Happy Friday! As I write this article, I can hear the band practicing "Deck The Halls," and I have to admit, I'm just not quite ready for the holiday season yet. It’s hitting me that the end of the year is approaching rapidly, and it’s a bit overwhelming to think about how quickly this school year is flying by! With so much work ahead of us, it's a reminder to stay focused and make the most of the time we have left. Let's embrace the challenges and celebrate the progress we’ve made together this year!

Kathy Kane returns to the office on Monday, October 28. Make sure to stop in and say hello!

All employees should have received an email from Nicole Biehn in Human Resources this week regarding Insurance Benefits Open Enrollment 2025. Employees who work 20 or more hours per week, are required to schedule and attend, an open enrollment meeting. Even if you have been employed as a permanent employee for 2 days, you are required to schedule a meeting. Please check your email for more details.

During open enrollment, you will:

• Renew, Enroll, or Waive Medical, Vision, and Dental coverage
• Renew, Enroll, or Waive Supplemental Insurance coverages through American Fidelity
• Add or remove eligible dependents to/from your plans.

To schedule your appointment, please click here.

The School Nutrition Association has revealed next school year's theme for National School Lunch Week, and I couldn't be more excited: "Taste the World: Your School Lunch Passport." With Vicente's extensive global culinary experience, I believe he can elevate this week by creating recipes from a different country each day for students to enjoy! It’s a fantastic opportunity to introduce students to diverse flavors while also educating them about various cultures. I am definitely looking forward to this!

In May 2024, we featured an article about Kim Szelinski, a substitute Food Service employee at Benjamin Franklin Middle School, who was participating in the Athlete Leadership Program while working towards a health and fitness certificate. I am thrilled to share that she has now graduated with a Certificate in Health and Fitness from Special Olympics Indiana’s Athlete Leadership program. Additionally, Kim has received the prestigious Melvin Award as an Outstanding Graduate Leader for Fall 2024! What an incredible achievement, Kim—you should be immensely proud of these accomplishments, and we are all celebrating with you!

1. I have an Elton John pun. It's a little bit funny.

2. Procrastination is a dish best served eventually.

3. Past, present, and future walked into a bar. It was tense.

4. I have a chicken proof lawn. It's impeccable.

5. When my wife split her pants I made some unseemly comments.

I saw this on my SNA SmartBrief newsletter and thought to myself....this is definitely something Rob would give me to put into his Random Ramblings article!

Rachel Pitt, Food Service Manager at Central Elementary, was recently highlighted in "The Viking View" for her important role in the school community. Known for her creative ideas, Rachel bridges the gap between the classroom and the kitchen, making nutrition a key part of education. She connects with students on a personal level, creating a welcoming atmosphere where every child can thrive. Job well done, Rachel! For a readable link to Viking View, please click here.

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!

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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