Whether you're heading to the beach, planning a picnic or simply resting, I hope you enjoy the fading days of summer. This long Labor Day weekend honors the important contribution that American workers make to our nation's prosperity. In 1894, Congress passed an act making the first Monday of September a legal holiday. I can't help but think how important your work is to education, our students and our nation. We know that before the National School Lunch Program existed, a large portion of the population suffered from nutrition related diseases. This issue became apparent during WWII when so many potential recruits had to be turned away because of health issues. The Department of Defense identified the need for nutritious meals as a matter of national security. Congress soon passed the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act with President Harry S. Truman signing it into federal law in 1946. So yes, you feed the nation's future and your important work is essential and appreciated!

With gratitude,

Kathy

We've come a long way in the last decade! As technology, methods and equipment continue to improve, I am very proud of the way you have embraced those changes, making us one of the most progressive school nutrition programs in the country! I also think it's important to respect the past while stepping into the future. Over the years, I've collected "relics" from school kitchens and they are on display outside our office in the "museum." You are welcome to borrow any books and if you find some interesting item from the past in your kitchens, bring it in the museum!

Take a quick tutorial and learn about the many cool features of myschoolmenus. This video is also posted on our department website. Be sure to encourage students, parents, nurses and faculty to check it out!

The theme for NSLW is Find Your Treasure, School Lunch Pirates! I can just picture the fun you will all have with this one. The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) serves nearly 30 million children every school day. President John F. Kennedy created National School Lunch Week (NSLW) in 1962 to promote the importance of a healthy school lunch in a child’s life and the impact it has inside and outside of the classroom. Start planning promotions now with free resources from the School Nutrition Association at https://schoolnutrition.org/about-school-meals/national-school-lunch-week/#resources

Dairy Farmers of America has released a new marketing kit featuring Marvel super heroes on milk cartons and encourages kids to "get super strong" with milk. Our Managers are so creative with displays!

Check out the School Nutrition Association's (SNA) 2024-25 Promotion Calendar. There are great ideas to inspire you. In fact, one of the first things I saw when I looked at this was that August is National Panini Month. It was easy to apply this to the current VHS menu featuring a California Panini with fries. Promotions don't always need to be complex. Your goal is to create excitement about food and often, creative marketing can do the trick.

Click here or download the document below.

The Market in the commons area is now open for breakfast! This change of location is more convenient for students and brings meals closer to them. A "soft opening" of The Market during lunch is planned for September 11, providing additional grab and go convenience.

Please ensure that you are verifying the origin of your products upon delivery to confirm they are manufactured in the USA. The Buy American provisions, part of the Buy American Act of 1933, mandate that federal government purchases be made from American-made products to support domestic industries. If you receive any products not made in the USA, please remember to complete the Buy American Justification Form. This is particularly important for products that may come from other countries due to seasonal availability or other factors. Your adherence to these guidelines helps uphold our commitment to supporting U.S. manufacturing and compliance with federal regulations.

September 2, 2024 Labor Day, No School (No Work)

September 27, 2024 Half Day K-12 (Regular Work Day)

October 14-15, 2024 Fall Break, No School (No Work)

October 24-25, 2024 Half Days K-8 (Regular Work Days)

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/

SN Operations Coordinator, 8 hours, year round**NEW**

FS Manager, TJM, 7.5 hours**NEW**

Production Lead, TJM, 6.5 hours**NEW**

FS Tech, Flint Lake, 4 hours**NEW**

FS Tech, Cooks Corners, 5.5 hours

FS Tech, Central, 4 hours

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.

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.

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

• Grief Handout
• Stress Response Guide
• Collective Trauma & 10 Tips for Coping

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

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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

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