From October 7-11, Minnetonka Schools celebrated Child Nutrition Employee Appreciation Week. By preparing and serving breakfast and lunch meal service for our students, child nutrition employees are a crucial support for learning and growth in our schools. We are grateful for the flexibility and care they share each day.

Wendy Legg, a Cook Manager at Scenic Heights Elementary, has been supporting learning by coordinating and serving meals for students for eight years.

Wendy was involved in the Scenic Heights community as a parent and PTA member before she joined the Nutrition Services team. “I never imagined I would fall in love with the job, but I have, and as a result, my roles have changed as the years have gone by,” she shared. “I started as the cashier, moved to cook helper, then became Cook Manager.”

Her favorite parts of her role are the surprises each day brings. “It may sound silly, but my favorite part of my job is walking into the kitchen in the morning. It feels like I am given a present that I get to unwrap, play with all day, and then pack up and put away for the next day. And even though I know the present is coming, every day it is a little different and exciting.” 

From receiving and sharing students’ Jokes of the Day to selecting lunchroom music themed around the foods on the menu, Wendy finds ways to build community and connection in the cafeteria. “Each of us in the kitchen at Scenic Heights strives to be a positive adult contact point for the students during lunch,” she shared. “We recognize that we are some of the people in the building who see all of the students, every single day. What a privilege!” 

Eleanor Brown has supported student growth and learning for the past seven years as a Cook Helper at Minnetonka High School. "Our role is to support kids in staying safe and healthy through food," shared Brown. "My favorite part of my job is when kids come into the lunch room and I can connect with them." Memories with students, such as being asked to sign their yearbooks in the spring, are special to her and some of her favorite moments in her work.

Darryl Schorle has served in various nutrition service roles at Minnetonka High School since 2010, working in a la carte locations such as the Dock and the Cove, and most recently leading as interim kitchen manager.

"Getting to make a difference for kids–it’s like the fountain of youth!” Schorle joked. He started his career in the restaurant industry and trained as an executive chef, but a desire for a change of pace led him to working at Minnetonka High School, where his own children attended. “We may only have thirty seconds with each student, but we get to make a difference with it. That thirty-second connection is important.”

Reflecting on his job, Schorle shared, “There are not many careers where you can see your guests daily for four years and watch them grow. And then talking with parents, and knowing I’m making a difference for families—that is priceless.” He has walked as a staff volunteer at graduation eight times. Attending graduation parties and supporting students and families are some of his favorite memories connected to his role. 

We are extremely grateful for our nutrition employees and the meals they help prepare for students every day. They are an essential part of our community, so be sure to thank these staff members for all their hard work!