tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post435520204943273958..comments2024-03-28T02:21:17.452-07:00Comments on Seattle Schools Community Forum: What Do You Think of This?Melissa Westbrookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-17715434031803484182012-12-26T19:10:23.289-08:002012-12-26T19:10:23.289-08:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-86055993738628455532012-12-13T20:58:55.251-08:002012-12-13T20:58:55.251-08:00As most of you know, Nutrition Services has underg...As most of you know, Nutrition Services has undergone some changes. Some were handed down by federal government. Some of these changes are no more cheese on hamburgers, and stricter guidelines on food service and handling in the lunch room. However, these changes were to be made next year. But the Wendy Weye, Director of Nutrition Services, decided to implement them this year. This makes no sense. The nutrition services is losing money due to these changes.<br /><br />Most high school kids like cheese on their burgers. Since these changes have occurred we encourages more students to eat at Mcdonalds and other such places. This resulted in losses of money in the school district due to lost lunch buying. This loss has lead to nutrition services being in the red. The last time we looked they were $850 thousand in the red.<br /><br />Also, some of this loss is due to poor lunch planning. Most of the kids are getting free and reduced lunches. But even these people want to eat out. The menu, selection and regulations are not working. I think the most common complaint is the food is the same old garbage. It is only good for so many repeats. It is referred to as carnival food. Pizza, hotdogs and french fries. The only difference is a carnival makes money. We need to have more involvement from the kids. What do the kids want. As long as it is reasonable or healthy the kids need choices they want.<br /><br />The other odd thing is the grade school parents regulate the menu for the whole school. If the grade school parents complain about items, then the whole school suffers and is denied items. The poor food makes kids want to go off campus to eat or not eat at all. This makes for late returning and kids whom can't concentrate because of poor nutrition.<br /><br />As I understand the kids can't have cheese to make the hamburger taste good, but they can have as much mayo and ketchup full of fat and high fructose that they want. So I guess this makes the food even healthier and tastier. Denying things like chocolate milk to the high school kids because grade school parents say it is bad is not helping anyone. It just makes for a less appealing lunch.<br /><br />Back to the loss of money. Some of this is due to poor menu and kids not eating at school, but we are hiring new nutritional Assistant Directors, and More Dietitans. We already have these people in place. We don't need to waste money on more, but rather get ones in that do the right job and get rid of the bad ones.<br /><br />The people already slaving away serving hear the complaints and solutions. They just need someone to listen and survey they consumer. Maybe we need to go back to an in house fresh cooked food. Having a central kitchen is not working. It is wasting resources and producing inadequate food that tastes like cardboard.<br /><br />Most shocking was an email I received from an anonymous tipster, The Sesame Street's Count, about nutrition services, which said, if supplies in which we know would run out actually do run out, we will stop operations. As the email states they tried ordering supplies from their regular vender and to no avail stopped there and did not peruse other avenues, Costco or Sam's Club, etc. See attached email.<br /><br />And I apologize that 47,000 kids will go hungry when this actually happens. Way to go Seattle School District. Even criminals in prison get 3 meals a day.Nick Esparzahttp://seattleschooldistrictexposed.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-25462695477748214662012-12-05T22:55:43.355-08:002012-12-05T22:55:43.355-08:00Who, exactly, signed off on the decision to associ...Who, exactly, signed off on the decision to associate the PTAs of Washington State with fast food?<br /><br />I'm sure WSPTA has a diligent process to prevent conflicts of interest when making major decisions like these. I wonder if they would mind publishing the conflict of interest declarations in this case?<br />Enquiring Mindsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-41518396258622944112012-12-05T21:30:32.852-08:002012-12-05T21:30:32.852-08:00Hi all,
