The news came down an hour before the lunch rush that contact tracing resulted in all but one Bremen Public Schools cafeteria staff member having to quarantine. That did not deter members of the school corporation to step up to the plate to ensure that a nutritious lunch was prepared and served to all students.
Superintendent Dr. Jim White said it was quite the team effort and noted he was joined by Elementary/Middle School Principal Larry Yelaska in the kitchen as well as Corporation Treasurer Stephanie Pittman and many other professionals in the corporation for a few days.
Dr. White commented, “I tell you I cannot thank the staff enough. Our instructional assistants – man they rolled up their sleeves. No one complained. Everybody was proud of what they were doing. The kids kind of found it interesting too.”
Dr. White added that Amy Stouder, the only cafeteria person left after contact tracing, took on a role to lead all of the volunteers to get food out to students on time.
“She really, really stepped up during this time,” said Dr. White. “It was very amazing to watch her during this period grow as a leader. She also spent 10-12 hours a day there too. We could not have done that without her guidance and direction because she was the brains. The rest of us opened cans, served food and did what we had to do. I would ask the board if you’d be willing to give her a $250 thank you and that we would just add into her next paycheck.”
The board unanimously approved the bonus for Amy Stouder.
Dr. White was quick to thank everyone who works in the cafeteria and those who made the effort to help in the time of need.
