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Executive Update
Supporting Your Team As You Enter The Home Stretch Celebrating Our Kitchen Heroes By Crystal Jo Bruns, Kitchen Manager, Caliche Schools, Logan County, CO Three minute read
In Brief: The article outlines ways to recognize and support rural school nutrition staff during year-end, suggesting practical appreciation methods from public acknowledgment to celebrations that enhance staff morale and school culture.
A s the school year winds down, pres- sure on staff builds, particularly in small schools where resources and support may be scarce. This time of year can feel particularly trying for the nutrition staff, who routinely work behind the scenes to ensure students are fed well. However, recognizing staff at the end of the year can go a long way in supporting morale, perfor- mance and solidifying the school culture. As we enter the final leg of the school year, we must honor the efforts and dedication of nutrition staff members. Expressing gratitude can reinvigorate their spirits, uplift their morale, and help them feel appreci- ated as we close out the year strong. Your gratitude doesn’t need to be extravagant— the little things can have the most impact. Acknowledging Their Effort The nutrition staff’s hard work can be recog- nized by acknowledging them publicly in a simple yet powerful way. Whether in a school assembly, a staff meeting, or even a few sentences in the school’s newsletter, acknowledging their efforts makes them feel noticed and appreciated. Public recog- nition can be especially meaningful in small schools, where staff often work within
close-knit environments and might not always receive the attention they deserve. Also, I want to emphasize the various roles that nutrition staff members have. In small schools, they might be preparing and serv- ing meals and managing the inventory, the cleaning, and sometimes all the caring and listening. Understanding their broad scope reinforces the importance and vital nature of their role in the school community. Personal Touches Handwritten notes of appreciation help staff feel valued, especially in small schools where personal connections matter most. When students and school leaders write cards or create artwork for display in the cafeteria, these gestures strengthen community bonds and deepen staff-stu- dent relationships. These meaningful displays of gratitude create lasting positive impacts on school culture. Small Celebrations Small celebrations can make a huge differ- ence in showing appreciation. Host a “Thank You Day” or a Staff Appreciation Week with simple gestures such as beverages, snacks, or a potluck lunch. These observances don’t have to cost much money to be meaningful.
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