As part of a comprehensive effort to improve student health, Biloxi Junior High School will become the latest Biloxi school to install new combination ovens in its kitchens.

Using a Nutrition Integrity grant from the Mississippi Department of Education's Office of Child Nutrition, funded by The Bower Foundation, the school will replace its existing deep fat fryers with oven steamers. The change, which will be in place by the Christmas holidays, is made possible by the Nutrition Integrity grant Biloxi Public Schools received in May.

The junior high is the fourth of Biloxi's six public school cafeterias to install the ovens. Plans for the district's two remaining schools -- North Bay and Jeff Davis -- are in the works.

"A combination oven steamer uses super-heated steam to cook foods with less fat, saturated fat and trans fat," said Dixie Eleuterius, Child Nutrition director at Biloxi Public Schools. "Since school meals are such an important way to ensure that our children are fit, healthy, and ready to succeed, we want the foods we serve to be as nutritious and appealing as possible.”

The new equipment will help the district's contract company, Chartwell’s, improve the 350 breakfasts and 940 lunches that are served each day to students and staff at the junior high.

Said Eleuterius: "With the new guidelines we are offering more fruits, vegetables and whole grains and limiting the sodium, calories and saturated and trans fat in school meals. The foodservice staff is working very hard at providing the students with healthier meals."

School lunches: To learn more about the Biloxi Public Schools Office of Child Nurtition -- online meal accounts, menus, prices, and answers to frequently asked questions -- click here.

Six members of the Biloxi High School Band have been selected to perform with the Gulf Coast Youth Symphony Orchestra for the 2012-13 concert season.

Those chosen for the ensemble are Molly Evans, flute, 11th grade; Frances Lawson, flute, 10th grade; Will Chamblee, horn, 11th grade; Jonathan McNeer, trombone, 11th grade; Ryan Tempone, tuba, 12th grade; and Dacota Berkowitz, bass, 11th grade.

"I am so proud of these students going the extra mile to further their music education," said Travis Oakley, Biloxi High School director of bands. "These students have shown the kind of dedication and work ethic that we should encourage and celebrate. They are truly positive ambassadors of Biloxi High School."

Hear for yourself: To learn more about the Gulf Coast Symphony and the youth orchestra, click here.

Food, games and family fun will be the main attractions Saturday, Sept. 22 when the CISV Gulf Coast International Children’s Festival takes place on the Biloxi Town Green.

The free event, which takes place from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. will offer a chance to learn about other cultures in fun atmosphere.

A bounce area, Kid Master Express Train and performers are planned.

For more information, call (228)324-6460 or email gulfcoast@us.cisv.org

Print it: To print a flyer about the festival, click here.

Athletics: To see this month's schedule of Biloxi athletics events, as compiled by Athletic Director Tom Gladney, click here.

Access issues: A continuing access issue has prevented the updating of several areas of the district website. Access has been restored at this writing, and most areas have been updated. Efforts are continuing.