How to Achieve Excellent Made from Scratch Meals

Since 2015, when the Academy School Nutrition Program was launched, we have made it a priority to incorporate made-from-scratch meals. At that time, there was no additional funding, legislation, or push by the USDA or other non-profits to encourage scratch-made meals. However, we recognized that preparing meals from scratch would be the best way to provide nutritionally dense and healthy options for our students. A decade later, there is growing momentum within school nutrition to achieve healthier meals, along with additional resources to train staff and transition kitchens from processed foods to more complex systems of cooking and baking meals.

We have maintained our menu quality and ensured our meals remain minimally processed through three key strategies:

1. Trained Chefs

We have had the privilege of working with a variety of professional-level chefs, which has greatly contributed to our ability to produce high-quality, healthy meals. Staff training is one of the biggest challenges in executing meals from scratch. Having a team with a background in culinary arts helps overcome these hurdles. Our program has been fortunate to bring on executive-level chefs. Our current Executive Chef, John Edmondson, has spent over 20 years in high-end dining, catering for movie sets, and serving as the executive chef for Dodger Stadium. Not only is he a fantastic chef, but he has also trained numerous staff members to prepare meals for our cafeteria with consistency and excellence.

2. Menu Development

Each year, our school nutrition supervisor establishes guidelines and goals for menu development, ensuring our team stays aligned with our vision. For example, our recent menu planning emphasized "made-from-scratch, minimally processed, globally conscious meals and whole foods." We also set clear objectives regarding items to avoid, such as deep-fried proteins, high-sugar foods, cured meats, and highly processed entrées. These menu development goals keep our program on track and aligned with our mission of providing nutritious, high-quality meals.

3. Continual Feedback

Ongoing feedback from students allows us to make adjustments and refine our menu throughout the year to maintain student satisfaction. We conduct formal feedback sessions at the end of each school year, providing valuable data for menu planning. Additionally, we implement informal listening surveys throughout the year to check in with students and determine if any menu items need to be modified. This year, based on feedback from various age groups, we made several changes to our recipes and menu during winter break. Without continual feedback, even made-from-scratch meals may not meet students' preferences.

Ensuring that meals are made from scratch while maintaining excellent taste and quality is a high standard in the world of school nutrition. However, we believe that with skilled personnel, thoughtful menu development, and continual feedback, any program can achieve these results.

The Impact of Chronic Absenteeism and Tardiness on K-12 Students

Consistent attendance is crucial for student success in K-12 education. However, chronic absenteeism—defined as missing 10% or more of the school year—and frequent tardiness can significantly impact a child's academic performance, social development, and future opportunities.

Academic Consequences

Students who frequently miss school or arrive late often struggle to keep up with lessons. Learning builds on itself, and missing key foundational concepts can create gaps that make it difficult to understand new material. Research shows that students who are chronically absent in early grades are less likely to be proficient in reading by third grade (age 8-9), a critical milestone for academic success. In middle and high school, chronic absenteeism increases the risk of failing courses and dropping out.

Social and Emotional Impact

Beyond academics, chronic absenteeism and tardiness can hinder a student’s ability to form relationships with peers and teachers. School is not only a place for learning but also for developing social skills, teamwork, and confidence, and the Academy values these components to our holistic education paradigm. Students who are frequently absent or late may struggle with feelings of isolation, lower self-esteem, and difficulty adjusting to structured environments. These challenges can have long-term effects on emotional well-being and social development.

Future Consequences

The negative effects of chronic absenteeism extend beyond school. Poor attendance habits in childhood can lead to difficulties in the workforce, as punctuality and responsibility are essential life skills. Additionally, students who fall behind academically due to missed school time may face limited career and college opportunities, perpetuating cycles of disadvantage. We truly believe we are setting our students up for success into adulthood and the workforce by implementing a strict absentee policy.

Tips for Parents to Encourage School Attendance

1. Establish a Consistent Routine – Set a regular bedtime and morning schedule to ensure your child gets enough rest and is ready for school each day. A predictable routine minimizes morning chaos and helps students feel prepared to start their day on time.

