Wendy-Weyer (1)Pic.jpgHAPPY NEW YEAR!

 I hope that you all found time during our recent winter break to recharge while spending quality time with family and friends. The unseasonably warm weather at the end of December allowed me to get a few more things done around my house before the cold of winter sets in. For me (as I am sure is the case with most of you), the transition to winter typically means a bit more monitoring of the local weather stations or apps before heading to bed and my phone is never too far away in the event an early morning call comes that schools are delayed or cancelled. Fingers crossed that this will be an uneventful winter for all our schools (and meal programs) across the state!

We received several positive comments about the electronic version of the Apple Press that was sent out in the Fall and therefore have plans to continue with this method of distribution for the immediate future. We appreciate our members flexibility as we navigate a few changes in how the association has done things in the past.

The WSNA Executive Board has been busy this Fall. An Ad Hoc Committee was formed which worked to update the job description for our Executive Director position. The posting for this job opened in mid-December and it is our hope that we will be screening applications and scheduling interviews by the end of January. At the end of January, we also say farewell to our Association Bookkeeper Donna Parsons. Donna has decided that it is time to move full time into retirement!

Please join me in welcoming Melissa Miller from the Oak Harbor School District to the WSNA Executive Board in the position of Education Chair. Melissa joins the Board at the perfect time as we jump into planning for Spring Workshop and the Annual State Conference. Speaking of annual conference, I would like to recognize Kim Elkins (Meads SD) and Jennifer Witting (East Valley SD) for volunteering to co-chair this year’s conference committee.

A thank you also goes to our past conference chair Mark Oswalt who played a role in encouraging many in the Spokane area to join the conference committee. If you haven’t done so already, mark your calendar and make plans to attend this year’s conference which will be held in Spokane from July 29th to 31st!

The start of the New Year brings a new Legislative session in our state. This year’s session runs 60 days from January 8th to March 7th. Reps. Riccelli and Rude have sponsored HB 2058 which has the goal of increasing student access to free meals served at public schools. Fingers crossed that we can continue to make progress in our state on this very important piece of legislation!

Winter is the time of year where we start gathering names of individuals interested in running for a position on the WSNA Board. Please consider reviewing the positions that we are recruiting for and either nominate yourself, a friend or co-worker. More information on the WSNA elections can be found in this edition of the Apple Press. Don’t forget to vote in the national SNA elections. SNA elections will take place from February 15-29, 2024.

That’s all for now. Happy New Year

Wendy Weyer, RD, SNS

WSNA President

 

 

 

Our Mission

Engage, educate and empower School Nutrition professionals to advance accessibility, quality and integrity of school nutrition programs

Our Vision

Every student has access to nutritious meals, to strengthen their health and well-being

Learn More