Advocacy: Healthy Alternative School Meals for our Students by Beth Birkner https://padlet.com/bbirkner/e9y6w3y6z3jc6g02 First assignment en-us 2023-08-15 21:02:50 UTC 2023-09-18 00:47:26 UTC hello@padlet.com Teacher- 12th grade Accounting bbirkner https://padlet.com/bbirkner/e9y6w3y6z3jc6g02/wish/2662774728  Advocating for teachers right to more personal days. My last district gave 3 personal days, while my new district only does 2..... I was shocked to hear this....I was shocked to know we go later in the school year and only receive two personal days... I want someone to advocate for teachers to take at LEAST 3 to 4 personal days for whatever reason the teacher might need it.. This job is not a walk in the park...]]> 2023-08-15 21:15:02 UTC https://padlet.com/bbirkner/e9y6w3y6z3jc6g02/wish/2662774728 Teacher- 9th grade Science bbirkner https://padlet.com/bbirkner/e9y6w3y6z3jc6g02/wish/2662776174 Advocating for the work that we do DAILY! Teaching requires planning that extends outside of our pay hours in the day. Having the community realize the amount of planning and work that teachers put into the school year and being more providing support to us.]]> 2023-08-15 21:18:28 UTC https://padlet.com/bbirkner/e9y6w3y6z3jc6g02/wish/2662776174 Tech department bbirkner https://padlet.com/bbirkner/e9y6w3y6z3jc6g02/wish/2662782994 Advocating for UPDATED SOFTWARE/ONLINE STEM RESOURCES!! I cannot stress this enough, in the world of science and math.  We are only advancing more and more in the technology world for us to be advanced in the science world, but for some reason... some* schools are only sticking to the old method...outdated textbooks..BOOO]]> 2023-08-15 21:31:25 UTC https://padlet.com/bbirkner/e9y6w3y6z3jc6g02/wish/2662782994 Parent #1 bbirkner https://padlet.com/bbirkner/e9y6w3y6z3jc6g02/wish/2673717579 Student was not prepared academically for college, teachers “did not have the time to explain the questions or explain multiple ways”]]> 2023-08-26 12:32:33 UTC https://padlet.com/bbirkner/e9y6w3y6z3jc6g02/wish/2673717579 Parent #2 bbirkner https://padlet.com/bbirkner/e9y6w3y6z3jc6g02/wish/2673718013 Student teacher relationships, not having connections with their students/not caring]]> 2023-08-26 12:33:44 UTC https://padlet.com/bbirkner/e9y6w3y6z3jc6g02/wish/2673718013 Parent #3 bbirkner https://padlet.com/bbirkner/e9y6w3y6z3jc6g02/wish/2673718091 Providing cheap, non nutritious school lunches. "prisoners get better meals than our kids"]]> 2023-08-26 12:34:06 UTC https://padlet.com/bbirkner/e9y6w3y6z3jc6g02/wish/2673718091 Parent #4 bbirkner https://padlet.com/bbirkner/e9y6w3y6z3jc6g02/wish/2673718203 Diversity for students, not getting the same shitty math teacher for three years in a row. 

]]> 2023-08-26 12:34:35 UTC https://padlet.com/bbirkner/e9y6w3y6z3jc6g02/wish/2673718203 Social Studies 11th grade bbirkner https://padlet.com/bbirkner/e9y6w3y6z3jc6g02/wish/2673718401
Funding/lack of qualified teachers.


]]> 2023-08-26 12:35:31 UTC https://padlet.com/bbirkner/e9y6w3y6z3jc6g02/wish/2673718401 Teacher 10th grade English bbirkner https://padlet.com/bbirkner/e9y6w3y6z3jc6g02/wish/2673719607 Students are disengaged/don't come to school/truancy.


]]> 2023-08-26 12:36:06 UTC https://padlet.com/bbirkner/e9y6w3y6z3jc6g02/wish/2673719607 Teacher 12th grade Science bbirkner https://padlet.com/bbirkner/e9y6w3y6z3jc6g02/wish/2673719909  
Lack of support from home and government.

]]> 2023-08-26 12:36:52 UTC https://padlet.com/bbirkner/e9y6w3y6z3jc6g02/wish/2673719909 Guidance Counselor bbirkner https://padlet.com/bbirkner/e9y6w3y6z3jc6g02/wish/2673720076 Education has become politicized.]]> 2023-08-26 12:37:28 UTC https://padlet.com/bbirkner/e9y6w3y6z3jc6g02/wish/2673720076 Assistant Principal bbirkner https://padlet.com/bbirkner/e9y6w3y6z3jc6g02/wish/2673720241 I believe teacher recruitment and retention is a big piece of the puzzle. Money could be the answer, but locally there are not funds to pay teachers (and all school personnel) what they are worth..

