Friday Focus
April 12, 2024
SCHOOL NUTRITION NEWSLETTER
Message from the Director
The Chef Ann Foundation is a non-profit organization that works with K-12 schools in every state to promote healthy, fresh school meals by providing training and resources. Founded by Chef Ann Cooper in 2009, their mission is to help and support school nutrition staff. I am excited by the new campaign they are piloting in California: Powered by School Nutrition Professionals. Their message aligns perfectly with what we've been trying to do here at VCS. Inviting students and the community to get a behind the scenes look at our world shines a light on the complex skills, creativity and commitment needed to operate our programs. To change the perception of school food, we must change how people perceive school food jobs. Research clearly shows that when kids eat healthier, they do better in school. (Science Daily; CDC) In order to reach and nourish more kids to help them succeed and build healthy eating habits for life, we need to promote our ability to do just that. How many times have you surprised someone when describing some of the things your job requires? You are pros, keep telling your story. Not nearly enough people know how important your work is to student success.
With gratitude,
Kathy
Thank You!
Staffing has been tough. With several employees out on leave, numerous vacancies and call offs, the only way we literally make it through a day is because of your flexibility and willingness to step outside your comfort zone. You refuse to let your coworkers and other schools struggle which makes me so proud! Take Laurie Boynak, TJE Cafe Manager, for example. She comes to the high school to do Satellite production for two hours and then back to manage her own school. FS Tech Mari Gora steps right in to take over TJE Breakfast. FS Tech Erin Brooks came to work for two hours at VHS before her shift at Cook's. The other day I saw BF Cafe Manager Deb Johnson in the VHS kitchen covering a position while her Production Lead Rose Gutshall stepped up in her absence. I know many more of you have been called away to different schools to fill in. At the end of a long day, I often see Amber or Olga or Stephanie or Mari in the VHS kitchen doing second shift prep. These disruptions are never easy and Ashley and I are so very grateful for your help.
Disappearing Acts
When the sun disappeared behind the moon during the eclipse, so did Ashley and Laura. But those weren't the only things to disappear on Monday, April 8. Over Spring Break, Rob and I cleared out decades old file storage racks. Over 120 boxes were tagged and catalogued for destruction. We used Opportunity Enterprises to pick up and shred the contents. The Indiana Archives and Records Administration (IARA) publishes a record retention schedule for educational institutions. This dictates how long records should be kept and what category they belong in. Once records have been retained for the correct amount of time, they may be destroyed by submitting a properly documented Notice of Destruction form to Porter County. Copies of original records do not need to be retained. If you have files in your office and would like help clearing them out, please ask!
National Brunch Month
Congratulations, Joyce!
Joyce Crowe has the *well deserved* celebrity spotlight in the Spring issue of Viking View!
Summer Food Service Jobs
We. Want. YOU to work our Summer Food Service Program: Sun Meals! All employees must submit the attached application if interested in working over the summer to provide meals to students attending Summer School, to the public during designated serving times, and to our BRAND NEW community partner (that I am SO very excited about....) The Boys & Girls Club of Valparaiso Summer Campers!! Employees will receive their regular hourly wage during the summer. All time worked is considered "extra time" and you won't have to use sick or personal days if you can't work certain days. Applications (below) are due to Ashley by Friday, April 19, 2024. There will be a mandatory training session on Thursday, May 9, 2024 from 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm at VHS in room Purple 202. Please feel free to reach out to Ashley with ANY questions!
Myth or Fact?
Promotions
Roll Into Spring at Flint Lake
Olga's great promotion that takes advantage of unused inventory!
Happy Birthday, Thomas Jefferson!
Laurie and Shelley celebrated their school's namesake with a birthday menu featuring Thomas Jefferson's favorite foods.
Thank A Farmer Thursday at Central
This week Rachel Pitt served samples of an all natural, dry rub seasoned pulled pork locally sourced.
Heavilin
VHS Launching New Menu
To prepare for a new menu launch at the Hungry Viking on April 22, Ashley has been busy taste testing with students. Feedback on Boneless Wings with Cornbread and Orange Chicken with Spring Roll was very positive!
Industry News: Chef Ann Foundation
The Chef Ann Foundation is excited to launch a first-of-its-kind public education campaign to transform the way people think about school food jobs. They are thrilled to introduce Powered by School Nutrition Professionals. As a supporter of the school food change movement, you know that innovative School Food Professionals across the country are skillfully and creatively reimagining what school food can and should be.
But too many people still don't know this.
Powered by School Food Professionals is designed to pull back the curtains and go behind the scenes into school kitchens to show more people the dedicated workforce that is making school food fresher, healthier, and tastier so kids can thrive—in the classroom and beyond.
We’re doing this because we know that to change school food, we need to change the way people think about school food jobs.
From Ashley
This week's Health Inspection topic....Packaging Integrity! One common issue that violates this code is being in possession of dented #10 cans. Dents in cans compromise their structural integrity, potentially leading to leaks, rust, and contamination of the food inside. Even small dents can create microscopic openings that allow bacteria or other pathogens to enter, posing serious health risks to consumers. It is imperative that we do not use dented cans in our school nutrition program to ensure food safety and compliance with health regulations. Cases of #10 cans should be opened and cans should be dated and placed on a shelf in your storeroom. We want to inspect these cases upon delivery so that we can either refuse the products, or are able to email Josh and Tom to request credit for product we are unable to use. The majority of the time, GFS will request these dented cans be returned to your driver during their next delivery. Remember to take photos of the product and of any case labels!
Immediate Care vs. Emergency Room
All VCS employees, whether they have Anthem insurance or not, are eligible to use Immediate Care of St. Mary's Medical Center for non-life threatening emergencies. The visit is free for employees with Anthem insurance and $93 for employees without Anthem. Considering that the average ER visit in Indiana costs $1,618.00, this may be a good option for you and your family. Read more below and contact Haley Jones, Benefit Assistant at ext. 1136 if you have questions or need more information.
New for Employees with Anthem Insurance
From Haley Jones, Benefits Assistant
Not feeling well and don't want to leave the comfort of your home?
LiveHealth Online is a great option. This service offers a $0 copay to all Anthem subscribers and covered dependents. Doctors are available 24/7 on your computer or mobile device. This is for non-emergency medical issues only.
Click HERE to create an account online or go directly through your Sydney App to access LiveHealth Online. (Please be sure to have your Member ID available.)
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.
219-531-3000 ext. 1136
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.
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, VHS, 6 hours
FS Tech, Heavilin, 4 hours
FS Tech, BF Middle, 4.5 hours
FS Tech, Central, 4 hours
2023-24 Calendar
May 3, 2024 School Lunch Hero Day!
May 7, 2024 eLearning Day (Regular Work Day)
May 27, 2024 Memorial Day (No Work Day)
May 30, 2024 Half Day, K-12 (Regular Work Day)
May 31, 2024 No School/Kitchen Shutdown (Regular Work Day)
June 3-20, 2024 Summer School Session I
July 8-25, 2024 Summer School Session II
August 12, 2024 Back to School Workshop (Mandatory)
August 13, 2024 Open Kitchens and Prep (Regular Work Day)
August 14, 2024 First Day of School
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