Many people consider Friday the 13th unlucky, some actually suffer from paraskavedekatriaphobia, the acute fear of this day. Many skyscrapers and hotels do not have a 13th floor and some airports do not have gate number 13. No one knows the true origin of this superstition, but some historians believe it combines the unlucky number 13 from Norse (Viking) mythology with the unlucky day Friday, the traditional day for executions. One thing is for certain, though, I am very lucky to work with all of you. Day in and day out, you make a difference and take pride in what you do. As we head into the long weekend, remember Dr. Martin Luther King's words, "If I can't do great things, I can do small things in a great way." Thank you for doing both!

With gratitude,

Kathy

Both middle schools will once again celebrate "Beat the Winter Blues with BBQ." Students and staff are encouraged to wear summer shirts and sunglasses. At VHS, a "Cowboy BBQ" is planned with Susie and her team dressing in western hats and bandanas. Look out, Yellowstone...

Mise en place is pronounced "meez ahn plahs" from the French phrase meaning "everything in its place." It is a basic culinary principle and a habit to incorporate both at work and at home. The video below is a perfect illustration of this process and you will quickly see the difference between working smarter, not harder. Amber Marrs expertly uses mise en place every day as she leads the VHS Deli team. She begins by looking at her recipe book, sets up her containers, then uses a cart to gather all ingredients at once. She is able to manage her time well this way and create the most delicious, fresh veggie chef salads in the Midwest (I know because I eat one almost every day!). What does your "Meez" look like?

Any permanent employee (including substitutes) interested in any of these positions can apply by emailing a brief letter of interest to Kathy Kane, Director at kkane@valpo.k12.in.us.

Non-employees can apply by completing an online application as an External Applicant here: https://www.applitrack.com/valpo/onlineapp/

FS Manager, Parkview, 6 hours

FS Tech, Cooks Corners, 5.5 hours

FS Tech, Central, 3.5 hours

FS Tech, TJM, 4 hours

Past issues of Friday Focus are posted on our department website on the Staff Training page here:

https://www.valpo.k12.in.us/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1221036&type=d&pREC_ID=1455849