Friday Focus
April 9, 2021
SCHOOL NUTRITION NEWSLETTER
Wow...Read This Book!
I just finished reading Free Lunch by Rex Ogle and it reinforces why our job is to protect every child's meal status so they can easily receive their meal without any identification. This true story of life for a middle school boy living in poverty is both heartbreaking and hopeful. So many children feel shame and embarrassment for living conditions they have no control over. A powerful reminder that empathy is such a critical part of our craft. It is available through Amazon and I highly recommend it! I have a copy in my office if you would like to borrow it or you can check your school library.
Brave Leadership
Dr. Brene Brown is a leading expert on Leadership which she says is not about titles, status and wielding power. A leader is anyone who takes responsibility for recognizing the potential in people and ideas, and has the courage to develop that potential. We are all leaders in some way and becoming good at it takes courage and brave work. This is her perspective on blame.
Brené Brown on Blame
Evaluations
The annual evaluation process is getting underway. Managers will complete evaluation forms and meet with their employees to discuss performance and to set goals. The evaluation is created to be a tool to help employees achieve success. It is not discipline. Everyone (because we are human) has areas that need improvement and areas where they excel. Evaluations are designed to point out and congratulate employees on their areas of strength and provide help and direction in areas where they could become stronger. Click below to view the evaluation form.
Shout Out!
Shout out this week goes to Nancy Moore, Cafeteria Manager at TJ Middle School. Nancy is a veteran leader who goes above and beyond every single day for her students. One of Nancy's specialties is promoting and marketing. Her latest creation is celebrating Thomas Jefferson's (Tommy J's) Birthday with a special lunch menu featuring his favorite foods. Not only is this fun for students, but educational. I did not know what a "Foodie" our 3rd President was! Thanks for rolling with the punches this year, Nancy, and still making life fun! Nancy takes customer service to the next level and she is much admired.
Nancy Moore
Cafeteria Manager, Thomas Jefferson Middle School
Happy Birthday, Thomas Jefferson!
America's First Foodie
Free Summer Courses
Want to refresh your culinary skills? You can register for free online courses presented by Cathy Powers who was here two years ago doing summer culinary training. For more information, visit: https://www.smore.com/uqfw3-culinary-skills-for-a-school-meals
Summer Food Service Employment Opportunities
Summer Food Service will look different than last year, but still so important. Summer school will be in person for students. Grades K-5 will be at TJE, incoming 6th graders at TJM and 7th-12th at VHS. We will also be doing daily curbside pickup of meals. More information will be coming as soon as IDOE clarifies the waivers we will be operating under. If you want to be scheduled to work this summer (at your regular hourly rate), complete the form below and return to our office by May 7, 2021. You will be required to complete training before you will be able to work in the Summer Food Service Program.
Kathryn's Corner
Wednesday Cleaning Tips:
*Trouble with hard water build-up in your serving wells? Pour vinegar in the well, just enough to cover the build-up. Let soak for a few hours and wipe the buildup away.
*Is your dish machine basket dirty with a hard water build-up? Before leaving on Tuesday, pour ¼ gallon of vinegar in the sink, put the dish machine basket in the sink fill with water just to cover the basket and let soak overnight. Wednesday morning wipe away the buildup and rinse.
About Us
Our mission is to support academic and lifelong success by nourishing students and building healthy eating habits.
Email: kkane@valpo.k12.inus
Website: www.valpo.k12.in.us
Location: 2727 N Campbell St, Valparaiso, IN, USA
Phone: (219) 531-3050