We’ve officially made it to Fall Break!! Wahoo! We wrapped up an incredible week celebrating Apple Crunch Day in our schools, and it was a fantastic success! A huge thank you for all the wonderful pictures and for your unwavering dedication to our students—your efforts truly make these events special. While you enjoy your extended break, whether that means doing something fun or simply relaxing, know that all your hard work does not go unnoticed. Have a great time!

1. Man hospitalized for eating horse meat is now in stable condition.

2. If a chicken coop had four doors would they call it a sedan?

3. I looked up opaque, the definition wasn't very clear.

4. I'm in the fitness protection program, I've been hiding from exercise.

5. Had a wookie steak last night it was a little chewy.

Rob's wildflower garden is looking extra beautiful this time of year!!

Great news! Our office remodel is progressing nicely, and we’re steadily getting organized. Thank you for your patience as we transform our space into something fantastic!

We had a fantastic time celebrating Indiana Great Apple Crunch Day on Thursday, October 10! It was heartwarming to see so many wonderful photos of our students and staff enjoying the festivities. A big thank you to everyone who contributed to making this event so special! Students in grades K-8 enjoyed delicious local apple slices from Peterson Farms in Shelby, Michigan, while our VHS students had a choice of four tasty apple varieties from Garwood Orchard in LaPorte, Indiana. Be sure to check out our social media pages for more snapshots from the day—and don’t forget to give those pictures a like!

Exciting news from Thomas Jefferson Elementary: Laurie and Sabrina are expecting… a calf! This school year, Laurie has adopted a calf to share with her students, and she’ll receive all the details about their new School Nutrition member next week from Loehmer Dairy, LLC in Monterey, Indiana. How perfect is it that their farmer is none other than Farmer Ashley? It feels like fate! This initiative is a fantastic way to educate students about local farming right in the cafeteria!

As the holiday season approaches, we invite our department to participate in the VCS Holiday Assistance Program, a meaningful way to support those in need. Each year, we come together to sponsor 2-3 children by setting up an angel tree in our office, where employees can choose tags with their wishlists for donation. Participation is entirely voluntary, with no obligation to contribute. Every act of generosity, no matter the size, can make a significant impact and bring joy to our community. Stay tuned for more information in November! Thank you for considering this opportunity to make a difference!

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)

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 Manager, TJM, 7.5 hours**NEW**

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

All VCS employees, whether they have Anthem insurance or not, are eligible to use Powers Health Immediate Care 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.

Powers Health Immediate Care Center located at 3800 St. Mary Drive will no longer be an Urgent Care Center and will be closed effective Sunday, October 13, 2024.

***Patients seeking medical attention for non-life threatening illnesses and injuries may still receive services at the Powers Health Immediate Care located at 1451 W. Morthland Drive, Suite D, Valparaiso. After October 12, 2024, this will be the ONLY Powers Health Valparaiso location. ***

All other outpatient services at the Valparaiso Health Center (3800 St. Mary Drive) remain open. Please call 219-286-3700 for updated facility hours. Powers Health is expanding services for patients seeking emergency care. The St. Mary Medical Center Emergency Department will open on December 1, 2024, located at 3800 St. Mary Drive, Valparaiso.

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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