Day in the Life: Hannah Delagi, Food Service Instructor

>>>Morning Kickoff

What’s your typical morning routine before school?

Wake up at 5:35am, then take my dog named Bernie (he’s a maltipoo)  for a 30 minute walk around the neighborhood. When I get back home, I have a cup of tea and a small breakfast (yogurt, toast, fruit, or cereal), and leave the house by 6:45. The perk of wearing a chef coat and hairnet means very little outfit planning or getting ready!

Do you have a go-to breakfast, coffee order, or ritual that gets you ready?

I usually drink 2 cups of black tea with oat milk, and listen to an audiobook in the car. Recently I just enjoyed Meryl Streep reading “Tom Lake” by Ann Patchett.

What’s the very first thing your students notice about you?

The students notice that I am always with my hair tied back, wearing a hairnet and a black chef coat. At the end of the day, when I remove those items, it feels as if I have an alter ego – people have a hard time recognizing me in my “civilian attire” (hair down, t-shirt or sweater on)!

How do you set the tone for your students when the day begins?

There is classical music playing, and we usually start with baking something to serve for snack. Nothing better than a freshly baked muffin made from scratch! There is never a dull moment in the kitchen, so I communicate with the students what the plan for the kitchen is, and delegate responsibilities.

 

>>>In the Classroom

Describe what your day looks like.

My students are grades 7-12, but I interact with every person that goes through the cafeteria line (staff and students). I try hard to learn everyone’s food preferences/restrictions, and enjoy making small talk with the students. 

I teach students 1st through 8th period: they prepare daily menu items while working mindfully and efficiently in a kitchen setting. This looks like: gathering ingredients, following a recipe, working in the dish area, putting away dishes, breaking down recycling,  labeling  everything before it goes in the walk-in (fridge), and restocking items such as milk cartons.

1st and 2nd period we prepare and set up snack, serve snack 3rd period, have enrichment 3x/week, during 5th period set up/deliver food to Child Care, while helping Mike execute/serve lunch in 6th and 7th periods. During 8th period we clean the cafeteria and kitchen, do dishes, and by 9th period I usually have my first quiet moment of the day. 

We are also baking cookies for tours, preparing baked goods for meetings (board member, visiting professionals, etc.).

How would your students describe you in three words?

Friendly, kind, caring 

How do you like to celebrate student successes, big or small?

I love shouting out the work the students do in food service. When other staff or students go through the cafeteria line and mention that something looks good or compliments the meal, I give the student credit and tell them “That was all ________! Let them know how much you enjoyed it” Or, if the student is present, I make sure to highlight the work they did, and they are always proud. 

 

>>>Behind the Scenes

What’s something families might not realize you do outside of direct teaching (planning, mentoring, prepping, etc.)?

Cooking and serving lunch for the entire school, maintaining a clean kitchen and cafeteria, studying to be a certified ServSafe Food Safety Instructor and Proctor. 

Do you have a go-to snack or energy boost that keeps you going mid-day?

Water, all day. We stay busy on our feet all day, so a good breakfast is crucial. As for lunch, I usually look forward to eating once the kitchen is closed and my work for the day is done.

How do you like to collaborate with your colleagues or support your team?

Mike and I are in constant communication, and work together to prepare a thoughtful, balanced and nutritious meal for the school. 

 

>>>After the Bell

How do you usually wrap up your school day?

Once the kitchen is clean and the dishes are put away,  I walk across the street to jot down cab numbers and send the information back to the staff in the cafeteria that will release the students. (Mike and I rotate Cab duty). It’s nice to get fresh air 🙂

What are your favorite hobbies or activities outside of school?

I love hiking, bird watching, traveling, taking art classes, cooking and baking cakes for family and friends. I also spent a lot of time with my 92 yr old grandfather - he is the best!

What does your evening routine look like?

• When I get home, I take my dog Bernie out for a long walk or play fetch with him at the park. I either take a yoga class or go to the gym, then make dinner, do household chores, and aim to be in bed by 9pm winding down with a good book.

 

What do you hope your impact will be after your time at LPS?

I believe that food service conveys how important it is to create a meal from scratch while building confidence in the kitchen. I hope to show the students how fun and fulfilling it is to make food for other people. Preparing special treats for loved ones, learning to clean up, and using your voice to communicate with those around you – these are all hugely important life skills.