Friday Focus
January 12, 2024
SCHOOL NUTRITION NEWSLETTER
Message from the Director
Welcome back from a long and hopefully relaxing break! Now we have to hit the floor running with new menu items, new equipment and new faces. It makes me happy to see you embrace change to create the best version of school meals! Trying new methods ensures efficiency as you discover what is "smartest, not hardest." Our operation is one of continuous improvement and is the reason we can readily adapt to a myriad of challenges, including skyrocketing food, supply, equipment and repair costs, not to mention labor shortages. This is possible because of you and the way you step out of your comfort zone to problem solve as a team. Really, really nice work, everyone!
With gratitude,
Kathy
congratulations!
On the Rise
Introducing our new Production Leads, Briana Mitseff (L) and Shelley Clark (R). Briana is now leading the Deli team at VHS and Shelley will be assisting Nancy as the TJM Production Lead. Their former FS Tech positions at VHS are posted (see the Open Positions section at the bottom of this newsletter). Congratulations on the promotion of these experienced and deserving employees!
Flint Lake Equipment Upgrade
Flint Lake Elementary *finally* received a new dishwasher, the "little brother" version of the high school's Meiko giant flight machine. Cafe Manager Olga Bonvissuto writes, "We are so grateful to finally have the new dishmachine installed, ESPECIALLY because we don't have to hand wash all these dishes anymore. Our thanks to Kathy and Ashley for making it possible. We love the new dish machine, it's making our work simpler. THANK YOU!!" Shout out to Ashley who oversaw the installation over the winter break. Once the old machine was pulled out, she had to arrange for a contractor to come in and clean the floor before the new machine could be installed. Check out the before and after pictures below. What a transformation!
vhs satellite equipment upgrade
With the growing popularity of VHS Hungry Viking entrees, the Satellite team was running out of oven space to prepare meals for the private schools. This unintended consequence required us to purchase a combi oven for their operation. The Vulcan combi replaces a Baxter rotating oven that finally exhausted all nine of its lives and was sent to auction. Satellite Manager Shannon Butler is thrilled to be able to improve quality and create a longer holding time for her menu items.
No School on martin luther king day, Monday, january 15
"Life's most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?"
MARTIN LUTHER KING JR
meals per labor hour
The December Meals per Labor Hour (MPLH) report is below. Despite the short month, most schools experienced a small spike in lunch participation. All schools are green, an indicator of efficient staffing based on the volume of meals served. Nice job!
sodium reduction guidance
You may recall that this year, maximum sodium limits were lowered to Target 1A for school meals. Despite USDA's magical expectations, we must continue to develop recipes that meet these strict requirements while still being palatable and popular with students. As an example, the new daily average sodium max for elementary lunch is 1,110 mg. Milk contains 210 mg and ketchup, mustard and mayo condiments total 166 mg, leaving 734 mg for food. When you consider things like buns (270 mg) or a ranch cup (223 mg), the amount left for an entree, fruit and vegetable is only 241 mg. The menu planning process is more complex and challenging than ever. The Shaking It Up! sodium resources from the Culinary Institute of Child Nutrition provide tangible, practical guidance for school nutrition professionals to implement sodium reduction. You may be able to use these best practices at home, too, if you are trying to cut back. The Shaking It Up! resource page provides educational resources and training materials. Check out the short videos using the link below:
new k-8 breakfast menu concept
stay safe
From Julie Stahl, RN, Staff Wellness Coordinator
Thousands of people are injured each year in this country from slip and fall accidents which can result in serious personal injuries and sometimes, even death. Slip and fall accidents can lead to prolonged pain, permanent disabilities, lost wages and costly medical bills. The risk of slips and falls increase dramatically during winter months!
- Use special care when getting in and out of vehicles - try to park your vehicle in a clear area and watch where you step as you get in or out.
- Avoid carrying items that reduce your ability to see the ground in front of you - whether it’s one big item or five small ones, ask for help or take multiple trips so that you are never obstructing your sight.
- Scan the path six or more feet ahead of you for trip hazards - make sure your route ahead is clear of hazards such as rocks, clumps of snow, or a stray branch.
- Walk slowly and take small steps - walking slowly and taking small steps will help you maintain your balance.
- Wear footwear that has slip-resistant soles - as the name indicates, slip-resistant soles lessen your chance of slipping on ice, snow, or water.
- Plan ahead and give yourself sufficient time to get where you need to go - whether walking or driving, leave your current location 5-10 minutes early in case roads and sidewalks are covered with snow and ice.
- If you do happen to slip, try to avoid using your arms to break your fall - also, if you fall backward, tuck your chin into your chest to prevent hitting your head against the ground.
