April/May 2017

April/May 2017 

We had another successful Healthy Schools year and it is all because of you!  Thank you to everyone who dedicated part of their professional life towards bringing health and wellness to school communities throughout DCSD, you are amazing!  As the year closes out everyone is given the gift of time- time off from work! This is a fabulous time to mindfully dedicate thought and energy into creating balance that can be brought into the 2017/18 school year. As you plan projects, go on vacations, contemplate preparations for the following year, make the time to plan how to find life/work balance.  Please join us on May 8th, from 4:30-5:30, and enjoy our end of the year Healthy Schools Celebration at the Castle Pines Library where we will provide a tool that will help establish balance between work and life. RSVP link 

Free Training Next Friday 4/28

We will cover your sub cost!  Register today or by 4/24!

Are you an elementary school staff member looking to bring nutrition education to life in your school? This interactive training will provide participants with the opportunity to dig into the nutrition-related concepts and skills of the Colorado Health Education Standards and learn ways to integrate and reinforce nutrition education across the school environment. Participants will be able to leave this training with ideas and resources to implement nutrition education in their classroom and greater school environment. 

* April 28th, 9:00 - 3:00pm
* 2755 Janitell Rd, Co Springs

* Registration Link

* Please reach out to Laurie LaComb to arrange a substitute

Important Dates!

May 8th, 4:30-5:30                    EOY 2016/17 Celebration

June 6th-9th                                *Explore, Learn Collaborate (ELC) 

September 14, 8:00-3:00          Fall 2017 Healthy Schools Workshop

June 2018                                      Healthy Schools Leader Retreat 

* Professional Development is offering PGI credit to staff members who use time at ELC to make plans for the 2017/18 school year, including SHIP development. Kimmy will be available on June 6th and 7th all day to help with SHIPS as well as provide guidance with MindUp, Nutrition, PA, and more! She will also be teaching Mindfulness 101 and Teaching with the Brain in Mind on Friday the 9th.  You must register for the event to get PGI credit. ELC Link

Funding Opportunities

 Funding Opportunity This Spring!

The new Playbook is coming in April with all new and fundable Plays for schools to implement! Up to $4,000 is available! For more information on this funding opportunity and to get ready to apply, click here.  Complete and submit the online application by Wednesday, November 2, 2016

Live Well has a plethora of funding opportunities that you may want to look into. If you need any help with the process, please reach out to Laurie @ lllacomb@dcsdk12.org. 

Live Well Colorado Funding Opps.

Here are a few: 

*Whole Kids Foundation’s “Kids Love Veggies” video contest

*$1000 Saucony Run for Good Foundation

*up to $10,000 KidsGardening Youth Garden Grants

Free Stuff!

Free Back-to-School poster!

Schools with educators logging in now through June 1, 2017 will be eligible to receive a Back to School Poster this fall.  Doesn't your school need a cool new poster?  Just log into Fuel Up to Play! Log in Now!

Join the Air Quality Program from now until May and get a set of free flags!!  For more information on the program, go to www.airnow.gov/flag. (More info below in sustainability).

We're giving it away! Free classroom or recess equipment pack just for submitting your lesson ideas to Active Academics® Beginning April 10 through May 5, 2017 - any lesson idea that is submitted will be entered into a drawing for an awesome equipment pack from S&S Worldwide. Submitting your lesson idea is easy! Simply register for a FREE Active Academics® membership (or login if you're already a member) and click on the Lesson Idea Submission Link!    Active Academics Link

School Celebrations

Thank you Sue Ferguson for all your years' work with the Healthy Schools Department!  Recently Sue was honored by the American Heart Association for her consistent dedication to Jump Rope for Heart.  Congrats, Sue!  You will be missed as you enter the world of retirement!

2017 Colorado Healthy Schools Champs- 

Congrats Bear Canyon, Fox Creek & Cherry Valley!

