Suffolk Schools partners with Food for Good to combat summer food insecurity

The Suffolk City Public Schools Board meeting on July 10, 2025, highlighted several key initiatives aimed at enhancing student support and community engagement. The meeting featured a report from Melvin Bradshaw of the communications and community engagement department, focusing on partnerships and programs that benefit local students.

One of the most significant announcements was the collaboration with Food for Good, a national initiative addressing food insecurity. This summer, Suffolk Public Schools is providing free meal delivery to eligible children in rural and underserved communities. From June 9 to August 18, families are receiving 10-day boxes of nutritious meals every other week, which helps eliminate transportation barriers to traditional meal sites. Currently, over 300 households are participating in this program.

The board also celebrated the success of the Star Student Internship Program, now in its second year. This summer, 17 high school juniors and seniors have begun paid internships across various departments within the school system, gaining valuable hands-on experience. The program aims to cultivate professional skills and prepare students for future careers.

Additionally, the meeting showcased the Mission to Mars STEM extravaganza, where 89 students participated in a hands-on event focused on designing and programming Mars rovers. This initiative promotes creativity and critical thinking while introducing students to potential careers in aerospace and engineering.

The board recognized the achievements of 12 graduates from the General Education Development (GED) program, who completed their studies on June 18. Their success was celebrated as a significant milestone in their academic journeys.

Looking ahead, the board outlined important upcoming dates, including the next school board meeting on July 24 and the summer school graduation at Lakeland High School on July 30. New teacher orientation is scheduled for August 11-13, with the first day of school set for August 25.

In closing remarks, board member discussions included updates on new Virginia laws affecting school policies, such as a cell phone ban during school hours and new regulations addressing cyberbullying and vaping. These changes aim to create a safer and more focused learning environment for students.

Overall, the meeting underscored Suffolk Public Schools' commitment to providing enriching educational experiences and addressing community needs.