School start up can be tough, especially when new routines have to be established. You work hard and understand that a sense of urgency is a fundamental and necessary part of the job. However, the demands of fast paced work, strict adherence to food safety and federal compliance along with the pressures of financial performance can take its toll on all employees, no matter what their role is. I can tell when my stress level is too high and I'm sure you can, too. The best tools for workplace stress is to delegate, organize and prioritize. Communicate and update each other and work as a team to solve issues so you don't feel you have to shoulder the burden alone. Did you know that as a VCS employee you, a family member or significant other, can get free help through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP)? Read below for services they offer. The program is completely confidential.

With gratitude,

Kathy

From Haley Jones, HR Benefits Coordinator

Last week an email was sent out announcing the new EAP program with flyer attachments. We hope you have had an opportunity to review the program information. The EAP program is administered by Perspectives, Ltd. The program is confidential, voluntary, no cost to you, and only a phone call or text away. As an added resource, click HERE to access the Perspectives orientation video. This video will take you through services, as well as, new features to increase your knowledge on what Perspectives is about and how to connect with them. If you have any additional questions, feel free to reach out to HR or contact Perspectives directly. Call or Text Perspectives 24/ 7 at 800.456.6327 or visit perspectivesltd.com/ login.

Access Code: valpo

Password: perspectives

Thanks to our Superintendent and Board of Education, School Nutrition has the flexibility to make decisions on stipend amounts and raises based on their budget surplus. A surplus occurs when more revenue is earned than what is paid out in expenses. At the end of the school year, any surplus funds must be kept on hand equal to at least three months operating expenses. If the surplus is more than that, a spending plan must be created for equipment replacement and other projects. If there is still surplus left after those expenses are planned, a formula is used to calculate the amount available for stipends and raises. Amounts will vary from year to year. Each August the stipend amount is awarded based on the prior year's surplus. Employees who worked during the prior year are rewarded with a stipend. I can't think of a better way to reinvest in our program than through our people. When we do better as a department, you do better as an individual. Each and every employee can make a positive contribution so speak up, we're listening!

This year, all secondary schools are participating in the USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. We use a portion of our commodity allowance to get this terrific fresh produce. Believe it or not, the U.S. Department of Defense administers this program and has been a part of our federal programs since World War II when they discovered a high number of service recruits had to be turned away due to nutrition related problems. Not having enough healthy recruits was considered a matter of national security and lead to the passage of the National School Lunch Act in 1946. Here Briana shows off a sample of the 400 lbs. of produce she prepares every day...that's one ton every week at the high school alone!

We are very proud of Ashley for obtaining her Associate's degree cum laude (with honors)! It is no small accomplishment to work full time, raise a family and obtain a college degree. Lifelong learning is a sure path to success and innovation and Ashley is the perfect role model. This month's issue of Served Digizine (below in Digital Resources) is devoted to the benefits of professional development. Whether you take time to read an article, watch a culinary video or listen to a podcast, you are investing in yourself. Research suggests that lifelong learning improves your overall health and can increase your longevity.

Our programs are full of rules and regulations that most people are unaware of. Be sure to take time to help new and substitute employees learn. Be mindful when talking to students and parents that you are using language they will understand. For example, "you must take three components," is not likely to be understood unless you define what a component is. "Please choose three different food groups" is a better explanation. The following Offer vs. Serve information is posted on our web page and may also help you explain the basics of a "reimbursable" Combo meal.

What is Offer vs. Serve?

Offer Versus Serve (OvS) is a meal service method designed to reduce food waste and food costs in the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program without jeopardizing the nutritional integrity of the meals served.

At lunch, schools must offer all five components (fruit, vegetables, grains, meat/meat alternates, fluid milk) and students must select at least three components, one of which is 1/2 cup fruit and/or vegetable.

At breakfast, schools must offer at least four food items from three required components (fruit, grains, fluid milk) and students must select at least three food items, one of which is 1/2 cup fruit and/or vegetable.

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, BF Middle, 4.5 hours

FS Tech, Central, 4 hours

September 4, 2023 Labor Day (No Work)

September 29, 2023 Half Day K-12 (Regular Work Day)

October 16-17, 2023 Fall Break (No Work)

October 26-27, 2023 Half Days K-8 (Regular Work Days)

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

.

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

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