In the fast-paced world of public education, much of the public's focus naturally lands on the classrooms. But follow the comforting aroma of fresh meals down the hallways of Goddard Public Schools, and you'll find a different kind of magic happening in the school kitchens. This coming school year, two pillars of the USD 265 Nutrition Services team are stepping into well-deserved leadership roles. Marge Paolucci and Angeles Cabral have been appointed as the new Kitchen Managers at Oak Street Elementary School and Goddard High School, respectively. Though they serve students on opposite ends of the K - 12 journey, their shared dedication to nourishment, teamwork, and community is one of the many reasons why the Nutrition Services staff shine so brightly within each school community.
At Oak Street Elementary, the energy is high, the voices are bright, and the patrons are rarely taller than four feet. Marge Paolucci has been a familiar and comforting presence in this elementary kitchen, and stepping into the manager role has only deepened her commitment to the school's little learners. For Paolucci, the work has never been simply about food prep or logistics. It's about connection.
"There's a special kind of joy in operating a K–4 kitchen, the kind that goes far beyond preparing meals," she said. "Each day is filled with energy, laughter, and the simple, genuine excitement of young students. Being part of their routine means creating a space where they feel cared for, welcomed, and nourished - not just physically, but emotionally as well."
Paolucci sees the cafeteria as a natural extension of the classroom: an essential stop in a child's daily routine where belonging matters as much as nutrition. And at Oak Street, she says, that sense of belonging extends to the staff as well.
"What makes it even more meaningful is the embracing and supportive culture of the school," she noted. "Working alongside people who uplift one another, share a common purpose, and truly value each role creates a sense of belonging. It turns everyday tasks into something bigger, into a shared mission of supporting children as they grow and learn."
As she settles into her new title, Paolucci is eager for what lies ahead. "That combination of serving students AND being part of a positive, connected community is why I truly enjoy what I do," she said. "I'm looking forward to this new endeavor, where I can continue to grow, lead, and make a positive impact each day."
A mile or two away, at Goddard High School, the pace shifts entirely. The student population is much higher, students are eating more in their teenage years than they did as elementary students, the lines move fast, and that kitchen demands a leader who can handle high-volume pressure without missing a beat. Angeles Cabral is exactly that leader.
With 18 years of dedicated service to the district, Cabral brings a depth of institutional knowledge that is rare, and a perspective on the work that is deeply personal. "It has been satisfying to have the same schedule as my children so I can be involved in their activities," she reflected. "Working in peace with a group of women is priceless, and it brings me joy to see the students' happiness at lunchtime!"
That joy, and the culture she's built around it, didn't go unnoticed. Last school year, when Cabral stepped up to serve as Interim Kitchen Manager, her staff didn't just rally behind her, they nominated her for a department award.
Their words speak for themselves.
"Angeles always greets you with a smile and continually goes out of her way for all of us in the kitchen, bringing out the best in each of us, making our kitchen run smoothly and efficiently for the students!" — Tammy Alfaro
"She has taken on the work of a manager without any advance notice. She is doing a terrific job with so many more responsibilities!" — Bobbie Truett
The district's leadership echoed that praise. "Angeles, thank you for your leadership, your positive attitude, and for keeping the GHS kitchen running smoothly and efficiently for our students," said Christine Maxwell, USD 265 Director of Nutrition Services. "We are so proud to have you on our team!"
Whether it's Paolucci making sure a first-grader gets a warm smile with their breakfast, or Cabral keeping hundreds of teenagers fueled up for afternoon exams, these two managers represent something essential to the USD 265 community: a reminder that the people who feed our students are some of the main individuals who shape them. Fueling the future of our communities, and demonstrating the powerful impact of positivity, is what these kitchen crews do best. There’s a lot of heart in service, and these emerging leaders showcase that at an expert level.