]]> 2023-08-26 12:38:11 UTC https://padlet.com/bbirkner/e9y6w3y6z3jc6g02/wish/2673720241 Principal bbirkner https://padlet.com/bbirkner/e9y6w3y6z3jc6g02/wish/2673721054 The biggest issue in regards to the education profession is the critical teacher shortage that is rampant, nationwide. Traditionally, teaching has been among the most respected professions - alongside doctors and lawyers. However, “education” has been weaponized by political spheres by partisan groups of both major parties in our country. The “heart” of teaching lies on making an IMPACT on students, and the future of our great nation; however, the national spotlight does not focus on the needs of students, or the powerful impact of their teachers. Rather, the spotlight often focuses on the liberal powers of teachers unions and the hyper-critical assumptions made by their political opponents. Education, in itself, is no longer celebrated in our country. The news “broadcasts” shortcomings, social media makes teachers targets of “being cancelled” at any time. College enrollment into Teacher Education programs has dwindled because the “profession” is no longer appealing to young adults who are investing tons of money into higher education. 
The solution? Make teaching an honored and respected profession again! Turn the national spotlight on the joys of education, and the dedication of teachers. Create avenues to positively “market” the power of education via social media. Establish programs to recruit and retain teachers and equip them with the resources needed to sprinkle their magic on every student they can. Celebrate new teachers that as they walk through the door to cultivate young minds, and make a difference! At the National level, reduce or subsidize teacher education programs regardless of financial aid eligibility, while at the state level, increasing salaries and benefits. I believe the power of education is the impact on students; however; there is no impact without teachers. We save education, by investing in our teachers! 

(Sorry, I’m kinda passionate about this topic.) 
]]> 2023-08-26 12:40:42 UTC https://padlet.com/bbirkner/e9y6w3y6z3jc6g02/wish/2673721054 Parent #5 bbirkner https://padlet.com/bbirkner/e9y6w3y6z3jc6g02/wish/2673721356 a great question...in terms of the education profession...honestly (and I know it's cliche) but pay.  With higher pay comes more qualified candidates for our kids.  With more qualified candidates comes a respect for the profession, teachers who are not scrambling or burnt out or leaving because they can't pay their bills. ( my sister is a teacher)]]> 2023-08-26 12:41:58 UTC https://padlet.com/bbirkner/e9y6w3y6z3jc6g02/wish/2673721356 SPED Department bbirkner https://padlet.com/bbirkner/e9y6w3y6z3jc6g02/wish/2673721742 Smaller class sizes and more teachers assistants in the room. Providing us with a seperate room to help our kids during tests, quizzes, assignments,etc. ]]> 2023-08-26 12:43:40 UTC https://padlet.com/bbirkner/e9y6w3y6z3jc6g02/wish/2673721742 Attendance in School https://padlet.com/bbirkner/e9y6w3y6z3jc6g02/wish/2681347817 2023-09-01 16:28:05 UTC https://padlet.com/bbirkner/e9y6w3y6z3jc6g02/wish/2681347817 Every child needs a champion https://padlet.com/bbirkner/e9y6w3y6z3jc6g02/wish/2681354385 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFnMTHhKdkw&vl=en

