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Happy first day of school!

Some announcements and reminders...

1. I will attempt to schedule you the quantity of hours you requested.  If it is too much, do not start calling off.  Let me know if you would like less hours and I will schedule you less hours in the future.  It is not fair to your team to leave your workload on them and you wouldn't want someone to treat you that way.  If you make it a habit, I will assume you are working too many hours.

2. You shouldn't be on your phone if you have work to do.  Customers and work first when you're clocked in.  Then, if you are on your phone, before you make someone's order, you need to wash your hands.  Your phone is not sanitized to food safety standards

3. Smoking cannot be in the building or in view of the customers.  Besides being against company policy, it is also against the Clean Air Act that went into effect before most of you were born.  This includes vaping.

4. If you haven't heard, Melissa is trying to rally you all to earn a pizza party.  Can we go a full day with 0 critically late tickets (over 8 minutes)?!  Hold the correct amount of food, drop MTO food as it comes in, and hop ready orders first!  Everyone is capable.  Let's put in the effort and work together

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REMINDER THAT THE SONIC PICNIC IS TUESDAY AUGUST 11.  IF YOU RSVP'D BY JULY 17, I WILL HAVE YOUR SHIRT READY FOR YOU WHEN YOU GET THERE.  IF YOU DID NOT RSVP IN TIME, THAT'S OKAY.  YOU CAN STILL COME BUT I CAN'T PROMISE A SHIRT.  IF YOU LET ME KNOW BEFORE TUESDAY THAT YOU PLAN TO SHOW UP, I WILL TRY TO BARTER FOR A SHIRT IN YOUR SIZE.

We are going to Cedar Creek State Park in PA Pavilion 16.  Address is 453 Evergreen Drive Rostraver Township, PA 15012.  If you wanted to go, but do not have a ride, let me know.  I will help you

When you get off 51, it will seem like you're driving through a neighborhood.  The park entrance is in there.  When you get to the park, there are signs for the pavilion numbers.

For those that don't drive into PA, if you don't want to drive through the toll (which I recommend avoiding especially if you don't have EZ-Pass)... get off 43 at Point Marion exit (first one in PA) and go right.  Turn left at the stop sign.  This road runs parallel to the toll road so won't add time if you're not behind a slow person.  You'll turn left at Big Six Road and the entrance to the highway will be on the right.

Fingers crossed no rain... if all goes well games will include tug-of-war, water balloons, 3-legged race, trivia, and more.  Games get you extra chances to win prizes.

After games, we'll eat dinner and dessert, pull names for prizes, and give out awards.  There are at least 18 prize baskets!

Picnic starts at 2 with lawn games, snacks, caricature, karoake, and ticket handout (for prize baskets).  Games start promptly at 3 so arrive between 2 and 3 expecting about an hour drive!  For the few of you that are working, we close at 1.  If you keep clean as you go, it'll be a quick soft close.

There is an optional 50/50 game so if you like to participate in small gambling, bring cash!  It will be 5 tickets for $3 or 10 tickets for $5.

In the past, awards wrapped up by about 7:00

Ask if you have any other questions!

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Reminder to those of you who I told I did not receive your food handlers card... please send to sonic6212@inspirepartners.net if it's digital

Picnic shirt deadline is this weekend!

When you leave the store (go to the bathroom, go home, take a break, etc.), let someone know preferably a manager.  The managers on duty are responsible for what happens on their shift.  If there is a fire, Is Tim still clocked in stuck inside?  Is he stuck in the bathroom?  Did he go home?  If Tim didn't tell anyone, we don't know!  If you are clocking out, check out with a manager.  If you are afraid they will ask you to do something, ask 30 min to an hour before your shift, "is there anything specific you want me to do before I leave today?"  They will probably ask you to do your cleaning job if you haven't already and stock and clean up your area.  Leave your space the way you would want to find it.  It takes communication and teamwork from all of us to be a great team.  Thank you

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REMINDER TO RSVP TO THE PICNIC IF YOU WOULD LIKE A FREE SHIRT FOR ATTENDING THIS WEEK!  IF TRANSPORTATION IS YOUR CONCERN, IT WILL BE NO PROBLEM!  WE CAN CARPOOL.  SEE DETAILS ON THE WHITEBOARD

THIS COMING WEEK, WE WILL DO THE SMASH-OFF THIS COMING WEEK.  IT'S ANYONE'S GAME- HOW FAST CAN YOU MAKE A SMASHER?!?!?

I WILL PRINT AN UPDATE ON OUR PRETZEL SALES STANDINGS MID-MONTH.  SOME ARE DOING GREAT, SOME COULD DO BETTER!  "WOULD YOU LIKE TO TRY A SOFT PRETZEL TWIST TODAY?"

Also students, we're about one month out... for those that haven't given me your schedule yet, I will need it sooner than you think!

