--- title: Heartland School Solutions | Connections | Melissa Colopietro --- [![Heartland-AGPC-logo-main](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Heartland_May2018/images/Heartland-AGPC-logo-main.png?width=168&height=31&name=Heartland-AGPC-logo-main.png)](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en) ![Heartland](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/Heartland_May2018/images/aglobalpaymentscompany_identifier_grey.png) - [Back to Main Site](https://www.heartlandpaymentsystems.com/) - [Back to Main Site](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/) - Products - [Nutrition Technology](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/nutrition-technology) - [Payment Solutions](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/payment-solutions) - Support - [Support Central](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/support-central) - [Technical Consulting](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/consulting) - Events - [Training Events](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/training-events) - [Shows and Conferences](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/shows-and-conferences) - [Connect 2026](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/connect) - About - [Our Story](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/about/our-story) - [Partnerships](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/integrations) - [Careers](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/about/careers) - Resources - [Webinars](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/webinars-nutrition) - [Guides & Templates](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/resources/guides-templates) - [Blog](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com) # ![Connections Blog](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/LP_Templates/Connections-Blog/Connections-Blog-Logo-2024.svg) Fresh insights for school leaders ## Melissa Colopietro ### Recent Posts ## [Happy holidays 🌟 (+Our top 5 blogs of the year)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/happy-holidays-our-most-popular-posts-of-2024) By [Melissa Colopietro](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/author/melissa-colopietro) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/HSS%20Holiday%20-%20Blog%20Header.jpg)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/happy-holidays-our-most-popular-posts-of-2024) As we approach the end of another year, we want to express our heartfelt appreciation for your partnership and wish you a holiday season filled with magical moments and joy. Before we hit the ground running in 2025, let's take a look back at our most popular articles from this year: [**Read More ⟶**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/happy-holidays-our-most-popular-posts-of-2024) ## [Celebrating women's contributions to education](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/celebrating-womens-contributions-to-education) By [Melissa Colopietro](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/author/melissa-colopietro) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/Womens%20History%20Month.jpg)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/celebrating-womens-contributions-to-education) Throughout Women's History Month, we had the privilege of recognizing the incredible women who have shaped the landscape of education. From Ella Flagg Young to Patsy Matsu Takemoto Mink, these trailblazers made significant contributions that transformed the field of education and paved the way for progress and equality. [**Read More ⟶**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/celebrating-womens-contributions-to-education) ## [Celebrating Black Educators: Pioneers Who Shaped History](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/celebrating-black-educators-pioneers-who-shaped-history) By [Melissa Colopietro](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/author/melissa-colopietro) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/Black%20History%20Month%20Blog%20Header%202.jpg)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/celebrating-black-educators-pioneers-who-shaped-history) This Black History Month, we are taking time to acknowledge the incredible contributions made by African Americans who have shaped our country, especially in the K-12 education space. From stepping into classrooms during a time of adversity to pioneering initiatives that aimed to close the achievement gap, these individuals have left an indelible mark on society. Let’s take a look back at the accomplishments of five remarkable black educators who have paved the way for generations to come. [**Read More ⟶**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/celebrating-black-educators-pioneers-who-shaped-history) ## [A perfect pairing: Springfield Public School’s journey with MCS](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/a-perfect-pairing-springfield-public-schools-journey-with-mcs) By [Melissa Colopietro](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/author/melissa-colopietro) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/Springfield_Blog_Header.png)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/a-perfect-pairing-springfield-public-schools-journey-with-mcs) In the world of school nutrition, efficiency and accuracy are crucial. For Springfield Public Schools in Massachusetts, delivering nutritious meals to over 28,000 students across 66 public schools and 12 charter/parochial schools is no small feat. We recently had the opportunity to visit Springfield Public Schools, where we saw firsthand how they utilize MCS to manage their operations from Back of House to Front of House.  [**Read More ⟶**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/a-perfect-pairing-springfield-public-schools-journey-with-mcs) ## [6 ways your POS software can help with staff shortages](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/6-ways-your-pos-software-can-help-with-staff-shortages) By [Melissa Colopietro](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/author/melissa-colopietro) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/TY%20LP%20-%20Hubspot%20-%20Upgrade%20POS%20-%20020723.png)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/6-ways-your-pos-software-can-help-with-staff-shortages) Choosing the right Point of Sale software for your school district can be a daunting task. With so many factors to consider, from data security to user experience, it's easy to get lost in the weeds. However, one crucial factor that often goes overlooked is how your POS software can help you deal with staff shortages. In fact, according to the School Nutrition Association's 2023 School Nutrition Trends Report, over 90% of schools report staff shortages as a challenge. Hear from our Nutrition experts, Mike Walker and Katy Munna, as they discuss how your POS software can help alleviate the hardship of staff shortages. [**Read More ⟶**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/6-ways-your-pos-software-can-help-with-staff-shortages) ## [My first time at Connect](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/my-first-time-at-connect) By [Melissa Colopietro](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/author/melissa-colopietro) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/Connect%202023%20Recap%20-%20Blog%20Header.jpg)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/my-first-time-at-connect) Our Connect conference is our largest training event of the year! This year, we gathered together in-person in Nashville for the first time since 2019. As a Marketing Specialist here at Heartland, I had the opportunity to participate in the conference for the first time. I am thrilled to be sharing my experience at Connect 2023.  [**Read More ⟶**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/my-first-time-at-connect) ## [See These Faces and More at Connect 2023!](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/see-these-faces-and-more-at-connect-2023-general) By [Melissa Colopietro](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/author/melissa-colopietro) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/Blog%20Header%20-%20Connect%202023.png)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/see-these-faces-and-more-at-connect-2023-general) Next week we're heading to Nashville for Connect 2023! After a two-year hiatus, Connect is back live and in person. Join us at the Nashville Marriott at Vanderbilt University to meet with product experts, attend over 30 live sessions, network with your peers, and reconnect with the Heartland team. [**Read More ⟶**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/see-these-faces-and-more-at-connect-2023-general) ## [Experience It All at Connect 2023 – Here’s What To Expect](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/experience-it-all-at-connect23-heres-what-to-expect) By [Melissa Colopietro](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/author/melissa-colopietro) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/Connect23-Connections-Blog-Header.png)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/experience-it-all-at-connect23-heres-what-to-expect) Connect 2023 is almost here! Join us in Nashville March 21-22 or virtually March 27-30 for our largest training conference of the year. This is your chance to learn more about your Heartland products, connect with peers, meet with product experts, and so much more. Here are a few things to look forward to: [**Read More ⟶**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/experience-it-all-at-connect23-heres-what-to-expect) ## [We Went to #ANC22 In Person! Here's what we loved the most.](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/we-went-to-anc22-in-person-heres-what-we-loved-the-most) By [Melissa Colopietro](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/author/melissa-colopietro) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/HSS-ANC22-RECAP-THUMBNAIL.png)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/we-went-to-anc22-in-person-heres-what-we-loved-the-most) After two years of virtual conferences, the Heartland team was excited to attend #ANC22 in person. There's nothing better than having the opportunity to interact and have fun with so many nutrition professionals from across the country. [**Read More ⟶**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/we-went-to-anc22-in-person-heres-what-we-loved-the-most) ## [3 Reasons You Don't Want To Miss Connect 2022!](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/3-reasons-you-dont-want-to-miss-connect-2022) By [Melissa Colopietro](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/author/melissa-colopietro) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/Connect22-Blog-Banner.png)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/3-reasons-you-dont-want-to-miss-connect-2022) Join us virtually March 21-24, 2022 to learn about your heartland products, connect with your peers, and get inspired with new ideas! Of course, there are many reasons to join us at [Connect](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/connect) this year, but here are our top three: [**Read More ⟶**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/3-reasons-you-dont-want-to-miss-connect-2022) [**Next >**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/author/melissa-colopietro/page/2) ### Subscribe to our monthly newsletter [![free-webinars-for-school-nutrition-technology](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog/free-webinars-for-school-nutrition-technology.png?width=375&height=416&name=free-webinars-for-school-nutrition-technology.png)](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/webinars-nutrition)   ### Recent Posts ### Posts by Topic - [School Lunch (42)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/school-lunch) - [School Payments (33)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/school-payments) - [MySchoolBucks (31)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/myschoolbucks) - [Point of Sale software (21)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/point-of-sale-software) - 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[Free and Reduced](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/nutrition-technology/free-and-reduced) - [Online Applications](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/nutrition-technology/online-applications) - [Menu Planning](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/nutrition-technology/menu-planning) - [Meal Orders](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/nutrition-technology/meal-orders) - [Ordering Inventory](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/nutrition-technology/ordering-inventory) - [Digital Menus](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/nutrition-technology/mealviewer) ### Payment Solutions - [School Store](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/payment-solutions/school-store) - [Student Invoicing](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/payment-solutions/student-invoicing) - [School Program Management](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/payment-solutions/msb-activities) - [Tickets & Event Management](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/payment-solutions/ticketing) - [School Funds Accounting](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/payment-solutions/school-funds-accounting) - [In-Person Payments](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/payment-solutions/msb-anywhere) - [Meal Payments](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/payment-solutions/meals) ### Events - [Training Events](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/training-events) - [Shows and Conferences](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/shows-and-conferences) - [Connect 2026](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/connect) ### Support - [Support Central](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/support-central) - [Technical Consulting](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/consulting) ### About - [Our Story](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/about/our-story) - [Partnerships](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/integrations) - [Careers](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/about/careers) ### Resources - [Webinars](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/webinars-nutrition) - [Guides & Templates](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/resources/guides-templates) - [Blog](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/) ### Contact Sales 800.423.2113 ### Contact - [Contact Sales](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/contact-us) - [Contact Support](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/support-central#help) ### [Social](https://www.heartlandpaymentsystems.com/school-solutions) - [![Facebook](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/Heartland_May2018/images/facebook.png) ![Facebook](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/Heartland_May2018/images/facebook_active.png)](https://www.facebook.com/heartlandschoolsolutions) - [![Youtube](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/Heartland_May2018/images/youtube.png) ![Youtube](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/Heartland_May2018/images/youtube_active.png)](https://www.youtube.com/user/HPYSchoolSolutions) ### Location 765 Jefferson Road, #400 Rochester, NY 14623 © 2025 Heartland Payment Systems, a Global Payments company (NYSE: GPN). 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