When the days in education are long, and we teachers feel like we are not being successful in our students lives...no matter how hard we try. This video always picks me back up and reminds me WE ARE making a difference in their lives...we WERE CHOSEN...]]> 2023-09-01 16:34:35 UTC https://padlet.com/bbirkner/e9y6w3y6z3jc6g02/wish/2681354385 Teachers mental health https://padlet.com/bbirkner/e9y6w3y6z3jc6g02/wish/2681356844 This is an issue that I find is super common in schools. I want to focus on what gets teachers to this point? Is there preventatives that we can use to not have teachers get to this point? I have observed before teachers quitting in the middle of the day and not returning to education because of this... ]]> 2023-09-01 16:36:54 UTC https://padlet.com/bbirkner/e9y6w3y6z3jc6g02/wish/2681356844 https://padlet.com/bbirkner/e9y6w3y6z3jc6g02/wish/2681358903 This has also been a big issue in the district I am in already. Several students with IEP's feel discouraged when being pulled out of class because they do not learn the same way. This is also an issue as far as their mental health and how this makes them feel while being pulled verbally in front of the whole class.]]> 2023-09-01 16:38:53 UTC https://padlet.com/bbirkner/e9y6w3y6z3jc6g02/wish/2681358903 School lunches/meal programs https://padlet.com/bbirkner/e9y6w3y6z3jc6g02/wish/2681361074 So far as a district, we have done an amazing job pairing up with the Kentucky farm to school program. BUT...there is still needed improvement for this program...not just providing healthy lunches 3 days a week, but making it an everyday breakfast and lunch program...with this grant we are able to provide local fresh produce and veggies only three days a week...how do we implement this to 5 days?]]> 2023-09-01 16:41:01 UTC https://padlet.com/bbirkner/e9y6w3y6z3jc6g02/wish/2681361074 Article #1. Children, ‘healthy’ food, school and family: the ‘[n]ot really’outcome of school food messages bbirkner https://padlet.com/bbirkner/e9y6w3y6z3jc6g02/wish/2692466606
  • The article discusses a study conducted in Victoria, Australia, involving 50 families with primary school children. The study aimed to understand children's perceptions of school food knowledge and its impact on family food practices.
  • The study found that both children and parents felt that school food messages were unclear, contradictory, and not relevant to them. This led to a reduced likelihood of these messages being brought home from school.
  • The research identifies a significant difference between how families approach healthy eating and food practices at home compared to the framework of school messages. Families prioritize children's eating with a pragmatic and nurturing approach, emphasizing the importance of love and care in food consumption.
  • The concept of "relational consumption" is introduced, suggesting that food is part of the everyday exchange of love and care within families. This differs from the regulatory framework of school food messages, which does not emphasize relational aspects.
  • The disconnection between familial relational approaches and school food messages affects how these messages are conveyed between home and school, limiting their impact.
  • School messages about healthy eating were found to be ubiquitous but often contradictory and confusing, leading children to view their families as the primary source of reliable information about healthy eating.
  • School messages were described as instrumental, focusing on rules and regulations, while families aimed for a more holistic and relational approach to healthy eating.
  • The study suggests that greater attention to the relational aspects of food consumption in schools may facilitate a more meaningful exchange between families and schools, supporting families in their efforts to provide healthy diets for their children.

      Maher, JaneMaree et al. “Children, ‘Healthy’ Food, School and Family: The ‘[n]ot Really’ Outcome of School Food Messages.” Children’s geographies 18.1 (2020): 81–95. Web.


    • ]]>     2023-09-10 21:51:31 UTC https://padlet.com/bbirkner/e9y6w3y6z3jc6g02/wish/2692466606     Article #2 Designing Healthy, Climate-Friendly, and Affordable School Lunches. bbirkner https://padlet.com/bbirkner/e9y6w3y6z3jc6g02/wish/2692466917
  • Study Purpose: The study aims to develop a model that considers nutritional, climate change, and economic aspects to design optimal menus for school children in Spain.
  • Methodology: The study employs integer goal programming to design menus that meet various requirements, including caloric content, macronutrient distribution, encouraged and limited nutrients, while minimizing the carbon footprint (CFP) and adhering to a budget.
  • Context: The research considers the importance of school meals in promoting better health, particularly in addressing issues like childhood obesity and malnutrition, which are prevalent in Spain.
  • Sustainability: The study aligns with the concept of sustainable diets, defined by the FAO as those with low environmental impacts that contribute to food security, health, and respect for biodiversity and ecosystems.
  • Complexity of Sustainable Diets: Building sustainable diets is complex because nutritional, environmental, and economic goals may not align, creating trade-offs.
  • Carbon Footprint: The study focuses on the carbon footprint (CFP) as a key environmental impact, as it is a commonly used indicator for food eco-labelling due to its simplicity and global relevance.
  • Case Study: The research uses a case study involving 20 starters, 20 main dishes, and 7 desserts to design optimal menus for elementary school students over a 20-day period.
  • Data Sources: CFP data for each dish is assessed based on life cycle assessment and CFP studies on food products, while nutritional values are obtained from databases and prices from a wholesaler.
  • Nutritional Constraints: The study sets constraints on nutrient content, including macronutrients and micronutrients, to ensure the menus meet nutritional requirements.
  • Goal Programming Model: The research uses a goal programming model with weights to optimize the deviations from goals related to CFP, budget, caloric content, and nutrient content, providing flexibility for decision-makers to prioritize specific aspects.

    • These facts summarize the key aspects of the study, which explores the development of sustainable and nutritious school menus by considering multiple criteria and constraints.



    Ribal , J. (2014, December 15). Designing healthy, climate friendly and affordable school lunches. 
    ]]>     2023-09-10 21:52:31 UTC https://padlet.com/bbirkner/e9y6w3y6z3jc6g02/wish/2692466917