Friday Focus
March 8, 2024
SCHOOL NUTRITION NEWSLETTER
Message from the Director
It's International Women's Day on Friday, created to honor women throughout history and the incredible achievements they've made despite all odds. I am grateful to the women who fought for change to bring greater equity to future generations of women. For example, my grandmothers could not vote until they were in their 30s when the 19th Amendment passed and granted them the right to vote. My mother could not open a credit card or obtain a car loan in her own name until she was in her 40s when the Equal Credit Opportunity Act passed. I couldn't play school sports until I was in high school when Title IX passed in 1972 requiring schools to provide team sports for both boys and girls. Fast forward to 2024 and female athletes are thriving. Caitlin Clark just broke the record for leading scorer in both men's and women's basketball. I am reminded of a promotion Amber Cruz did to celebrate National Basketball Day at Cooks a few years ago. She invited Valparaiso University's Women's Basketball Team to visit and spend lunch with students. I'll never forget how awestruck the students were. I know many young girls were inspired that day. Never, never doubt the impact you can have and the dreams you can fuel!
Turn Your Clocks Forward One Hour on Sunday!
Congratulations!
Laurie Boynak
Thomas Jefferson Elementary Cafe Manager Laurie Boynak completed the 40 hour IDOE Manager's Certificate. She said she was surprised by how much she already knew from attending Leadership Meetings and by reading Friday Focus. Our profession is definitely more complicated than most people realize. Thank you, Laurie, for your commitment to learning!
Basic Knife Skills: Chef Knives
We've invested significantly over the years equipping your kitchens with proper tools, including chef knives. With all the new hires, it's important that managers review knife skills with their staff. Using a chef knife the wrong way is very dangerous. Using the wrong knife for the job is dangerous. Employees must follow the proper procedure when using knives for safety and efficiency. The most important place to begin is developing the correct grip and practice, practice, practice until you feel comfortable and the knife feels like an extension of your arm.
SNA Legislative Action Conference
Hundreds of School Nutrition professionals just like you charged the Hill in Washington, DC this week to personally meet with their Congress members to champion Healthy School Meals for All and other issues critical to our programs. U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack addressed SNA’s 2024 Legislative Action Conference (#LAC24) attendees on Monday and personally met with SNA’s Executive Committee. He was accompanied by numerous USDA officials who provided an update on child nutrition program regulations and participated in meetings during the conference. Thank you to our team from Indiana for visiting Senators Braun and Young and several members of the House of Representatives. It takes all of us to create change that makes a difference!
National School Breakfast Week
March 4-8, 2024
What a fun week! Yogurt parfaits are kid approved at all grade levels and breakfast participation has increased by 5%! Great job, everyone, for making breakfast a popular destination. When students come in to visit you each morning, you never know how the day started for that child. You can make all the difference in how well that child is able to learn and concentrate by nourishing them with healthy food and being genuinely happy to see them.
Worth Repeating
Celebrating National School Breakfast Week includes promoting the benefits to parents and the community. Research clearly links higher academic performance, improved concentration, comprehension and memory with school breakfast...and, it's cost effective! These important messages were reinforced through daily social media posts.
Industry News: Markon
Markon, produce supplier for GFS, issues a Fresh Crop Report each week. The report looks at what is trending, how the market is reacting for specific produce and how to use more of items that are in season, high quality with lower prices. Want to sign up to receive these reports? Click here and create a new account: https://resources.markon.com/user
Promotions
Thank A Farmer Thursday at Central Elementary
Rachel Pitt created a really good 😋 recipe using low fat yogurt, whipped topping, low sugar caramel and diced fresh local apples. She featured this for Thank A Farmer Thursday and sampled in a small souffle cup.
New Personal Pizza at VHS
Made in house, the personal pizza launches this week at the Hungry Viking.
From Ashley
Welcome New Substitute Meagan Marsee!
EMPLOYEE DISCOUNTS
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, Cooks Corners, 5.5 hours**NEW**
FS Tech, VHS, 6 hours
FS Tech, Heavilin, 4 hours
FS Tech, BF Middle, 4.5 hours
FS Tech, Central, 4 hours
2023-24 Calendar
March 4 - 8, 2024 National School Breakfast Week
March 25 - 29, 2024 Spring Break (No Work Days)
April 1, 2024 eLearning Weather Make Up Day (Regular Work Day)
April 12, 2024 Half Day for Students K-12 (Regular Work Day)
May 7, 2024 eLearning Day (Regular Work Day)
May 27, 2024 Memorial Day, No School (No Work Day)
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