Palm Springs Unified School District started serving free breakfast to all students at certain campuses last year, including all Desert Hot Springs elementary schools, Desert Springs Middle and all high schools. Breakfast in the classroom is a pilot program at Agua Caliente only.
However, all students can eat breakfast at all schools. Those students on free lunch get free breakfast. Those on reduced lunch get breakfast for $.30. All others can purchase breakfast for $1.50, according to PSUSD spokeswoman Joan Boiko.
Coachella Valley Unified School District also serves free breakfast to students K through 6th, to students who want it. Palm View and Coral Mountain Academy elementary schools also participate in the special breakfast in the classroom program.
National studies show breakfast boosts classroom performance, and improves attendance and behavior. "Children are more alert," said Mr. Murfitt, "More willing to learn, and they're more focused." Each meal follows special nutritional guidelines, containing a balance between whole grain carbohydrates and fruits and protein.
Teachers at Agua Caliente say students are not only learning to read and right, but how to eat for success. "We have to get our brain food," said Jimena . "This is how we get smarter."
