Snowline Joint Unified showcases student worker program in school nutrition services

At a Snowline Joint Unified School District Board of Trustees meeting, the district’s nutrition services team presented its first department-level student presentation, highlighting the 2024–25 student worker cohort and the hiring path for an adult‑school graduate now employed in the district.

The presentation, led by Janice Carter, introduced student workers from Serrano High School and Chaparral, described morning work routines and training, and emphasized job‑readiness skills such as interview preparation, customer service and understanding payroll. Carter said the program hired “everybody that showed up for their interview,” and noted student workers often begin shifts at about 5 a.m.

The nut graf: the program combines hands-on kitchen work, interview and job-application practice, and on-the-job guidance, with district staff and a full‑time staff cook providing supervision. Board members and administrators praised the program as a way to build workforce readiness for students and to create pathways into district employment.

Students described concrete gains. Presley Caraview told the board she learned “how to dress properly for a job interview,” how to take pre-employment tests and “how to apply for the job” — experiences she said will help when she seeks future work. Christopher Clark said the program has helped him mature and that staff “feel like they’re just like the part of my family.” Amaya Steglemire described overcoming shyness and learning work habits; Adrian Zavala said the job gave him experience he expects to use in adulthood.

The presentation also featured Perla Cuevas, who described completing her diploma through Snowline Adult School in 2023 and then obtaining progressive positions in district food service until becoming an eight‑hour cook at Serrano High School. “I graduated on 2023. Him from high for Serrano High School and me from Snowline Adult School,” Cuevas said, describing how finishing her adult‑education credential allowed her to apply for and win district work.

District staff said the student workers learn operational tasks — operating service machines, assembling reimbursable meals, catering basics and customer service — and that supervisors intentionally run the student hiring process like a small interview panel to build students’ job‑search experience. Carter named Christina Dafoe (nutrition coordinator), Gianna Stifler (operations supervisor) and Christine Nicoshe (food service worker 3) as staff who supervise the student team.

Board members and the superintendent commented from the dais, thanking Carter and her team and welcoming the participation of students and the adult‑school graduate. Carter closed by noting an upcoming calendar item: “National breakfast week is coming, so I’ll see you guys soon.”

Ending: The presentation was informational; the board did not take action on the program at the meeting. Trustees encouraged continued outreach to schools and parents and suggested keeping the board informed about student placement and any expansion plans.