While others bustle around her in a typical morning rush to prepare for the army of hungry students, Leah Thomas carefully layers chicken, cheese and salsa in rows on a cooking sheet.
She's helping to prepare Southwest Chicken Wraps at Portage Central High School on her second day of an internship in the Food Service department at Portage Public Schools.
The junior at Western Michigan University is one of two interns helping out in the kitchens across the District alongside Chartwells K12 employees.
"It's been fun," the Nutrition and Dietetic Program student said of her experience so far working at PPS.
The internship is part of her class on commercial food service where she is required to get community-based experience -- and see her learning on nutrition come to life in a real kitchen.
"There are a lot of things to consider when creating meals, such as allergies," Leah said. "There are also requirements from the USDA and FDA about what kinds of nutrients you must provide for students. So, it's thinking about portion sizes for different vegetables, proteins and carbs because each meal must provide those components."
Leah will spend other mornings in other buildings in the District, gaining experience making meals for students from kindergarten to 12th grade.
"Chartwells and Portage Public Schools are happy to partner with WMU to give dietetic students experience working in a real-world setting," Food Service Director Susan Livingston said.
Susan was approached by the interns' professor for this partnership. She placed both interns in a three-week practicum rotation where the students will help prepare meals at buildings across the District.
"This partnership was a way to take what students learn in a classroom and give them opportunities to use those skills in real life and to experience a real, busy kitchen ahead of lunchtime," Susan said.
Leah plans to pursue a master's degree and hopes to one day work as a clinical dietician in a hospital setting, she said.
To learn more about Chartwells K12 and the Food Service Department at PPS, visit portageps.org.