Charting the Course w/ Kellen Adams

This week, Piper USD 203 joins schools across the country in celebrating National School Lunch Week and recognizing the important role school nutrition plays in student success.

School meals are about much more than what is served on a tray. Consistent access to nutritious food gives students the energy they need to focus, participate and make the most of each school day. Our cafeterias are an extension of the learning environment, helping students build healthy habits while ensuring they are nourished and ready to learn.

Piper USD 203 is proud to partner with Opaa! Food Management to provide fresh, nutritious and appealing meal options for our students. We are especially grateful for the dedicated Nutrition Services employees who prepare and serve meals, maintain safe and welcoming kitchens, support students with individual dietary needs and provide kindness and encouragement each day.

As we continue working to strengthen our school nutrition program, we want to hear from you! Students, families, staff and community members are invited to complete a brief survey about their experiences and preferences. Your feedback will help us celebrate what is working well and identify opportunities to better meet the needs of Piper students.

At the heart of Piper USD 203 are the dedicated people who make a difference for our students, schools, and community every day.

The True North Award gives students, families, staff, and community members an opportunity to recognize a Piper employee who consistently goes above and beyond.

Maybe it is a teacher who believed in a student when they needed it most. Perhaps it is a coach, counselor, paraeducator, bus driver, secretary, custodian, administrator, or another staff member whose commitment makes Piper a better place.

So many people across Pirate Nation quietly make a difference. This is our opportunity to shine a light on their contributions, and we need your help identifying those deserving individuals.

Submit a True North Award nomination today!

For many children, an early childhood teacher provides their very first experience with school. The relationships formed in that classroom can shape how a child feels about learning for years to come. Holly’s nomination illustrates the lasting impact of making that introduction a positive one.

A parent who nominated Holly shared:

“Ms. Holly was our daughter’s introduction to school and her very first teacher—some might say a pretty important, make-or-break moment! We truly could not have asked for a better person to start her school journey with.”

The parent described Holly as warm and welcoming, meeting each student where they are while providing rigorous, meaningful instruction. They praised her ability to bring lessons to life through hands-on experiences and real-world learning, and her care for students as if they were her own children.

Perhaps most meaningful was the parent’s description of a classroom where children feel safe, valued and loved—where friendships grow alongside learning. The nomination concluded:

“She set the bar incredibly high and gave her such a positive foundation for her education!”

School nurses play an essential role in helping students stay healthy, safe and ready to learn. For families navigating a new medical diagnosis, a trusted school nurse also provides reassurance that their child is supported throughout the school day.

A parent who nominated Amy shared how much her care has meant to their family as their son adjusts to a recent diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes. They described Amy’s attention to his needs and her willingness to go above and beyond, while also supporting other students managing the same condition.

The parent wrote, “Not enough words can describe how grateful we are to have an amazing nurse for our son,” and added, “She definitely deserves the BiGGest ShoutOuT!!!”

Amy, your care and dedication give students the support they need to participate fully in school and give families invaluable peace of mind. You exemplify the steady guidance and commitment to others that our True North Award celebrates.