As a relatively new teacher in my third year at Passaic Valley, I thought I'd share a little of my background with you.  Have you ever heard of the Bake-Off Contest by The Pillbury Company?  I was lucky enough to have worked on that baking contest when I was in college.  It was the springboard for a very successful career in the food industry.  I've not only worked at The Pillsbury Company but I've worked for other food companies that I'm sure you'll recognize.  Have you heard of Mott's Apple Juice?  I worked there!  How about Dannon Yogurt?  I also worked there.  What about Cadbury (as in chocolate!) and Schweppes (as in ginger ale)?  I worked there, too.  In fact, Cadbury-Scweppes owned Motts Apple Juice and Apple Sauce.

I have been cooking since I was 10 years old -- hard to believe, right?  Maybe some of you are responsible for cooking the family dinner like I was back then.  You are doing a wonderful thing by providing a delicious meal for your family.  And hopefully you will get more ideas for quick, nutritious meals while in my class.

Not the family cook?  Well, you still have to eat, right?  And eat right for optimum health and nutrition.  Nutrition is a science that is ever-changing as we learn more and more about the important role food and nutrition play in fighting diseases such as cancer while increasing our quality of life.

For those of you in Child Development, you should know that I worked in a Child Care facility for four years and developed the curriculum for a full-day kindergarten at that facility.  I have also owned my own childrens' fitness business.  In addition to teaching children from preschool through middle school on the importance of daily physical activity, we learned about other components of a healthy lifestyle.  We kept food journals and compared our eating habits to the former Food Pyramid.

I have also worked with children regularly through volunteer programs in my town and church including the Boy Scouts, teaching Sunday school and Reading Partners at the Library.  I have taught children from preschool through high school over the past 16 years.  I believe in the importance of adults providing positive role models for our youth and enjoy that role immensely.

Please stop by anytime before school when you have a question or need help.  I'm usually here by 7:30 am at the latest.  If you would like to see me after school, just let me know in advance as I am usually not here after 3:00 pm.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Houle