really meant since I had only been the Food Service Coordinator for a mere 3 months prior to closing, but I was ready for the challenge! I then received an email stating that the certificate courses were resuming. My amazing school corporation didn’t hesitate to sign off on me starting the courses again. So, I dove back in. The courses were so rewarding. Every time I finished a course I felt a sense of accomplishment. My kids, husband, coworkers and administration were always checking in on how I was doing. The courses were inspiring and the instructors were awesome. They all knew the material and explained it in a way that made it easy to understand. I finished all 17 courses that the program had to offer, but since I was a director with less than 5 years experience, I was required to take the ICN’s Introduction to School Nutrition Leadership in order to officially complete the requirements. While this 30.5 hour training is typically offered by the Indiana Department of Education a couple of times a year, Centerville-Abington wanted me to
complete it as soon as possible. So without hesitation, my request to take the training was approved by the Assistant Superintendent and our school board and I was off to Mississippi! I was super excited for the opportunity to attend this course at the Institute of Child Nutrition on the beautiful campus of Ole Miss University in Oxford Mississippi. I have to be honest, I was also very nervous, but still excited. The staff at the institute was very hospitable and inviting, making me feel as if they had known me for years. I highly recommend that if you ever have the chance to attend a course in person at ICN, you should DO IT! The instructors were awesome and knew the information well. Any time during the course that there was a question or information the instructors didn’t know, they were quick to put resources together and get us an answer. The training is full of information that I have already put into practice within my school district. It was such an amazing experience to attend a course with so many other Directors from all over the United States and even others from Indiana. A shout out to the other Hoosiers in attendance; Becky Landes, ICN Consultant, Raina Sisson of Northern Wells Community Schools, and Billie Jo Russell from West Washington School Corporation. I may have never formed the relationships I have with these ladies without this experience. Not to mention those that I met and will have to take a vacation to visit! I am incredibly proud to work for Centerville- Abington Schools, the schools that my parents, in-laws, niece, nephew, husband and I all attended and graduated from and now where my nieces and my own kids attend. I am so thankful that I was given the opportunity to continue my education and advance my career via the ISNA/ IDOE School Nutrition Certificate Program. It has made me better for the awesome students at Centerville-Abington Community Schools!
CLICK HERE for more information about the ISNA/IDOE School Nutrition Certificate Program!
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