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A note in regard to recent people leaving the team...

I am not mad at anyone for quitting, however I am disappointed in the way they did it and treated all of you.  When someone decides to abandon their job, it doesn't change my job.  My job is always to keep Sonic running and grow the business.  Most of you have been around long enough to know that when I don't have enough people to schedule, I will work 100% right alongside you.  When someone says that they want to work here and that they want to be scheduled and then decide they won't work anymore after being scheduled, it negatively impacts the rest of the team.  I can only be in so many places at one time, but will do my best to take the burden off anyone else.  Unfortunately, that usually leaves some extra for others before I can rebalance the schedule and then replace them.

If you feel that someone is not a team player or has a bad attitude, let me know.  I will not tell them you told me.  I will watch and look for it myself and figure out how I can help them do better.  I would rather help us all become better than everyone get mad at each other.

When you decide to leave Sonic, I ask that you provide notice, and at the very least, work your scheduled shifts with 100% effort and good attitude.  I am fully aware that you don't legally have to, however I am asking out of respect for the rest of the team.  In return, here's what I can provide: 1, you will most likely be eligible for rehire if at some point in your life you would like to come back; 2, if you need a reference for college or future job, I will do it

If you tell me you want to put in your 2 weeks' notice, the first thing I will ask is why.  I am asking because I have to report this on your termination paper and also because if it's something I can help with, I will.  For example, if you think work is too overwhelming with school, I may suggest working less days or taking a semester off work.  Or, if you are moving, I may offer a reference.  If you are dissatisfied with Sonic, you can be honest.  I will probably ask questions so that if there is an area where we can improve, we can do that to make the next person's experience better.

While you are here, I ask that you show up to your shifts on time when you are scheduled ready to work with a good attitude.  I am not perfect and neither are any of you.  This is okay.  If we were perfect, we wouldn't be able to become better.  We don't know what we don't know.  I will keep helping you all get better with more training as much as I can as well as correcting mistakes because this is part of my job.  If there is something specific I can do for you, let me know.

Thank you

Amanda

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Happy Easter!

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Sorry I skipped last week. For those that ignored my call yesterday, we are closed today. Stay safe! See you tomorrow. Open at 10am Monday

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Happy New Year!

The call-off policy is that you call the store at 304-598-0024 and speak to the manager on duty at least 2 hours prior to the start of your shift.  A better solution is to ask someone to cover your shift or switch with you.  Repeat call-offs will result in a reduction of scheduled hours.  Excessive repeat call-offs will result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.  If you are scheduled too many days/hours, let Amanda know to voluntarily reduce your hours on future schedules.  Any email or text received is not considered a call-off, rather a no-call, no-show.  Two no-call, no-shows will result in termination as outlined in the handbook's disciplinary policy.  These policies are in place to protect the business, the team, and the customers.  The team doesn't want to be scheduled with those that are not reliable, and the customers do not want to have to wait.  Thank you.

NEW!  Requests may be made in the store by filling out the request form at any time and putting it in the box.  Requests are due 2 weeks in advance.  If you forgot, ask someone to switch with you or cover your shift and discuss with a manager.  Any request sent via email or text is automatically assumed to be denied.

Availability changes can be made with Amanda.  Some things to consider before you come see me... I do not call applications that say they won't work weekends.  I am able to provide flexible scheduling and accept basically all requests because I require everyone to be available at least Saturday or Sunday.  We are open 7 days/week.  This allows you to request the whole weekend you have plans and someone else to request off the whole weekend they have plans.  Your availability has to cover hours that people want Sonic if you want to be scheduled.... 12-10pm are our busiest hours peaking 12-1 and 5-8 now but likely later in the near future.  Spring is coming.  I do not have a minimum number of days you must work so only tell me a number that you are going to show up for.  The maximum is 40 hours/week unless otherwise approved which usually requires sales to be up.

All of the above is put in place to help the business serve our guests which in turn is printed as paychecks for all of us.  Thank you for being a team player and showing up to work with good attitude ready to work!

Monday starts the all-American smasher!!!  Carhops- who can sell the most all-American smashers?  Prize for winner.  You can use the $6 meal deal to upsell the new LTO sandwich!

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As I've been saying for the last month, the week of Christmas is our slowest week.  We are closed Christmas day and open a half day Christmas Eve.

1, I hope you all get lots of rest and enjoy a break spending time with family or friends.  Merry Christmas!

2, I do not want to work any of your shifts.  If you do not want one of yours, give it to someone else who does want it!  Make sure you let a manager know so they know who to expect.  There is no overtime however with only being open 5 days, I had to deduct 1 day from all the cooks so we should be safe.

3, New year is right around the corner- let's get ready for more customers!

