Lake Holcombe School Board - Meals can be healthy and fun
School lunches have changed a lot since parents were young, more so even in the last couple years, making it hard for school districts to stay on top of USDA sanctions, which are administered by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. Amy Linskey, food service director at Lake Holcombe, spoke to the board of education, Sept. 22, about what some new things have come about at the school.
For example, they purchased a new steamer, after it shorted out, as well as a new bun roller. The previous roller was old, from the 1940s.
“We have antiques we’re working with,” said Linskey The school also purchased new cafeteria tables, which are easier for the custodians to close up.
“A little kid can literally pick them up and close them up, they’re just that smooth,” said Linskey.
The equipment has made prep time and breakdown time drastically improve, but that’s not the only thing different, as districts are hit with ever-changing USDA restrictions.
“There’s a long list,” said Linskey.
To adhere to the lowered sodium and calorie levels by the USDA, Linskey has tried to increase the children’s intake of healthy food, by introducing new vegetables and fruits that aren’t normally served at school, such as Brussels sprouts and kiwi, which were both loved by the kids. She also has collaboration with the Student Councils, on what the kids want to eat, but some wishes simply can’t be met.
Linskey also knows that while kids say they’re going hungry after breakfast or lunch, technically, they are receiving the correct amount of nutrition.
“What they eat and what I give them, are two totally different things,” she said. “As parents, we have to realize that.”
While the many restrictions can be overwhelming, district administrator Kurt Lindau tells Linskey to just make sure that the kids get fed and they’ll figure out the paperwork later.
“Of all the programs in a school district, food service has absolutely got the most red tape and bureaucratic jumping,” he said. “You just wouldn’t believe it.”
There was some very good news during the meeting, as Lindau reported that they have raised the $16,000, that will allow them to purchase the equipment for a sawmill. The machinery is to be bought locally, from Lake Holcombe Sales & Service, after donations poured in from area organizations and individuals.
The idea came about from tech ed instructor Andy Lorenzen and ag teacher Kent Dorney, as a way to help the students gain more experience and save the district funds.
“We all worked together to make it happen,” said Lindau.
Something that also helps the school, is the annual Penny Wars, during Homecoming week, that is organized by the Lake Holcombe Education Foundation (LHEF). Over the week, more than $600 was collected and between the proceeds of the Homecoming game tailgate party that was manned by LHEF members, more than $1,500 was raised.
“That’ll all go back into teacher grants that will come out in November,” said Jamie Tester-Morfoot, board member and LHEF chair.
Lindau also reported that the new policy of no phones during school hours, is working as it is intended, with students more engaged with conversations, playing and talking, even when they had “free time,” when phones could be used, but were not.
“It was nice to see,” said principal Chris Stalheim.
Taking care of business, the board approved the hire of volunteer assistant high school football coach Dick Kane and activities band director Liam Casey.
They also accepted 10 cases of water ($54.70 value), from Walmart; and $1,000, from Key Care Transportation LLC, toward the sawmill project.
It was also mentioned that the next meeting is Monday, Oct. 27, with the annual portion at 6 p.m., and the regular meeting to follow.
