Friday Focus
February 23, 2024
SCHOOL NUTRITION NEWSLETTER
Message from the Director
What will you do with an extra day this year? Next week includes February 29 which only occurs every four years. Leap years were first introduced by Julius Caesar when he established the Julian Calendar in 46 BC. A typical year is just a little over 365 days. To be exact, it is 365 days 5 hours 48 minutes and 56 seconds, according to the National Aeronautics and Space Museum. That extra 5 hours 48 minutes and 56 seconds starts to add up and needs to be accounted for somehow. If we don't account for this extra time, the seasons would begin to drift and soon summer would be in the middle of December. Take advantage of this extra day opportunity to give extra attention to students with Leap Year Lagniappe. Lagniappe (pronounced lan-yap) is a french term used in New Orleans for businesses to give a little something extra to their customers. Ashley has created the perfect Lunch Lagniappe for the Leap Year menu by adding a "frog on a pond" jello cup! I'm fairly certain this will grow your participation by leaps and bounds. 🐸😉
With gratitude,
Kathy
Congratulations!
Shannon Butler
Shannon Butler is Manager of the satellite operation providing meals to our private school clients. She recently completed a 40 hour course for Managers through the Indiana Department of Education. This grant funded program offers an opportunity for employees to complete training outside of work on their own time and receive a cash award from IDOE upon completion. Shannon was particularly interested in the complexity of menu planning and the rules of procurement, saying "I had no idea there was so much that went on behind the scenes to operate our program!" We're proud of you, Shannon!
Inventory Turnover
Accurate inventory is one of the best tools we have to measure an operation's successful management. The amount of food and supplies on your shelves is a direct result of how well we forecast, order, use our storage plan and FIFO, market promotions featuring unused items in inventory, adhere to portion control and how accurately inventory is taken. Managers calculate their inventory turnover rate each month to measure how many times they "turned over" their inventory. Keeping this number within range means correct amounts are being ordered in and served out while keeping waste to a minimum. This controls food cost. For example, last month our average turnover rate was 1 meaning we stored 15 days of inventory ($105,135) at a time when it should have only been 5 days worth ($35,045). How can we work together to improve that number? Last week you completed Produce Safety training. Using that information, work with your manager and team to create a produce storage chart for your walk-ins. Are only the amounts needed for the week being ordered? Are products stored to maximize shelf life and minimize spoilage? Everyone can make a difference to help stretch our food budget.
Health Benefits of Whole Grain
Our school meals are loaded with whole grains and provide great health benefits, including:
Improved digestion: Whole grains are high in fiber, which helps to regulate the digestive system, prevent constipation, and keep you feeling full for longer periods of time.
Better heart health: The fiber and antioxidants found in whole grains can help lower cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Stabilized blood sugar levels: Whole grains break down slowly in the body, providing a steady source of energy and helping to regulate blood sugar levels, making them a good choice for people with diabetes.
Reduced risk of chronic diseases: Whole grains have been linked to a reduced risk of various chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cancer, and neurological disorders.
Practical Ways to Include Whole Grains in Meal Planning
Swap white rice for brown rice: Brown rice is a whole grain, while white rice has been processed, removing many of its beneficial nutrients.
Use whole grain bread instead of white bread: Look for bread made with 100% whole grain flour, or choose a sprouted grain bread.
Try quinoa or farro instead of pasta: Although whole wheat pasta is a versatile grain, try mixing it up and choose quinoa and farro, instead. They are high in fiber and protein and can be used in place of pasta in many dishes.
Substitute whole grain crackers for regular crackers: Look for crackers made with 100% whole grain flour.
Add steel-cut oats to your breakfast routine: Steel-cut oats are minimally processed, making them a great source of fiber and other important nutrients. Try making a big batch of oatmeal on the weekends and reheating it throughout the week for a quick and healthy breakfast.
National School Breakfast Week
March 4-8, 2024
National School Breakfast Week (NSBW) celebrates the importance of a nutritious school breakfast in fueling students for success. This special observance during the first week of March celebrates the national School Breakfast Program and the many ways it gives kids a great start every day. Dive right in and celebrate!
What is CEP?
You may have heard the term CEP recently, which stands for the Community Eligibility Provision and is a program that can help fund free meals to all students. USDA just released this fact sheet explaining how an eligible school can apply. Each school has an ISP (Identified Student Percentage) which is the percent of students that are directly certified for free meals through FSSA. The ISP is multiplied by a 1.6 factor which determines the percent of lunches served that will qualify for the free rate of reimbursement ($4.25). The remaining meals would only receive the paid rate of federal reimbursement (.40). For example, if a school's ISP is 25% and multiplied by the 1.6 factor, they would receive higher reimbursement for 40% of meals served, but only .40 for the remaining 60% of meals. For most, the formula needs to be closer to 90% to be financially feasible. We are hopeful that Congress will increase the multiplier so that more schools can afford to participate.
Promotions
Leap Year Lunch
K-12 Students will remember the extra day they get this year with a frog pond jello cup!
Some Lunch at Cooks Corners!
Thank a Farmer Thursday at Central.
Rachel Pitt used one of our old recipes for honey glazed carrots for her Thank a Farmer Thursday taste testing. Carrots were locally grown at Perkins Good Earth Farm in Demotte, Indiana.
More from Perkins Good Earth Farm...
Take a quick tour of one of the local farms that supplies us with produce for Thank a Farmer Thursday.
Myth or Fact?
From Laura
Viking Connect
Some of you may have noticed the recent alerts through Viking Connect, a new communication platform being used by VCS. In order to ensure that all employees receive phone calls/texts, you will need to verify your employee information in Skyward. Specifically, you will need to:
1. Log in to VCS Skyward Employee
2. Click on "Employee Information"-> Followed by "Personal Information"
3. Review your "Phone 1" phone number.
4. If that is the correct number, then no changes are required and you may exit the system.
5. If you need to change the number, then you should click on "Request Changes" near the top-middle of the window.
6. In the new window, input the necessary changes.
7. Click "Save". The new information should update your contact information in Viking Connect overnight, automatically.
Check your address by clicking on “Address” under “Personal Information.” If your address is incorrect, please ask Laura for a change of address form that will be sent to HR to update your address in Skyward.
Thank you for taking the time to verify and update your contact information. Have a safe and restful weekend!
From Ashley
Leap Day fun! An extra day, an extra treat! Did you know.....the chances of being born on February 29th are quite rare? It's estimated that about 1 in every 1,461 people worldwide is born on leap day. As we celebrate this year, we will be preparing the "frog pond" treats for students K-12 for Leap Day on Thursday, February 29. This recipe will consist of Berry Blue jello, a dollop of whipped toppings, and a frog gummy. This treat is only available with reimbursable meals, 1 per person, and is not to be sold separately. I will have your supplies ready for pick up from the office on Friday (as long as my frog gummies arrive tomorrow). Here's a funny joke you can share with your students....What do you call a calendar's favorite music on leap day? Hip-hop, because it likes to "leap" around!
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
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
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
February 16, 2024 eLearning Weather Make Up Day (Regular Work Day)
February 19, 2024 Presidents' Day (No Work Day)
March 4 - 8, 2024 National School Breakfast Week
March 25 - 29, 2024 Spring Break (No Work Days)
2024-25 Calendar
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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