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Reminders:

-Cooks need to be wearing gloves when touching people's food.  This is WV policy since 1999.  They did this to provide an additional protection to the public against foodborne illnesses that can spread if you missed some while washing your hands.  We teach this on day 1.  A manager should not have to tell you this every day.  That would be like your mom calling you to remind you to put your underwear on every day.

-Carhops need a headset to answer the customer on the first beep.  Your customers will be nicer and tip you more if you are quick and friendly!

-If you need days off for Christmas and have not told me yet, you have one more week to request off.  I would love to give you guys the schedule earlier but I need dates in a timely manner please.  I do not know your personal schedules unless you tell me.  We are closed Christmas day and are open reduced hours on Christmas Eve.

-Switchboard bingo starting 12/5 for carhops.  First person to get blackout board wins a prize!  You can do this by answering the first beep and asking if they would like to try add-ons you need on your board.  More orders taken= more opportunity to win

-Continuing challenge: managers have a challenge for most on-time orders.  They get to choose which of their shifts they want to reward with a pizza party if they win.  Help them win and they'll pick your shift!

For those I don't see before Christmas break, I hope you have a great holiday with friends and family!  Thank you for your work this year.

Amanda

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Reminder to let a manager know if you're interested in joining Valerie's secret santa game by end of November.

Also, Christmas is coming! We are closed Christmas day and will have a half day Christmas Eve. If you need additional days off, let me know at least 2 weeks in advance

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We are closed Thanksgiving day. If you are planning to be out of town other than just that day and have not told me, now is the time! It's 2 weeks away

Another reminder for cold days, you can:

1, wear warmer clothes underneath your shirt

2, wear a jacket that is 100% solid black (no graphics, words, bedazzling, etc.)

3, purchase a Sonic pullover for $17

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One computer fixed... sorry for the delay! Friday is Halloween!!! Wear your best work-appropriate costume. Prize for the best?!?!

If anyone is interested in competing in company-wide contest to guess TOTAL corn dogs sold on Halloween only for ALL Sonic locations. Send your guess to:

livefreelive@inspirebrands.com

Include your name, email address, store number (6212), and your guess! Closest guess to correct number without going over wins a prize

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If anyone is interested in purchasing a

Sonic pullover (the blue ones I wear), let me or another manager know! They are $17 each cash. For size reference, mine is a small.

For winter, you can wear these, something under your uniform, or something completely solid black if you are cold.

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Home game Saturday- you can wear work appropriate WVU gear if you wish!

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Reminder on no more shorts until Memorial Day!

You CAN wear work-appropriate WVU attire for home football game days.

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This is last week for shorts! Must be pants after labor day

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Sorry for the delay!

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Reminder that the picnic is Tuesday at Cedar Creek State Park in Belle Vernon (PA, not WV!) 2-8pm. Games start at 3 so make sure you're there by then. If you need to leave early, you may miss awards/raffle/dinner. Last year we wrapped up about 7:30. Tell your guest to wear gold to match our team!

If you would like to participate in 50/50 raffle (optional), bring cash. Prizes, games, awards are completely separate and free

Team Taters

"Too Tot to Handle"

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If you did not RSVP to the picnic and plan to go, let me know ASAP. I plan on avoiding scheduling those not going that day.

Flyer is posted in store with schedule and address. If you need a ride, let me know and I will help coordinate carpooling!

August 12 2pm!

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Reminder that our company picnic is August 12 at Cedar Creek State Park (PA)! We are the gold team

Bring me your ideas for team names by August 3. Next week we'll vote on one and creator of name will get a prize

For those that started after shirt sign-ups, you can still go but will not be able to get a team shirt. Wear gold to fit in with the rest of our team! See me for the details

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We have a LOT of vacations over the next 2 weeks. For those going, enjoy! For those here, bear with me. I'll do best I can to pace things. We have a few new people starting... and our team will come back soon

Reminder to show up and give 100% with a good attitude while you're at work. That's all I ask. We'll get through the week as a team

Also, we got paid today! If you haven't gotten black non-slip shoes, now is the time. If you don't want to or can't pay for them, Christian Help will get you free ones

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Sorry this didn't upload last weekend

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Reminder that everyone needs black non-slip shoes and blue jeans or black dress pants. We get paid Friday. If you don't want to or can't buy them, Christian Help will supply both for free

Shorts: they're only permitted Memorial Day-Labor Day, must be longer than your fingertips, not hole-y, and you can't be in kitchen wearing them

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Reminder that everyone needs black non-slip shoes and blue jeans or black dress pants. We get paid Friday. If you don't want to or can't buy them, Christian Help will supply both for free

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Pickle promos start Monday! That's when you can start wearing your new swag

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Reminder to check the next page if you are at a page split. Next week should be 3 pages.

Sunday is deadline to send in direct deposit info for Friday if you haven't yet! sonic6212@inspirepartners.net

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HS Students: reminder that if your availability increases and you would like additional summer hours to let me know. Also, if you have friends looking for a summer job, I am still hiring! We are still running our referral program (cash for both of you $$$).