The partnership isn't unique. Locally ...Hi all,<br />The partnership isn't unique. Locally owned McDonald's have been helping schools fundraise since at least 2003 (in other states). The franchises (again, locally owned businesses) let PTAs take over the restaurants for a set time and the proceeds go to the school. Some sports stadiums work a similar deal where they let non-profits take over the concession stand to earn money. <br /><br />Locally owned businesses (including franchises) also often sponsor local kids sporting teams. I've never heard of a litmus test required for participation.<br /><br />In any case, local PTAs don't have to participate in anything. But the option is there if they are interested. I know my local K-5 school used to hand out pizza coupons as part of its reading program. I certainly don't miss it; but I never heard any mass protests when it was in place.<br /><br />For the poster concerned about advocacy: Always feel free to contact the office if you have a concern. WSPTA works at the state level, but your local concern may have a state hook, or there may be resources available. Please keep in mind that "PTA" is a volunteer association. The state board and staff support members in their advocacy, but the speaking up, networking and heavy lifting comes from members. (There are 9 staff members to support 140,000 members and over 900 local units. Only 1 -- me -- is devoted to legislative advocacy. Board members are volunteers -- just like your local PTA boards). See www.wastatepta.org/advocacy for information about the advocacy program.<br /><br />Also touch base with the Seattle Council PTSA. It exists to help support local PTAs in Seattle and to help with district-level advocacy. Just remember - they're all volunteers. They are volunteering their time to help you develop your skills so you can be a strong advocate for kids. <br /><br />- Ramona Hattendorf, gov't relations coordinator (staff) WSPTAAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-86229974882108304912012-12-05T16:06:54.115-08:002012-12-05T16:06:54.115-08:00I might have to try dressing like "Ronald McT...I might have to try dressing like "Ronald McTeacher" when I come to work. Let's see how that goes in my AP Language and Comp class.<br />-Mmmm McRhetoricAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-24429419640695585802012-12-04T20:19:54.790-08:002012-12-04T20:19:54.790-08:00WAPTA - they don't do anything to help small, ...WAPTA - they don't do anything to help small, struggling PTAs, they take are dues and say "isn't it great you're part of the largest advocacy group for children's welfare?" when you raise issues about fundraising, they are quick to say a pta is about advocacy not fundraising. When we have an issue that needs advocate support in Seattle, wapta is nowhere to be found. Now they are fundraising with an organization that has not been good to child welfare. What's wrong with this picture?parentnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-31771483122327495562012-12-04T20:18:10.286-08:002012-12-04T20:18:10.286-08:00Here's a McChild after being poisoned with McF...Here's a <a href="http://www.ginacarson.com/gc/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/fat-ronald-mcdonald.jpg" rel="nofollow">McChild</a> after being poisoned with McFood by a McPTA.McHealthy Eaternoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-72766541252063359582012-12-04T18:43:36.802-08:002012-12-04T18:43:36.802-08:00Here is a picture of a McTeacher.<a href="http://www.grainvalleypointe.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/10-17-2012-McDonalds-1.jpg" rel="nofollow">Here</a> is a picture of a McTeacher.seattle citizenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16724175257161649500noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-30670389127620248702012-12-04T15:37:00.779-08:002012-12-04T15:37:00.779-08:00It is an attempt at improving the image of McDonal...It is an attempt at improving the image of McDonald's. It is like when R J Reynolds bought Kraft... tie yourself to something people cannot argue against... <br /><br />But please, spare me the indignity of the McTeacher fundraiser. Way to further devalue the job... Thanks.<br /><br />Here is your grade, would you like fries with that?<br /> <br /><br />-Only if I get a free uniform and a badge.