woman standing in front of children

Food Service Director

“On November 15th, I taught my third class in a series of three from Small Bites to the second grade classes at Nashville Elementary. This particular lesson covered foods in the protein group and the significance of daily physical activity. The classes in the series appeared to have gone quite well with all of the students and the teachers being very receptive and engaged with our programming.

I often wonder how the teachers of our classrooms and school administrators feel about our programming…I am generally certain that the students will benefit by learning something valuable and having fun with the games and activities geared towards them, but I sometimes wonder what the teachers think. And, of course, their support of our programming in their schedules and schools is invaluable. On November 15, our last day at Nashville, there was another adult besides the teacher in the classroom, observing from the back of the classroom – I had never seen her before. After the class was over, she introduced herself to me as the Food Service Director for all of the West Holmes Local School District and stated that she had wanted to come observe a class after discussing programming for another site with one of our other Program Assistants. She also emphasized that our teachers at Nashville Elementary really enjoyed having us in their classrooms. She expressed how very impressed that she was with what we do…she liked the curriculum that we use, how we incorporated activities and tastings, and how we were able to reach these students who had not previously had any programming. She also expressed further interest in having SNAP-Ed programming within the West Holmes District.

I take this is a great success since it addresses that not only is our programming itself going well and making a good impression for the students, but that those who are indirectly affected (teachers/administrators) are impressed as well. And, as stated before, having the support of those within the school district who are in positions of administration is priceless and can only lead to better outcomes for the students.”