Physical Activity Ideas

Active Academics® is a resource built "by teachers and for teachers". Our activity idea database provides lesson ideas for all school settings, grades PreK - 8. We are continually looking for new ideas to share with our 4000+ users. If you have a great idea and would like to see it published, click the chalkboard above to submit it!  Active Academics link  Here is a great game from this website:

Tunnel Tag

Suggested Grade Level(s): 2, 3, 4

Content Area(s): Recess / Lunch Activity

Purpose of Activity (objectives, etc.):

The purpose of this activity is to get all kids involved and more importantly up and moving.

Materials/Equipment (Needed): Large open area with a wall or fence

Description:

This variation of tag is played in an area with a wall or fence along one side. Those who are caught must stand with one arm outstretched, touching the wall. Someone who has not yet been caught can release them by running under the 'tunnel' formed by the outstretched arms. The game ends when everyone has been caught.

Source:  Active Academics®

Thank you Megan Balfe for this inspiring video. It reminds us that we are doing all the right things by promoting movement in our schools!

Mindfulness

Here are some great mindfulness books shared by Brittany Kinder (thank you Brittany from SVE!)

What Does It Mean to be Present? by Rana Diorio

Peaceful Piggy Yoga by Kerry Lee MacLean

Quiet Place by Douglas Wood

Take 10 Minutes of Mindfulness - Video

Sustainability

EPA Region 8 is encouraging schools and organizations to join the Air Quality Flag Program this May in recognition of Asthma Awareness Month.  They have purchased sets of flags to give to partners who join between now and the end of May.  Let us know when you sign up and we will work to get your flags to you.

For more information on the program, go to AirNow. 

Healthy Recipes

Thank you to Fox Creek superstars Brian Gill and Cindy Townsend for sharing the salad jar with us!  Here is the video to get you started.

Featured Recipe

Detox Watercress Citrus Avocado Salad with Turmeric Dressing

Watercress Salad with orange, avocado and turmeric lime dressing - a vibrant, peppery salad that is both energizing and gently cleansing utilizing fresh turmeric in the dressing.

Author: Sylvia Fountain - Feasting at Home Blog

Cuisine: Vegan

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

• 1 orange - zested, peeled and sliced ( or sub mandarins, blood oranges or tangelos)
• 2 ounces baby watercress
• 1 ripe avocado - peeled and cut into wedges
• a few very thin slices of red onion- optional
• Dressing: (YUMMY!)
• 2 tablesooons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons meyer lemon or lime juice
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 1 teaspoon grated turmeric root ( or sub ½ teaspoon ground turmeric)
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• Cracked pepper to taste

With Gratitude

We hope to see many of you at our celebration on May 8th.  If not, have a fabulous summer break- take care of yourself in the best way possible.  Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all that you have done this year - your impact is huge! 

With gratitude,

Laurie LaComb and Kimmy Romine

lllacomb@dcsdk12.org

kcromine@dcsdk12.org

Please leave your comments and get your name in for the final raffle of the 2016/17 school year.

Nov/Dec 2016

November/December 2016

This time of year demonstrates so many wonderful aspects of human nature- gratitude, giving to others, deepening friendships,  appreciating family, and kindness.  We work in professions that overflows with kindness and the holidays only brings it to a higher level.  It is during this time that we give to those we don't know, we receive from many, we pay it forward, and we enjoy listening and watching the kind acts around us.  Dr. Hamilton, using science to inspire, studies how kindness makes us happier, is good for our hearts, slows  the aging process, improves relationships, and is contagious!! When we focus on kindness our world becomes kinder, we become kinder. 

Kindness Video link
The 5 Effects of Kindness link

Healthy Schools Free School Assessment Tool

It is not too late to sign up as a Smart Source Pilot school that provides support for implementation, 1/2 day sub to review results, and a $100 stipend. We are looking for 3-4 more schools to complete this easy and free assessment tool which measures how your school is meeting the components of the Whole School, Community, Child model.   The benefits of this are many! To name two, it gives you a great pulse on what your school is doing well and what areas of school health may need more attention.

Please reach out if you would like to Laurie LaComb at lllacomb@dcsdk12.org to participate through DCSD. If you feel that you don't need the the support of our department, just use the link below.

Smart Source link

Funding

It's too good not to repeat this opportunity! 