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-74760734623424279842012-12-04T00:14:34.859-08:002012-12-04T00:14:34.859-08:00Who brought the clowns? WSDWGWho brought the clowns? WSDWGAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-54690134317076515592012-12-03T20:46:36.985-08:002012-12-03T20:46:36.985-08:00My point is this partnership just doesn't get ...My point is this partnership just doesn't get me all hot and bothered as the thread on how corporate subsidies hurt public education. This partnership is more of a parasitic nature with McDonald's brand gaining stature and legitimacy while WSPTA sinks. But then agin, WSPTA isn't my educational proxy voice. It could be again if its leadership shape up and stop trying so hard to fit in with the educational fashionistas. <br /><br />I doubt you are going to find many who will promote McD's menu as healthy. But it's there and part of our fast food culture. Perhaps, one day it will go away in the same manner as twinkies and wonder bread. Hate it or love it, that's your individual choice. After all this is the state that just passed recreational pot use, so I really can't get my dander up. <br /><br />mellow badgerAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-36474078178450266162012-12-03T20:16:24.084-08:002012-12-03T20:16:24.084-08:00Oh for gosh's sakes, no one is talking about a...Oh for gosh's sakes, no one is talking about an occasional fast-food meal. That is NOT the subject of this thread and I'm fairly certain everyone knows it.<br /><br />It's who the WSPTA choose to partner with to create better academic outcomes for students. <br /><br />McDonalds would not be my choice. So sure, I'll go ask why but it's in their release. <br /><br />Money drives everything and this is proof. Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12588239576000641336noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-56102587244488787302012-12-03T19:51:11.474-08:002012-12-03T19:51:11.474-08:00C'mon WSDWG. Are you trying to tell me that y...C'mon WSDWG. Are you trying to tell me that you don't occasionally enjoy a McDonald's hot fudge sundae?<br /><br />Jack and Wendynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-19968763301888308342012-12-03T19:41:48.088-08:002012-12-03T19:41:48.088-08:00Everyday Math = McHomework
Writer's Workshop ...Everyday Math = McHomework<br /><br />Writer's Workshop = McWriting<br /><br />CMP Math = McWorksheets<br /><br />NSF Science Boxes = McScience<br /><br />Is the WSPTA so desperate that they need ally with a corporation that assumes all of its new-hires have the academic equivalent of an 8th grade education?<br /><br />I can see the future..."Taco Time Teacher of the Year." Mr. Paprika recently developed an new algorithm for calculating the volume of lard evaporated daily from the deep frier.Zebra (not Zulu)noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-85537800789848428552012-12-03T17:22:20.608-08:002012-12-03T17:22:20.608-08:00Healthy Eater...
A quick websearch shows that the...Healthy Eater...<br /><br />A quick websearch shows that the new McD salads aren't all that healthy. As someone who constantly has to monitor food intake, I know that salad dressing can be as fattening and bad for you as a Big Mac. Here's what I found:<br /><br /><i>The new “healthy” salads at Mcdonald’s a) Bacon Ranch b) California Cobb, and c) Caesar can each be ordered with crispy chicken, grilled chicken, or no chicken.<br />The base of the salad with the greens, tomatoes, carrots and even sprinkles of light cheese are MUCH healthier than any of the other options on the menu. However when you add in the dressing and the chicken, the landscape begins to change.<br />A McDonald’s Bacon Ranch salad with crispy chicken and Newman’s Own Ranch dressing has 660 calories, 11½ grams of saturated fat, and 1570 mg of sodium — much higher (in every area) than a Quarter Pounder with a small order of fries. The Newman’s Own Ranch dressing alone has 300 calories and 4.5 grams of fat. </i><br /><br />Web: http://www.nu-train.com/repository/a-mcdonalds-salad-can-be-a-healthy-option-if-you-choose-with-caution/<br /><br />SolvayGirlAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-67055391345670691352012-12-03T17:15:36.439-08:002012-12-03T17:15:36.439-08:00BOGUS BOGUS BOGUSBOGUS BOGUS BOGUSKGhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14120359550438503094noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-19101729035027363722012-12-03T17:04:27.057-08:002012-12-03T17:04:27.057-08:00Plants: Go away.
And stop imitating Korsmo. S...Plants: Go away. <br /><br />And stop imitating Korsmo. She's the only one who finds herself funny. <br /><br />WSDWGAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-26098100451129720262012-12-03T16:56:43.660-08:002012-12-03T16:56:43.660-08:00@MellowBadger: Cute. Very twee. Your point?