2. Communicate the Importance of Attendance – Talk to your child about why going to school every day matters. Help them understand how attendance impacts their learning, friendships, and future opportunities. Reinforce the idea that school is a priority.

3. Address Barriers to Attendance – If your child is struggling with issues such as anxiety, learning challenges or transportation, please reach out to the Academy to find solutions. Schools often have resources and support systems in place to help students overcome attendance obstacles.

By prioritizing attendance, parents can help set their children up for success, ensuring they receive the full benefits of their educational experience. Small, consistent efforts to encourage punctuality and daily attendance can make a lasting difference in a student’s academic and personal growth. A student’s presence at school each day is a partnership between parents and school staff, and at the Academy, we’re willing to ensure students are excited and prepared to come on campus each day!

Winter Bible Retreat 2025 in Review

The Academy for GOD recently hosted our annual Winter Bible Retreat for junior high and high school students at Horton Haven Camp. Themed “Here to Serve,” the retreat centered around Mark 10:45, where Jesus declares, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”

Mr. Garner led the teaching sessions, diving deep into Jesus’ disruptive commandment on greatness and authority. He challenged students to reconsider their views of success and leadership, emphasizing that true greatness in God's Kingdom is marked by service and sacrifice. "Jesus Himself came here to serve," Mr. Garner explained, urging students to recognize that God is preparing them for significant roles—but not in the way the world defines greatness. Instead, their “power” equates to obligation: a calling to obedience, selflessness, and service to the poor and marginalized.

Throughout the weekend, students engaged in worship, Bible study, shared meals, and plenty of fun activities. These experiences not only deepened their faith but also strengthened their bonds with each other. The retreat created a safe space for students to reflect, grow, and encounter God in personal and new ways.

We believe that the impact of this retreat extends far beyond the weekend itself. The lessons learned, relationships built, and spiritual growth experienced will continue to influence these young hearts and minds for months and years to come. We are incredibly grateful to the teachers and parent chaperones who dedicated their time and energy to invest in the lives of our students.

Student Testimonies:

“I can get so nervous in letting God take control, but I have new faith and new confidence now and I plan to take it into the semester.” - 10th Grade Student

“I struggled last year with having faith in God. But on this trip, I felt seen and really heard on this Bible Retreat. God really moved during this time because a senior prayed for me, and I am so thankful for this time.” - 8th Grade Student

“Over the last couple of years, I have had a lot of insecurities and fears. It has been tearing me down lately. As I went to last night’s worship, those insecurities and fears just went away and I felt a sense of peace come over me. God really healed me from my fears and insecurities.” - 7th Grade Student

“A lot has happened over this retreat. Last night’s worship was AMAZING as I got prayed for and I was feeling it! I was so shocked how that was exactly what I needed to hear.” - 12th Grader

“I just want to testify because being a senior we get more time to reflect. And in reflection, I am so thankful for what we have been given and the growth that has happened in our class specifically.” - 12th Grader

“I wanted to do something great, but I didn’t know how to take the steps to get there. In going to the Bible Retreat I expected God to give me more direction, and I confidently say that was given to me during the Bible Retreat. I know where I am going now and the next step I am going to take. I can walk by faith now and take that next step to become more like Christ.” - 10th Grader

We encourage parents to continue debriefing with their children about the retreat. These conversations can help solidify the lessons learned and provide ongoing support as students apply what they experienced in their daily lives. Here are some reflection questions you might ask your child:

• What did you feel like the Lord spoke to you this past weekend through the worship and the Word?

• What was an impactful moment for you from the retreat?

• If God is going to cultivate your greatness through service, how do you plan to become “great” in His Kingdom this year?

• Who do you hope to serve in response to the teachings at the Bible Retreat?

Thank you for trusting us with your children and for supporting their spiritual growth. With over 87 participants this year, it’s clear that God is moving in powerful ways within our community. We look forward to seeing how He continues to work in the lives of these young leaders!