Local schools will receive up to $3,500 each to enhance academic or extra-curricular programs. It could be your school! For eligibility, click the "Nominate Your School" link. Students or teachers should write a short essay specifically detailing how your school would use $3,500 to enhance education and where the money would go (I.e., toward a new facility, new equipment, teen education program or disability program). Students, teachers and administration are encouraged to participate in Groove Auto's DRIVE for education® program.

February Grant Awards (selected schools will be awarded in February)

• Submissions open September 1
• Submissions close January 1
• All selected schools will be notified by January 15
• Award ceremony will be held in February

Application link

Playground Makeover Opportunity

Together Counts has launched this year’s Healthy Playground Makeover Sweepstakes, their biggest incentive program. Anyone can enter the sweepstakes on behalf of a school to win a $30K grant and a brand new playground.

Playground Makeover link

Healthy Schools Champion Awards Application

Come on DCSD healthy schools- time to brag on your awesome work!! Each year the Colorado Education Initiative (CEI) recognizes over 40 schools' efforts on making schools a healthier and happier place to learn. Not only are schools recognized for their work, there are accompanied by financial awards ranging from $350-$7,500. The Healthy Schools Champion application will open November 15 and is due January 20th. CEI will host a breakfast celebration on March 3, 2017:) Information will available on their website starting November 15th. We are here to help with the application process in any way, please let us know how we can help! 

CEI link

100 Mile Club

Do you want to get your students moving outside during the winter? Here is an easy to use ultra-marathon program, motivating students, staff, and parents to move a 100 miles during the school year. Here is the opportunity to participate in an easy to manage program.

The 100 Mile Club is designed to improve the health and well being of children through daily physical activity in a non-competitive, supportive, and fully inclusive environment. There are three program options: Certificate Path (free),  Gold Medal (signature incentives for a low cost) or Hybrid (a little of both).  

100 mile club link

Physical activity Break

Rock, Paper, Scissors... Move it in Math

Materials: math flashcards

Directions:

1. Toe to Toe with Partner

2. One partner picks a math flashcard

3. Solve math problem

4. Jump number of times equal to answer

5. Last 3 jumps, play rock, paper, scissors

6.Repeat

Idea came from Alliance for a Healthier Generation  Healthier Generation link

Mindfulness

Kindness Counts! Let's bring kindness into our classrooms.  Here are some free and fabulous resources for you to use with your students and staff...

Random Acts of Kindness link

49 Ways to Create Kindness link

Think Kindness link (This is an amazing link might be blocked by DCSD firewall...try it at home!)

School Celebrations!!

This came from Jennifer Tracy at Soaring Hawk...

"This work is already changing our culture!  We had an "October Birthdays" potluck celebration and I reminded staff that October seems to be all about candy and sweets, but we've been doing such a good job with Walktober, so we should also consider healthy options.  My 4 POUNDS of grapes were the first to be finished on the food table and there were many healthy options available!

ALSO, I just left the Halloween Party that was planned solely by the Wellness Ambassadors (a group of 6th graders), and they were drawing on jack-o-lantern oranges to judge and eat for a snack and decided one mini-doughnut was okay for their doughnut hanging on a string activity.  SOOOO nice to see in comparison with the ridiculous amounts of sweets we typically see!

AND - I understand that Healthy Schools is more geared toward students, but I know that Employee Wellness is one of the 10 components.  We have had amazing participation in our water consumption challenge, Walktober and now "Planksgiving" (already 40+ staff!!!).  So proud of our school!"

If it weren't for all of our amazing healthy schools leads at each school, the message would never get out there. Thank you Jennifer and to ALL of our Healthy Schools Leads. You are wonderful and you are making the difference!!!

DCSD Healthy Schools Lending Library

Thank you to the hard work and organizational skills of Kimmy Romine, our lending library is open for business!  

