You did it! Surviving the first week of school can be challenging, but I am impressed by how easy you made it look, a sign of true professionals! The VHS team opened their new "school restaurant" even without the benefit of a soft opening. They were nothing short of miraculous, from forecasting the unknown to operating new equipment and producing 12 different entrees and what seemed like acres of sides. Who knew we would learn to appreciate "sick" as a compliment? We are definitely putting Students First by listening to what our customers want. It's good to have the band back together again.

With gratitude,

Kathy

All VCS employees will receive free admission to all regular season athletic events at Valparaiso High School! Simply bring your school or VCS ID to the games and show it at the gate.

Thank you for supporting VHS athletics!

Elementary schools are serving up a Yo-Go-Lunch daily as a second entree choice that is vegetarian and popular. Middle schools are serving a PBJ-Go-Box as a daily vegetarian choice and an Italian Sub daily option. Offering more options means reaching more students.

Joyce Crowe begins her 40th year working in the VHS dishroom. You can't put a price tag on that kind of dedication. It's rare and invaluable! Patty Jordan may want you to believe she doesn't have a heart, but she does and it's very generous. For two years in a row she has been the top donor by paying to wear jeans on Friday. All money collected goes into the Viking Hunger Hero account and is used to pay off negative cafeteria balances.

Many of you may remember Dr. Brooke Starkoff who worked with us as an intern. Her son, Dylan, attended Cooks Corners. She wrote (and won) the grant for our blast chiller. I received this email from her and thought I would share. There is a link if you want to help.

I hope you are doing great! I wanted to let you know that my son, Dylan, and I will be doing the Chicago Triathlon at the end of August and raising money for pediatric cancer research in honor of my older brother, Brandon. As you may know, I lost my brother to a brain tumor last September. Team Bright Side is an organization that Brandon was passionate about and we are excited to continue his legacy in raising money to support cancer research. With your help, we would love to reach our fundraising goal of $5000 by the middle of August. I am hoping you might be able to help! If you would like to contribute, here's the link.

Thanks for considering and please let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks!

Brooke (and Dylan)

Looking for a fun promotion? On Friday, September 22 focus on raising awareness and sharing education about all 50 states and their capitals on National States and Capitals Day. An easy way to celebrate is by offering Dick and Jane's educational cookies for lunch. Did you know that Indianapolis was not the original capital of Indiana? Up until 1825, Indiana's capital was Corydon. Check out more fun facts at https://www.educationalsnacks.us/learn-more/states-and-capitals

For more promotion ideas, look at SNA's Promotion Calendar at https://schoolnutrition.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023-PromotionCalendar.pdf

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 Tech, TJM, 4 hours

FS Tech, BF Middle, 4.5 hours

FS Tech, Central, 4 hours

August 1, 2023 Food2School Show

August 2, 2023 Leadership Meeting, 9:30 am

August 14, 2023 Back to School Workshop, 8:30 am - 2:30 pm

August 15, 2023 Clean, Open and Prep

August 16, 2023 First Student Day

September 4, 2023 Labor Day (No Work)

September 29, 2023 Half Day K-12 (Regular Work Day)

October 16-17, 2023 Fall Break (No Work)

October 26-27, 2023 Half Days K-8 (Regular Work Days)

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