Seuss Theme Attracts Attention for School Lunch Week

Jan. 26, 2012 ~ "Green Eggs and Ham" and "Oh, The Things You Can Do That Are Good For You" are more than Dr. Seuss books. They are part of the theme for Lunchville: Kansas School Lunch Week, Jan. 23-27.

District Nutrition and Catering Coordinator Jami Soukup, who also serves as chair of the nutrition committee for the School Nutrition Association of Kansas, mixed some fun children's book titles with good nutrition and came up with a week's worth of innovative ideas to promote healthy eating in schools across the state. She presented the theme to her colleagues last fall and has been overwhelmed with the wonderful promotions taking place across Kansas.

"We will focus on a book each day, like 'Green Eggs and Ham'," she said. Food Service employees across Olathe will serve ham and cheese sandwiches, spinach romaine and sweet potato grooves to promote the idea that "I like dark green and orange veggies."

"Communicating about nutrition and marketing what we do is so vital to encourage students to eat healthy, feel well and excel in the classroom," Soukup said. "We hope to catch students' attention by having fun and hope that translates into discussions at home about what is happening in the lunch room and the healthy options they tried."

At Westview Elementary students from pre-kindergarten through older grades helped with the Lunchville decorations.

"Food Services employee Kay Tucker designed all of the artwork and students helped," Principal Mandy Shoemaker said. Pre-kindergarten students painted Lorax Truffula trees, Y-Club members made a paper chain that wraps around the cafeteria walls. Second-graders drew "Cat in the Hat" pictures.

"The students were very excited about the decorations," Shoemaker added. "We plan to keep them up through Read Across America Day and use them to celebrate Dr. Seuss' birthday."

	A sketch of the Grinch caught the attention of Westview Elementary students as they walked down the hall during Kansas School Lunch Week. They had an opportunity to have their picture taken with the Grinch as part of the display. Food Services employee Kay Tucker designed the artwork.
	Superintendent Marlin Berry read “Oh, the Places You’ll Go” to Westview Elementary students during their lunch period. He was invited to read by Kay Tucker, Food Services employee, and librarian Jan Stout offered a selection of Dr. Seuss books.
	Superintendent Marlin Berry and Westview Principal Mandy Shoemaker joined Westview staff in celebrating Kansas School Lunch Week with a Seuss theme. Pictured are Berry, Shoemaker, Kay Tucker, Jesus Berumen, Lisa Cochran, Mary Anne Fasse, Peggy Anderson and Joyce Sheffield. “Our staff was very excited about the theme and eager to wear the Cat in the Hat hats I brought,” Shoemaker said.   Photos by Erica Derrington