Now Accepting Applications for ‘25-’26

We are excited to announce that The Academy for GOD is now accepting applications for K-12 enrollment for the upcoming academic year! If you are looking for an educational environment that nurtures both academic excellence and spiritual growth, The Academy may be the perfect fit for your family.

Application Deadline: March 1st

Applications will be accepted until March 1st. After the deadline, our admissions committee will carefully review all applications to determine if the Academy for GOD aligns with the needs and values of each prospective family. Our goal is to ensure that every student we admit will thrive in our unique educational setting.

How to Apply

Getting started with the application process is simple. Prospective families can visit our website at www.academyforgod.org/apply to begin. The online application is designed to be straightforward, providing us with essential information to understand your child’s educational background, interests, and needs.

Tour Our Campus

Throughout the month of February, we are offering select tour dates for prospective families. This is an excellent opportunity to see our campus, meet our dedicated faculty, and get a feel for our community.

To sign up for a tour, please visit www.academyforgod.org/visit. Spaces for tours are limited, so we encourage you to reserve your spot early.

Why Choose the Academy for GOD?

At The Academy for GOD, we are committed to providing an education that balances academics with spiritual development. Our holistic approach prepares students not only for academic success but also for a life of purpose and integrity. We foster a supportive community where students are encouraged to explore their passions, develop critical thinking skills, and grow in their faith.

If you believe The Academy for GOD could be the right fit for your child, don’t wait—apply today and take the first step towards a transformative educational journey!

Busting 3 Big Myths About School Lunches

School meals have come a long way in the past decade. Yet, some myths about government-funded lunch programs are still hanging around like an old lunchbox no one wants to clean out. Let’s clear the air with a look at the top three myths about school lunches—and the surprising truths behind them.

The Academy for GOD has proudly served school meals as part of the USDA school meal program since 2014.

Myth #1: Government-Provided Food Is Low Quality
Picture this: a truck pulls up with “commodity food” written on the side, and out rolls... boxes of fresh produce and familiar brand-name staples you probably have in your own kitchen. That’s right! The fruits and veggies in school lunches aren’t some mysterious, lower-grade option. They're the same apples, oranges, and carrots you can find at your local grocery store.

Government programs partner with schools to deliver top-notch ingredients, no additives in sight. Our school even gets farm-fresh produce, adding a wholesome crunch to every meal. So next time you hear someone cite “government food,” just remind them—those apples are great quality.

Myth #2: Nutritional Standards Are Lax
Once upon a time, school lunches might have been a land of mystery meat and greasy pizza. But in 2010, the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act swooped in and completely revamped the game. Think of it as a glow-up for school meals.

This act tightened the reins on fat, sugar, and sodium while rolling out the red carpet for whole grains, fruits, and veggies. Portions got a makeover too—goodbye oversized servings, hello balanced plates! Today, every bite is carefully calculated to meet strict nutritional guidelines. Behind the scenes, schools track every calorie to ensure meals are both tasty and healthy. It’s not just food—it’s science on a tray.

The dining hall is a place of joy and laughter as students share a meal together each day!

Myth #3: Schools Have No Say in Their Menus
False! While schools must follow federal nutritional guidelines, they still have the freedom to get creative with their menus. Want to highlight cultural flavors? Go for it! Interested in introducing students to global cuisines? Yes, please!

At our school, we prioritize scratch-made dishes over heavily processed foods and love exploring flavors from around the world. From savory curries to homemade pasta dishes, our menu is all about blending health, variety, and a touch of adventure. And because we know what our students like, we ensure the meals aren’t just nutritious—they’re also delicious.

The Bottom Line
School lunches are healthier, fresher, and more flexible than ever before. So the next time someone clings to outdated ideas about cafeteria food, serve them the facts. Government-funded lunches are dishing up quality and nutrition, with plenty of room for schools to make them their own. Who’s ready for a taste?