I want to take a moment to thank everyone for yet another wonderful week in School Nutrition! Our managers meeting was fantastic, and I truly appreciate everyone's input and collaboration. I also had the chance to speak with two different principals this week, and they both sang high praises for their school nutrition teams. It’s heartwarming to hear how much you all are valued and appreciated. If you don’t hear it enough, please know that you’re doing an amazing job, and your hard work does not go unnoticed. It may sometimes feel like it does, but trust me, you are making a significant difference! Enjoy your weekend—let’s make the most of the sunny, fall-like weather ahead. After the chilly temps this week, who knows how many more 70-degree days we’ll have, so get out there and enjoy it!

I want to reassure everyone that no Indiana schools were included in the recent BrucePac recall. Thank you for taking the time to review procedures with your staff; it’s crucial that we are all well-informed and prepared for situations like this. Understanding how to handle a food recall is essential in school nutrition, as it helps ensure the safety and well-being of our students. Being proactive and knowledgeable about our procedures not only protects our students but also reinforces our commitment to providing safe and healthy meals. Your dedication to this process is greatly appreciated!

1. We are in search of fresh vegetable puns. Lettuce know.

2. I just had my patience tested. I'm negative.

Students and staff at VHS were buzzing with excitement over the new menu changes introduced on Friday! The homemade chicken and noodles, spicy chicken sandwich, and newly launched Greek salad were flying off the shelves. Students couldn't choose just one, so they bought both! And don’t worry—personal pizzas are still a favorite! We have one more surprise launch coming on Monday, and the students are absolutely thrilled about it. Stay tuned for more updates!

What an incredible week we had celebrating National School Lunch Week with our students! I want to extend my heartfelt thanks for all the hard work you put into making this celebration a success.

The photos you shared were wonderful, and your decorations truly brought our program to life. It’s inspiring to see the creativity and enthusiasm you all brought to this week—it clearly made a positive impact on our students.

Thank you for taking the time to plan and decorate. You turned this week into a memorable experience, and I genuinely appreciate your efforts. Let’s continue to create joyful moments for our students together!

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 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)

December 19, 2024 Half Days K-12 (Regular Work Days)

December 20, 2024-January 5, 2025 (No Work)

January 6, 2025 Return to 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 Technician, TJM, 4 hours, 9:30-1:30 **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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