- Watch out for black ice when walking - try tapping your foot on potentially slick areas to see if they are safe to walk on. If not, find another route to take.
- Use your vehicle for support when entering and exiting - if you're parked in a potentially slick area, be sure to hold onto your car when entering and exiting so you can maintain your balance.
- When entering a building, be sure to wipe your feet - removing as much snow and water as possible from your shoes will decrease your chance of slipping when walking around inside.
old school?
Nancy Moore, TJM Cafe Manager, found this "old school" temperature monitoring hack you can use at home.
from ashley
Tis the season for winter storm warnings! I have heard so many different forecasts for this upcoming weekend that I just do not even know what to expect. I do have to admit I am ready for a good snowstorm, though (don't hate me). In the event of bad weather, all employees should be monitoring their emails for updates and can also check the Valparaiso Community Schools website for the latest information regarding school delays and closures. In your kitchens, all cold products should be moved from merchandisers/milk coolers/pass thru, to inside your walk-in coolers that are temperature monitored. Friday may bring some surprises, so let us be prepared the best we can. Remember, Monday, January 15th is already a non-school day due to Martin Luther King Day. Enjoy your 3-day weekend!
from laura
What To Do When Skyward POS Goes Down
On the occasions that we experience computer and/or internet issues, the best course of action is to call the computer technician at your school. Sometimes the disruption is isolated to an individual school, and the tech at your school would be your best resource to diagnose and rectify the problem. If the issue is district wide, they will be able to let you know that as well. We will contact the managers either through email or text to let you know when we’re aware of any issues. Always feel free to email or call the admin office to let us know that there’s a problem and that you’ve notified your school’s technician and what the status is.
If you don’t know who your technician is or how to contact them, please ask your school secretary for their information, so you can have it readily available when you need it.
INDUSTRY NEWS: JTM
new student employees at VHS
Lilly Hernandez
Lilly is excited for more responsibility...and a paycheck!
Alayna Trujillo
Alayna is happy she has a job that she likes and hopes to gain experience for future opportunities.
how to use Skyward Employee Access
Do you need help or a refresher on how to log in to Skyward Employee Access? The file linked below will take you step by step (with pictures) through this easy process. You need to be able to log in to Skyward Employee Access to request time off, print your check or tax forms. When you view your check, you should review the deductions and be sure they are correct based on what you chose during your enrollment appointment with American Fidelity.
financial check up
Valparaiso Community Schools continually strives to offer and educate staff about our unique and advantageous benefits. One such benefit is our elective retirement savings plan(s) that employees can utilize to help provide financial security at retirement. To ensure you receive information about this benefit, we are pleased to provide you with a newsletter (below) that has been prepared by the compliance administrator for our plan(s), U.S. OMNI & TSACG Compliance Services (OMNI/TSACG). In addition to providing information about our plan(s), OMNI/TSACG also offers a Financial Wellness website that covers areas such as managing personal finances, college funding options, and how to navigate Social Security when the time comes. You will find calculators, videos, and informative content on various topics to help guide you in your planning process.
free employee assistance program
Your Perspectives EAP is here to provide confidential, no-cost support for you and your family 24/7.
Call or text 800.456.6327 to schedule an appointment with a counselor or contact us for in-the-moment support.
Use the “Live Chat” feature on your Perspectives Online Portal to instant message with a counselor 7 a.m.-9 p.m. CST Mon.-Fri. (Remember to use your unique Access Code, and your Password is perspectives
Here’s how to access your EAP:
Access Code: valpo
Resources
Digital Resources
Open Positions
Non-employees can apply by completing an online application as an External Applicant here: https://www.applitrack.com/valpo/onlineapp/
FS Tech, VHS, 6 hours **new**
FS Tech, VHS, 5 hours **new**
FS Tech, Heavilin, 4 hours
FS Tech, BF Middle, 4.5 hours
FS Tech, Central, 4 hours
FS Tech, VHS, 4 hours
2023-24 Calendar
January 15, 2024 MLK Day (No Work Day)
February 16, 2024 Mid Winter Break (No Work Day)
February 19, 2024 Presidents' Day (No Work Day)
March 25 - 29, 2024 Spring Break (No Work Days)
2024-25 Calendar
Did you miss an issue of Friday Focus?
https://www.valpo.k12.in.us/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1221036&type=d&pREC_ID=1455849
About Us
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Email: kkane@valpo.k12.in.us
Website: https://www.valpo.k12.in.us/apps/pages/nutrition
Location: 2727 N. Campbell St., Valparaiso, IN 46385
Phone: (219) 531-3050
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ValpoSchoolFood
Twitter: @ValpoSchoolFood