The winter storm that hit Texas last month proved to be a difficult time for many in our community. It was also an added challenge to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic that has already drastically changed the way in which things are done.
In the midst of this new challenge, our school community united as one to bring hope, strength, and inspiration to the community in a time of need. Doing so was undoubtedly a team effort.
“Know that I greatly appreciate everyone‘s cooperation in keeping our students, staff, and community safe as we dealt with continuous power, internet, and water outages throughout our area communities. Many of our district facilities were affected” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Nate Carman.
There was a day of asynchronous remote learning for students as well as multiple days where the district had no choice but to suspend all operations due to the many unfortunate effects of the winter storm and, above all, for the safety of our students, staff, and community.
Despite the inclement weather, local students received their meals due to quick planning and teamwork.
The San Benito CISD Child Nutrition Program (CNP), in partnership with the Southwest Foodservice Excellence (SFE) Management Company, was able to provide the children of our community with 4,100 breakfasts and lunches for six days. A total of 24,600 meals were prepared, packaged, and distributed via curbside pick-up and bus route delivery.
“With most of our facilities without power, our CNP team was ready and came up with a plan. Our employees worked diligently in very cold weather, with minimal visibility, making no excuses because the community was needing our help,” said Child Nutrition Program Director Araceli Soto.
“Students and parents were so happy, smiling, and expressing gratitude for having their first hot meal in a week. I am so grateful to every team member that was a part of the team that day. It was amazing how the staff pulled through and showed their love for what they do,” added Soto.
The CNP team welcomed the assistance from the Transportation and Maintenance departments, our district Police and Security officers, and numerous Academic Services volunteers. Various departments working collaboratively made the meal distribution a success.
“Our police and security officers did an outstanding job assisting our food service and transportation departments during our meal loadings and distributions. This is a service they proudly provide weekly,” said San Benito CISD Chief of Police Juan Sosa.
“It’s an honor, privilege, and a humbling experience when you help your community at any level. We always put service above self,” continued Sosa.
“Our transportation team has gone above and beyond to ensure that all our students are taken care of by providing meals, delivering classroom assignments, providing mobile hotspot in even extreme weather days,” shared Director of Transportation Nancy L. Martinez.
“We continue to maintain clean and sanitized buses daily for the safety and well-being of the passengers,” added Martinez.
“During last week’s freezing temperatures, making sure meals were distributed to families was the district’s number one priority. SBCISD departments pulled together to make this endeavor possible despite setbacks,” said Assistant Superintendent of Academic Services Sara Alvarado.
“San Benito CISD is committed to collaborating with the community to ensure that all students receive a gold standard education,” added Alvarado.
Though many worked in dim lighting and all braved very cold temperatures, everyone made a tremendous difference in the lives of our community’s children.
It was truly a team effort!
