There's no doubt that September is a busy time as we get the year underway and our operation in order. The world's pace is ever increasing and information comes at us from all directions. So, how do we stay on top of things, complete projects and meet deadlines? Since technology is creating some of the pressure we face, I asked AI to solve the problem and the answers are below. Information management and communication have become a huge part of our day and finding the right process is critical to your success. The Eisenhower Matrix (pictured at right) is great tool to help you decide how to prioritize tasks.

• Use a calendar: A calendar can help you visualize deadlines, schedule tasks, and identify conflicts. You can use a digital or paper calendar, but you should update it regularly and check it daily.
• Use a project management tool: Project management software can help you monitor deadlines, assign resources, and track progress.
• Prioritize tasks: Make a to-do list and rank your tasks by importance. This will help you focus on the most important tasks first.
• Set realistic deadlines: Deadlines help define what the team is expected to produce and when.
• Define focus time: Set aside time to work on projects with tight deadlines without distractions.
• Communicate with coworkers: Make sure everyone is on the same page.
• Learn from previous mistakes: Use mistakes as learning opportunities.

I will be out of the office for the next few weeks recovering from surgery. Ashley will take the helm and test drive the Director's chair. I know she will shine and that you all will have her back. 💖

With gratitude,

Kathy

Wow! Unscripted student review from Flint Lake students posted in Viking Connect. Kudos to Olga and Eve!

This is often confusing and worth looking at again. Wanding messages in our POS are limited in information. Managers must always work with the school nurse for clarification. Some children with lactose intolerance may not be able to drink fluid milk but may be able to tolerate other dairy products such as yogurt or cheese. Some students with milk intolerance may not be able to tolerate any raw dairy items like milk, yogurt or cheese, but can tolerate milk ingredients baked into foods like cookies and bread. Check the medical statement from the healthcare professional for a list of foods to omit and always meet with your school nurse if you have any questions.

Remember, just because an item doesn't contain wheat, doesn't mean it's necessarily gluten free. Gluten protein can also be found in barley, rye and malt.

Porter County Health Department has been visiting our locations for the annual fall inspections. With over half of our school kitchens inspected so far, perfect scores were received at Cooks, BF Middle, TJ Middle, Northview, Parkview, Flint, TJE and SELF. Congratulations and keep up the great work! 💯

Joey Chestnut, from Wheatfield, Indiana, broke a world record last week in a Netflix Labor Day hot dog eating competition that streamed live from Las Vegas. Our fellow Hoosier ate 83 hot dogs in 10 minutes beating Japanese native, Takeru Kobayashi, who was only able to eat 67.

*My theory of evolution was that Darwin was adopted.

*Cross Country Skiing is great if you live in a small country.

*I spilled spot remover on my dog. Now he's gone.

*I planted some bird seed. A bird came up. Now I don't know what to feed it.

*The sign said 8 items or less, so I changed my name to Les.

Nancy Moore found this easy to read chart explaining the many "mixed" messages on food packaging. Our department policy is to never serve any item past the date on the package to avoid negative reaction from our customers. However, this doesn't mean the food isn't safe to eat and can most likely be donated.

Healthy School Meals for All ensures all students have the nutrition they need to learn and thrive.

Now is the time to join the movement. Raise your hand for Healthy School Meals for All! So far, eight states are implementing policies that provide school meals to all students at no charge, regardless of household income. Many more states have introduced legislation and/or have strong coalitions forming. Find out more and raise your hand for Healthy School Meals for All.

The Market in the Commons did a soft opening on Wednesday for Lunch. The concept is to bring convenience to the farthest reach of the cafeteria and attract new customers.

Picture day is here at Flint Lake Elementary! Join us for lunch to receive a special treat guaranteed to make you smile!

We’ve seen a lot of fantastic promotions this year, and I’m genuinely impressed by your creativity and enthusiasm for involving students in school nutrition. That said, our main goal is to educate students about nutrition and encourage them to try and learn about new foods.

Please remember that our program does not allow us to give prizes to students for buying school meals. Students really enjoy participating in kitchen tours, and Jackie has at Heavilin’s "Be Our Guest" program is a great way for them to enjoy lunch with us. Try to come up with creative ways to engage students and educate them at the same time. They’ll remember the experience more than any small prize.

When planning decorations for promotions, please ensure they are reusable and easy to clean (no plush items). Keep up the great work—I love seeing all the fantastic ideas you come up with!

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)

November 5, 2024 eLearning Day (Regular Work Days)

November 27-29, 2024 Thanksgiving Break, No School (No Work)

Please welcome Denise Johnston-Mills as she moves from being a FS Substitute to a permanent FS Tech at Central Elementary. Congratulations!

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/

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

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

FS Tech, Cooks Corners, 5.5 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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