Spaeth a Breakfast Champion for students at Cadott
By Ginna Young
Kids learn better when they start the day with a full stomach, it’s a well-known fact. By eating a meal before classes begin, students are more alert, have better concentration and are more likely to excel in academics.
But, not every child’s family can afford for them to eat and may not qualify for free/ reduced meals. Because of that, Cadott School District administrator Josh Spaeth knew he had to make sure kids aren’t going hungry, so they are free to focus on their education.
“Our school food service director, Deb Zais, and I had many meetings about how we could improve our breakfast program,” said Spaeth. “After closely looking at the numbers, we realized that the number of students eating breakfast was declining.”
Research shows that students who participate in the school breakfast program exhibit improved behavior, higher scores on standardized tests, reduced psychological problems, and a lower rate of absenteeism and tardiness.
“Skipping breakfast has an adverse effect on student learning,” said Spaeth.
To combat that, Spaeth, asked the Cadott School Board to approve free breakfast for all in the district.
“The board approved this and the number of students eating breakfast has doubled this school year,” said Spaeth.
The students have the option to eat in the cafeteria or take their breakfast to class, allowing for flexibility, to increase participation.
Spaeth and his staff’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. This year, as part of National School Breakfast Week, March 4-8, Spaeth was recognized as a Breakfast Champion, by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, School Nutrition Association of Wisconsin, Hunger Task Force and No Kid Hungry Wisconsin.
The award goes to those who go above and beyond, to ensure that students start their day equipped with all the tools they need to learn. The district also receives $750, as well as a “goodie box.”
Although Spaeth is grateful for receiving the award, he shares the accolade with Zais, the food service faculty and the board of education.
“I cannot take credit for this honor,” said Spaeth. “I would like to thank our entire food service department, for their commitment to our children and staff.”
