Friday Focus

May 12, 2023

SCHOOL NUTRITION NEWSLETTER

Message from the Director

Message from the Director

The tropical taste of coconut is refreshing, especially in warmer weather. The coconut tree is referred to as the "Tree of Life" in many cultures because it provides basic necessities for humans. It not only provides a source of food and drink but is also used for shelter, fuel and raw materials to make everything from utensils to musical instruments. Coconut is a superfood for glowing skin and can fight inflammation, improve brain health and boost immunity. Did you know that coconut oil delivers the same health benefits to dogs? You can incorporate coconut into your diet in many ways with coconut oil, milk, water and edible white flesh. Who knew improving your health would taste this good?


With gratitude,

Kathy

Message from the Director
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don't miss out!

don't miss out!

Be sure you are checking your email at least weekly throughout the summer. This is how the district will communicate with you instead of "snail" mailing letters to your mailbox at home. Don't miss important information and reminders! Remember, both the sender and the receiver are responsible for effective communication.
don't miss out!

Super Servers

Jackie Schutz at Heavilin used a promotion where students could win an opportunity to be a "Super Server" on School Lunch Hero Day. They were able to see the back of the house and received a custom apron so they could serve like a boss! This is a perfect example of telling your story by inviting students into your world.

Congratulations, Johna!

Ashley and I attended VALE's completion ceremony today to show our support for Johna Tomecko-Morgan. Johna is a student food service employee at VHS and I am pleased to report that she will be working as a permanent food service tech at Flint Lake after graduation!
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textbook rental eliminated

textbook rental eliminated

If you are a parent with children in school, this will be welcome news for you! As part of Governor Holcomb’s 2023 Next Level Agenda, the General Assembly allocated $160 million to remove a hidden tax on Hoosier parents by eliminating textbook and curriculum fees for more than one million students. House Enrolled Act (HEA) 1001 prohibits Indiana schools from charging students for curricular materials, which are defined in Indiana Code § 20-18-2-2.7. This takes effect beginning with the 2023-24 academic year. Indiana now joins the 42 other states that don't (or never did) charge for textbooks.
textbook rental eliminated
Back to School Workshop

Back to School Workshop

Your first day back to work is August 14, 2023 to attend our annual Back to School Workshop from 8:30 am - 2:30 pm at VHS. Attendance is mandatory for permanent employees and highly recommended for substitutes. This is where you will receive most of the federally required training hours for your position. And we have fun. And we have food. And Rob is our game show host. Mark your calendars and make plans.
Back to School Workshop

end of year celebration

Have you checked your email? Our Superintendent, Dr. McCall invited you to attend an end of year celebration. A separate calendar invitation was sent from VCS Communication. Click yes, maybe or no, you don't need to reply to the email. You will be paid while attending this event. Managers will plan shift times and build this event into your day.
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summer food service

Ashley conducted training for the 2023 Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) on Wednesday. Our 2023 Summer Dream Team includes Nancy Moore, Susie Milcarek, Debbie Johnson, Patty Jordan, Ashley Taylor, Laurie Boynak and Mari Gora with over 100 years of combined experience!
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Thank you!

School Nutrition employees have the option to donate $2 to wear jeans on Fridays. All money raised is deposited into our Viking Hunger Hero account to pay off negative student cafeteria debt. To date, employees have raised almost $2,000. Your kindness and compassion for students needing help is impressive!
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digital resources

OPEN POSITIONS

OPEN POSITIONS

Any permanent employee (including substitutes) interested in any of these positions can apply by emailing a brief letter of interest to Kathy Kane, Director at kkane@valpo.k12.in.us.

Non-employees can apply by completing an online application as an External Applicant here: https://www.applitrack.com/valpo/onlineapp/


FS Tech, TJM, 4 hours

FS Tech, Central, 4 hours

FS Tech, SELF, 5.5 hours

FS Tech, Flint Lake, 4 hours

OPEN POSITIONS

2022-23 Calendar

May 17, 2023 - Leadership Meeting for Managers

May 25, 2023 - Half Day K-12 (Regular Work Day), Last Day of School

May 26, 2023 - Regular Work Day, Close Kitchens

May 30, 2023 - Summer Food Service Program Begins

August 2, 2023 - Leadership Meeting for Managers

August 14, 2023 - First Day Back to Work; Mandatory Back to School Workshop 8:30am VHS

August 15, 2023 - Regular Work Day, Open Kitchens

August 16, 2023 - First Day of School

Check out myschoolmenus!

You can also download the free myschoolmenus app!

Did you miss an issue of Friday Focus?

Did you miss an issue of Friday Focus?

Past issues of Friday Focus are posted on our department website on the Staff Training page here:

https://www.valpo.k12.in.us/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=1221036&type=d&pREC_ID=1455849

Did you miss an issue of Friday Focus?
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About Us

About Us

About Us
Our mission is to support academic and lifelong success by nourishing students and building healthy eating habits.



This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

2727 N. Campbell St., Valparaiso, IN 46385 kkane@valpo.k12.in.us (219) 531-3050 valpo.k12.in.us/apps/pages/nutrition

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