A sometimes overlooked department, but one that plays a vital role in our students' success, is the D38 Nutrition Services Department. Nutrition Services works hard to keep our students fueled for their pursuits both inside the classroom and out. In this month's Staff Spotlight, we are highlighting someone who was described as "the glue that holds everything together," and someone that "the department couldn't function without." This month's Staff Spotlight features Vivian Schreck, Nutrition Services Secretary.
Tell us about your journey in D38.
I started off as a kitchen assistant at Kilmer Elementary School, and I loved the school hours because I still wanted to be available to attend my daughter’s sports. I started there and went to another school my second year, and then another school my third year, and then I came over to Lewis-Palmer High School and have been here ever since. During that time I worked in the kitchen, and then eventually became the secretary for Nutrition Services. And I’m still here 11 years later.
You were described as “the glue that holds everything together” in the Nutrition Services Department. Can you tell us about your role and what all you do for the department?
I'm the secretary for the department, and I’ve worked at all of the schools, so I guess I got to know how to do everything and use all of the equipment . Then I moved into the secretary role where I began working on behind-the-scenes stuff. I just kind of started doing everything. This needed to be done or that needed to be done, so you learn how to do that.
What is something about the Nutrition Services Department that you think people may not know, but should know?
There’s a lot more going on behind the scenes than most people are aware of. It’s not just about putting food on a plate. It's planning the menu, or finding and ordering product, or making sure we have staff everywhere we need them. When kitchen staff arrive at work, they’re going the whole time. From the time they turn on the lights, to the time they turn them off, it’s 100 percent on your feet, and those kids will be there ready to eat whether you are ready or not. You have to be really prepared when you open that door.
Then there's all the planning that comes in behind that, doing all of the orders and making sure all the deliveries get out of the warehouse. There are all the things that Stacey Baker (Director of Nutrition Services) has to do, and all of the things she has to meet for the CDE. There are dietary needs and USDA regulations we have to meet. There’s a lot more to it than just putting food on a plate.
What is your favorite memory of your time working in D38?
The little kids have been my favorite. They just look at you with big eyes, and they’re willing to share about anything. They’ll open their mouth and tell you why they can’t eat that apple because of a loose tooth. They’re just very open and always fun to talk to. They can brighten your day with their questions and curiosity.
Is there anything you would like to say or a message you would like to share with the rest of your department?
I’d like to say that the head of our department, Stacey, has always been very open and very willing to listen to anything anyone has to say. She wants to inspire you to do better and meet your full potential. She always has a positive outlook and positive way of finding solutions, and I think everybody knows that. It's nice to be able to come into work and know that she’s always there with a positive attitude. You know that leadership is always there for you.