WS...@MellowBadger: Cute. Very twee. Your point?<br /><br />WSDWGAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-4545934146341927952012-12-03T11:45:01.972-08:002012-12-03T11:45:01.972-08:00Now, now WSDWG, as a 17 yo once upon a time, Micke...Now, now WSDWG, as a 17 yo once upon a time, Mickey D's did help pay for my Gloria Vanderbilt jeans and some of my college fees while I was serving happy meals in the classic, nylon gold/reddish brown uniform.<br /><br />My super costly kids seem to prefer jobs at Wendy's (sniff). <br /><br />-mellow badgerAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-53224698074386376222012-12-03T11:28:09.476-08:002012-12-03T11:28:09.476-08:00If you don't stand for something, you'll f...If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything. <br /><br />This proves it. WSDWGAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-60221975534010726702012-12-03T11:19:15.101-08:002012-12-03T11:19:15.101-08:00I wish that WSPTA had given a little more insight ...I wish that WSPTA had given a little more insight into this decision in its announcement. They should have been able to predict negative reaction and therefore should have better communicated why they entered into this partnership with McDonalds.<br /><br />Not knowing much about McD's current menu, I went to their website to look around to see what, if anything, might qualify as new and healthy. Yeah, there are some salads and wraps that appear designed for adults, but the Happy Meals still don't look like health food. So I looked for news, press releases etc to see if there was more to the story. Is McDonald's really offering healthier food?<br /><br />Best I can tell, about a year and half ago, McD's re-designed the Happy Meals most likely in response to pressure/recommendations from the Institute of Medicine (IOM), which published industry recommendations back in 2006 for combating/preventing childhood obesity. The IOM requested voluntary compliance, to be followed by legislative actions, if industry did not make improvements. <br /><br />For the QSRs (quick-service restaurants - isn't that cute?), they recommended that meals for young kids have no more than 480 calories and that healthier choices be the default rather than just an option. Happy Meals used to all come with soda and have 500+ calories, but in 2011, things changed a bit. The size of the fries is smaller, apple slices are added as a default now instead of an option (and the caramel sauce that used to come with them is now gone), milk is also the default now instead of soda. Today, 2 out of 3 Happy Meals are under 480 calories. (Although, the cheeseburger meal, at 520 calories, is on the "worst kids food" list of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine). <br /><br />Another recommendation from the IOM was for QSRs to form partnerships to promote healthy diets. I don't really know what this is supposed to mean or what the IOM expected, but I wonder if the WSPTA/McD partnership arose out of this recommendation.<br /><br />So, I suppose all of this leaves us in a quandary. Do we support incremental progress toward improving the food offered at chain restaurants? When a place like McD's seems to be voluntarily complying with requests from the public health community to cut down calories and offer healthy options as the default in their meals, do we turn a blind eye to those efforts? The reality is that millions of Americans eat there every day. Millions of American work there too, and their kids probably go to public schools. Many of us may choose to eat elsewhere, but we are never going to force that decision on everyone else. <br /><br />Bottom line, I suspect there's a lot more behind this decision, and I wish WSPTA would have shared some of it with the community. It's easy to mock the decision, but I'd rather have the rest of the story before I criticize OR praise.Lorihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07777580098975083499noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-85987594383057164692012-12-03T10:14:20.120-08:002012-12-03T10:14:20.120-08:00Killer,
I am afraid you are right.
I think Bisqu...Killer,<br /><br />I am afraid you are right.<br /><br />I think Bisquick might take over the breakfasts.Aunt Jemimanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-83467280307803502192012-12-03T10:11:51.681-08:002012-12-03T10:11:51.681-08:00Talk about an oddball couple. The partnership doe...Talk about an oddball couple. The partnership doesn't offend me as much as other posters here. In our family, fast food is a last resort meal, but we are glad to have them off interstates when hunger mad kids must be fed before parents lose sanity (not to mention, bathroom privilege that comes with such happy meals). <br /><br />I would hope WSPTA gets a lot more out of this as an organization than just an OK to have PTA fundraising events at local McD's (though having a hoot imagining la-di-da school auctions at the golden arches). Otherwise, it's advantage mickey D's all the way to the bank. Of course, it's always nice to have a public/private partnership credited on one's CV if you are looking for one of those billionaires run "non-profit" job.<br /><br />mellow badgerAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-81564022941538980512012-12-03T09:40:31.472-08:002012-12-03T09:40:31.472-08:00It's a nightmare from hell.
How long before...It's a nightmare from hell. <br /><br />How long before McDonald's has control over school lunches?<br /><br />Killer Klownsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-77987028123120137352012-12-03T09:23:32.061-08:002012-12-03T09:23:32.061-08:00Local PTAs can dissociate with the state PTA. The...Local PTAs can dissociate with the state PTA. They can also distance themselves from the inept central administrations and ... and ...<br />run themselves as a charter school.Bill Gatesnoreply@blogger.com