Staff Spotlight: Sue Gasieski fills the hearts and tummies of Smith elementary students

Sue Gasieski works hard to prepare lunch for her “littles” at Smith Elementary. Photo credit: Amy Haggerty.

by Amy Haggerty

Preparing lunches for hundreds of elementary students is not an easy task. Cooking is just a small part of the responsibility. Just ask Sue Gasieski. She does it all—maintaining students’ lunch accounts, receiving money, preparing and serving the food, and operating the different kitchen equipment, all while following government guidelines. This isn’t something new for Gasieski. She has provided food service for Stockbridge Community Schools for 29 years. When the district is not under a stay-at-home order, you can find her at Smith Elementary School working hard every school day preparing breakfast and lunch for Pre-K through second grades.

Gasieski grew up on the family farm in Chelsea, Michigan. She attended Chelsea Schools and married her high-school sweetheart, Mark, in 1984, when she was only 19 and Mark was 22. They have three grown children together: Jennifer is 35, Kristen is 33, and Paul is 31. They also have six grandchildren—Nora, Blake, Austin, Sylvia, Calvin, and Rose—ranging in age from eight years old to nine months old. “They are my heart,” exclaimed Gasieski.

She credits both her mother and mother-in–law as the greatest influences in her life. “They were both strong women in their own way,” commented Gasieski. “My mom was a working lady and taught me about balancing a career and family. My mother-in-law was a stay-at-home mom and taught me about most things domestic. They both taught me through example that family always comes first.” After family comes your job, and Gasieski loves her job!

After a few years as a stay-at-home mom, Gasieski began working for the Stockbridge School District. According to Gasieski, she chose to work for the school district because, “I was a young mother with three small children. It was the perfect job because it enabled me to be on my children’s schedule once they started school and still be able to contribute to the household.”

As for her greatest accomplishment in life, she credits her children. “I am forever proud of the people they have become.”

Gasieski really enjoys working with kids. “I love those kids,” she said of the students at Smith. “My main focus at work is making sure that the children are fed and feel loved and secure. I don’t want them to feel anxious about meals; if they are hungry, they are going to be fed.”

During this trying time as Michigan residents deal with the COVID-19 virus, Gasieski added, “I am worried and sad about the children during the virus crisis. I worry about them missing critical school work and getting proper meals.” She also wants her school “littles” to know, “I miss them and their stories and hugs very much!”

Smith Elementary Principal Brad Edwards had this to say about the school’s star food-service employee, “She does wonderful work with the kids and loves coming to work every day. I love seeing her greet every student with a smile when they walk through the lunch line. She truly cares about each and every one of our students here and makes sure they are well taken care of while they are in the cafeteria.”

Children from Ms. Amy Taylor’s class gather with Ms. Sue Gasieski to show their appreciation for this special employee who has been providing food service for Stockbridge Community Schools for 29 years. Photo credit: Amy Haggerty.