, no child is ever turned away from finishing their meal.”
Johnson emphasized that accommodations extend beyond the standard timeframe: “Even if a student arrives well after the tardy bell has rang, if they missed breakfast and are hungry, we make sure they get something to eat.”
District Perspective
School Board Vice-President Courtney Tabor confirmed that students have a 20-minute window for breakfast, from 7:45-8:05 AM, but noted built-in flexibility for challenging days.
“A time frame has to be given to keep the day on track and not have kids taking longer than necessary to eat,” Tabor said. “But also, I do believe they let kids eat their full breakfast, especially on days when the drop off line is long. We all know hungry kids will not learn as well!”
School Board member Ginger Fredericksen provided additional context on the timing, noting that students “may be dropped off starting at 7:45, which provides roughly 10 to 15 minutes for those who choose to eat school breakfast.” She emphasized that staff are “very intentional during the busiest drop-off periods” to ensure adequate time.
Fredericksen also shared a practical perspective on meal timing: “I timed eating our dinner tonight. Including casual conversation, it took 10 minutes.”
Tabor acknowledged that first-day issues were expected: “Today was the first day of school, so of course the line was long. That is to be expected. The kinks and the ‘first day of school’ activities will all be worked out and soon the line will run smoothly.”
School-Specific Procedures
School Board Member Denise Ray noted that breakfast procedures vary by building: “Each school has its own morning routine and procedures. I encourage you to reach out to each principal to learn what works best for their students.”
Ray also mentioned that “students may take remaining breakfast foods into the classroom to finish eating,” providing additional flexibility for students who need more time.
For comparison, Blair High School operates on a different schedule entirely. Principal Tammy Holcomb explained that “The High School does not offer breakfast prior to the start of the school day Monday-Thursday. However, students can access a breakfast at 9:45am each of those days.”
Practical Advice for Parents
For Arbor Park Families
Principal Johnson recommends that families develop consistent routines: “For families who count on school breakfast, the easiest way to set kids up for a great morning is to arrive on time and keep a steady routine at home, so they can head into class fueled and ready to learn.”
Board member Fredericksen echoed this advice: “We encourage families who depend on our breakfast service to try to arrive as close to 7:45 as possible. That gives students the most time to comfortably get through the line and enjoy their meal. It also helps to remind children to go directly to the cafeteria when they arrive.”
She added: “Our schools are committed to making sure no child has to start the day hungry, and we work closely with parents if a child needs additional support with morning routines.”
Johnson emphasized the school’s commitment to student nutrition: “A good breakfast and good nutrition are the best way to start the school day.”
General Recommendations
Board Vice-President Tabor advised parents to “get to the school as early as possible” for breakfast service and to “contact the building principal with any concerns or issues that a parent may run into.”
Board Member Ray encouraged direct communication: “I am confident our principals and teachers are accommodating to students who are fueling up for their day of learning!”
Key Takeaways for Parents
- No child goes hungry: Schools prioritize feeding students over strict timing
- Flexibility exists: Students can finish breakfast even after the tardy bell rings
- Early arrival helps: Getting to school at 7:45 AM provides the full 20-minute window
- Communication is key: Parents with concerns should contact their building principal directly
- First weeks are challenging: Drop-off procedures typically improve after the initial adjustment period
- Classroom accommodation: Students may be able to finish breakfast in their classrooms if needed
The message from Blair school officials is clear: while structured schedules help maintain order, ensuring students are properly fed remains the top priority. Parents who have ongoing concerns about breakfast service are encouraged to contact their child’s principal directly to discuss individual needs and solutions.
For more information about specific school procedures, contact your building principal or visit the Blair Community Schools website.
[…] recently wrote a story about the dual issue of drop-offs and breakfasts at Arbor Park. As with any story I work on, I contacted folks in town who can help drill down into core issues. […]