Carhops: reminder that you MUST carry your money on you. No one else should be in your drawer or wallet. If you can't carry it, you can work drive-thru or cook. This is part of our cash policy to reduce theft. We need to collect the money to turn into paychecks!

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Last week for WVU- we will be busy before it slows down for a couple weeks! Reminder to those in school... when your availability changes, let me know

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It's SMASHER week! To run smoothly, we need everyone to show up for their shifts on time. If you're scheduled too many hours, let me know

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For those that are struggling with pants or shoes, I reached out to Christian Help and they said they will help with both pants and shoes (FREE). All you will have to do is take a paystub or your offer letter to them and they will help you! We provide the rest of your uniform. See below for details.

Our uniform policy is both to make us look like a team as well as safety. One of the application questions is, "Are you willing to wear a uniform and follow grooming
standards?" I promise I didn't call anyone who answered "no". Please make an effort to get the correct uniform ASAP. I don't want to constantly question people about uniform.

Thank you!

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"We would be happy to assist you employees as we are able. The Career Closet will purchase items if we do not have the needed attire in stock. The customers need to bring verification of employment, typically a recent paycheck or job offer. If there is a concern, we will call the employer for clarification. The Closet hours are Tuesday and Thursday from 9am to 4pm. Arrival by 3:00pm is suggested so that they have time to complete the paperwork and shop.

All of our services are provided in-person, on-site, free of charge, without need for appointments. An outline of services is attached for your reference. We do not hold, pre-order, or ship items. The store is located at 219 Walnut Street. Our public service hours are 9am to 4pm, Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, as well as 9am to 2pm on Fridays.

Most of our shoppers' are employed in service (i.e., retail, restaurants), construction (i.e., craft, fracking), fieldwork (e.g., surveyors, transfer station), and healthcare. We try to maintain a stock of appropriate attire. Black dress pants aren't typically a concern. There are frequent requests for jeans and have had concerns after the fact regarding size, shrinkage, etc., so we also refer people to Walmart if these aren't in stock. Shoes we purchase without challenge because of the safety issues related to work. These can take a week for delivery if they are not in stock. We don't order for style preference, just functionality.

There is an outline of items CC shoppers may obtain that varies according to donations. We check items to assure they are clean and functional. They can visit the CC once a month to grow their wardrobes and put their funds toward essentials like rent, utilities, food, etc. And, they can visit the free store once every 7 days if they are interested in additional items."

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Happy Easter!

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I will be gone March 29-April 6. For those that have been reliable, I am offering overtime that week to help make everything easier for you all.

I am hoping to hear good reports of how reliable you all were and how well you worked as a team when I get back!

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If anyone with open or night availability that would be unavailable past midnight (that I don't know about), see me this week please! I'm working on a count of how many more people we need for spring/summer.

Thank you :-)

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"I find that the harder I work, the more luck I seem to have."

Reminder that ALL food and drinks MUST be rung in. A manager will discount it and you will sign the receipt. It will be made when it's on the screen. You get 1 100% discount up to $11 and then you may have a 50% discount when you work. Let's not abuse the free meal privilege. I don't want a few people to ruin it for everyone.

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"Believe you can and you're halfway there."

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"Action is the foundational key to all success."

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Happy New Year! On Wednesday January 1, we're going to start the year clean... if you have stuff in lockers, on shelf, hanging on hooks, etc., take it home with you. I will donate or throw away anything hanging out that morning

Reminder that all food and drinks must be rung in before you get it. We will make it when it is on the screen and you will sign receipt if it's a free meal. Fountain drinks are free ONLY if they are in your own cup or a paid cup. I would rather everyone do their job and reduce waste and spend the money in checks than throwing away paper products (and cold food)!

"I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination."

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“Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.”

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Sorry for the delay online...

Merry Christmas!

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"If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change."

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From Thanksgiving until Christmas, get in the festive spirit (if you choose) and wear a Christmas shirt or sweater and/or a Christmas hat/headband instead of your Sonic shirt and hat! If you choose not to wear Christmas attire, you MUST wear your normal Sonic uniform.

EVERYONE needs black dress pants, black jeans, or blue jeans to wear every day. Leggings are NOT acceptable work pants. Everyone also needs all black non-slip shoes. We've been lenient and allowed everyone to start with the wrong uniform for one check. I don't want anyone to get hurt and not be protected. If you're concerned about the cost, Christian Help helps with work clothes or Walmart sells low-cost stuff. Many have received many checks and are still showing up not in full uniform. You're all tired of hearing me say the same thing... Let's all get in the correct uniform to meet Sonic standards and look like a team!

Happy Thanksgiving! I am thankful for all of you that come to work and give 100% :-)

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Happy Thanksgiving!