LISBON — The Lisbon Central School District, unlike many other districts in the region, did not qualify for the Community Eligibility Program that would allow them to provide students with free meals this school year.

However, the district will use federal funds received from the COVID-19 pandemic to provide students with free breakfast each day. The funds will also be used to provide each student with free school supplies for the year.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to provide our students with breakfast at no cost to their families. We hope this will encourage them to enjoy a healthy meal as they arrive each morning, preparing them for a day of learning,” said Superintendent Patrick Farrand. “Each student will also receive the supplies they need for the 2023-24 school year at no cost. We hope that this helps to alleviate some of the financial burden that we know weighs heavily on all families.”

Lisbon families are encouraged to complete the household eligibility income form provided by the district, regardless of their financial status. These forms help the district to qualify for grants and benefits for students beyond free meals.

Lisbon Central School students returned to school for the 2023-24 school year on Thursday, September 7.

The district hosted their annual “Back-to-School Knight” Aug. 22 where students and their families were invited to attend the event where school employees and local organizations were set up to provide services, activities and information.

“This annual event allows our students and their families to ease into the new school year in a fun way, and provides an opportunity for them to connect with various members of local businesses and organizations that support our school district year round,” Farrand said. “Back to School Knight provides many benefits to not only our students, but to faculty, staff and community members as well. We are proud to host, and grateful for community support that made this event a success.”

During the event, the St. Lawrence County Sheriff's Department offered SAFE ID cards for children, free back-to-school haircuts were provided by Tangles Salon, bounce houses were donated by the Hermon Volunteer Fire Department, and the Lisbon Wesleyan Church donated numerous new lunch boxes and backpacks for students in need.

Additional vendors, individuals, organizations and businesses that offered support, donations, and volunteers included: The St. Lawrence Health Initiative, Seaway Valley Prevention Council , The St. Lawrence County Youth Bureau, The People Project, SNAP, Community Health Center of the North Country, Fidelis, Girl Scouts, Maximizing Independent Living Choices, St. Lawrence County Department of Public Health, Lisbon Central School PTO, Northeast Education Migrant Tutor, Stewart’s Shops and the Backpack Program.