Can you believe September has flown by so quickly? Here we are, already in October, and the busy season is officially upon us, as always! There’s so much happening around the office as we gear up for the months ahead. We’re excited about the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead, and we appreciate all the hard work everyone is putting in. Be sure to take some time to unwind and enjoy your weekend off—you’ve earned it! The weather should be beautiful this weekend!

On September 18th, 2024, FRAC’s Interim President Crystal FitzSimons testified at a hearing held by the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Food and Nutrition. The hearing was entitled, “Keeping Kids Learning in the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program”. FRAC’s testimony focused on the critical role the school nutrition programs play in supporting student nutrition, health, and learning, as well as the legislation that Senators can co-sponsor to strengthen and expand the programs. Use the link below to send your email to urge Senators to support school meals! Every email matters!

Each week, we partner with a local charity to donate any unused food, supporting the New Creations Men's Shelter and The Caring Place of Valparaiso, which graciously accept our contributions. Today, Laura, Vicente, and I had the privilege of attending the annual Tea and Tour event at The Caring Place, where we learned more about their current initiatives and how our donations are making a positive impact. The administrative staff expressed their heartfelt gratitude, highlighting how blessed they feel to receive our support. On average, The Caring Place allocates approximately $1,000 of their budget weekly for food for residents. By alleviating this expense, our donations allow them to redirect those funds to other vital programs, which is immensely beneficial. For those interested, The Caring Place shares their Wishlist Wednesdays, featuring items they seek for their residents.

1. I can tell if people are judgmental just by looking at them.

2. The inventor of autocorrect has died. The funnel will be tomato.

3. Want to get back on your feet? Miss 2 car payments.

4. Despite the high cost of living, it remains popular.

5. If a cow doesn't produce milk, is it a milk dud or an udder failure?

It’s no secret that Patty Jordan, our spirited Lead at VHS, absolutely adores Halloween! With that passion comes her delightful pranks. This week, we had the pleasure of meeting Patty’s newest little “boo” — a cheeky surprise that might just crawl under the bathroom stall or sneakily perch on a shelf! But that’s not all; Patty's Halloween antics include hiding skeletons, fake rats, bugs, and all sorts of spooky surprises around the office. You never know what ghoulish fun awaits you here! 🎃👻

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After more than 25 years, our School Nutrition office is undergoing a much-needed renovation! We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our maintenance and custodial teams for their dedication and hard work in moving furniture, painting, rearranging lines, and adding electrical components. We also want to acknowledge our team members for their flexibility as they work in remote locations during this transition. We are eagerly looking forward to the final result and bidding farewell to the old blue carpet! Thank you all for your support and commitment to this project!

On Friday, October 4, middle school students had the opportunity to sample a delightful array of fall vegetable flavors at their schools! They enjoyed fresh mini sweet peppers, white mushrooms, radish slices, grape tomatoes, and baby carrots, all of which added a colorful touch to their lunch experience. It was a fantastic way to introduce students to the delicious tastes of the season!

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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 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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