HS Library Link

Fitness for Staff

Mile High Fitness has  a plethora of fitness related classes and workshops for staff.  These are all at a cost but, in case your PTA is funding fitness for staff or a group of people at your site are interested in paying a group rate, contact Kim Farmer at kfarmer@milehighfitness.com  or visit her website Mile High Fitness Link

College Course Available

FOR 2017: TEACHER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT 

FROM THE DENVER MUSEUM OF NATURE & SCIENCE

One of our most popular hybrid courses is back!  We love, love, love to teach this material and welcome teachers from all backgrounds for this hybrid course designed to unlock how the brain works in a friendly, engaging, fun, and useful way that you can apply directly into the classroom. 

Mission Cognition:  A Hybrid Course

Location: Denver Museum of Nature & Science

Course Components:

• Three Face-to-face Dates:  January 7,  January 21, February 4 (half-day)
• A 4-week Online Course:  January 7 – February 4

Credit:  1.5 Continuing education credits from the Colorado School of Mines upon completion of all course components (included as a part of your registration fee)

Cost:  $300

To register click here   

Take the course with a colleague--helps to reinforce what you've learned!

Brain research is difficult to interpret and even more challenging to make use of in your teaching. Through hands-on activities (brain dissection, anyone?), guest speakers, and the most current brain and learning resources, we’ll make it easier by creating a welcoming environment where you have the luxury of time to delve into ideas with your peers, pulling out the most pertinent research and current ideas of practice teachers should know about when it comes to understanding how the brain works and what that means for learning, memory, and retention.   

This course also includes learning about the relationship between movement and the brain, how the brain’s ability to process emotions plays such a key role in creating a productive and civil environment for learning, and how knowing about working memory can make a difference in how your students process information.

This hybrid course is designed for teachers of grades 4–12 and P.E. Teachers

Questions? Contact Robert Payo at robert.payo@dmns.org

Healthy & Yummy Recipe

CAPRESE PESTO PENNE

Serves 4 INGREDIENTS

• 1 pound whole wheat penne
• extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes
• 3 – 4 cups arugula
• 1/2 cup basil pesto, store-bought or homemade
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella (buffalo if you can get your hands on it!), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
• coarse sea salt, to taste
• 
  
• INSTRUCTIONS

1. Bring a big pot of water to a boil, add a liberal dose of salt, then cook penne according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil to medium. Add garlic and cook, stirring continuously, for 30 seconds until it begins to turn pale golden. Add cherry tomatoes and continue stirring and cooking for 2 – 3 minutes, just until tomatoes start to soften.
3. Add arugula to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds, then add pasta, mozzarella, and basil pesto. Toss everything together until pasta is warmed through and everything is lightly coated in pesto. Sprinkle with pine nuts and a pinch of salt, drizzle with more extra-virgin olive oil, and serve, passing more pesto at the table as needed.  Recipe link

Thank you for reading this blog today. Please know that I feel immense gratitude for what you do everyday. Not only do you work so hard with your classrooms, students and families but you go the extra mile to do what is best for your school. Enjoy this special time of year with friends and families, being mindful of all the goodness that unfolds. 

Please comment on this blog your thoughts, experiences, and successes.  This blog's "Reader's Prize" will be sent December 1st, so comment away!

With gratitude,
Laurie

September 2016

September 2016

September is such a beautiful time of year- we still get to enjoy the warm days, cool nights, and lots of sunshine. It is also a time of renewal. Now that classroom routines are settled take some time to find your own balance between work and play. What is one activity, class, social engagement, or quiet time that you would like to incorporate into your weekly routines?  I challenge everyone to pick one personal goal for the fall. Just 1! Pick something that will bring happiness, reduce stress, and allow you to find your own balance. Share your success stories with others!

Healthy Schools has so much to share this month! We have some exciting professional development opportunities, new PA & mindfulness activities and resources,  a healthy recipe, and more! Please take a moment to read this blog all the way to the end!

Training Opportunities (free)

September 22  Healthy Schools Fall Workshop

                           If you have not signed up yet, please do so this week as we only have a few
                           spots left.

October  21  Colorado SHAPE (formally know as COAHPERD) 
                      Healthy Schools would like to send 10 interested DCSD staff members to this 

                      year's conference. We will pay for your registration costs and a sub if
                     needed. Please contact Kimmy Romine at kimberly.romine@dcsdk12.org for
                      more information.  SHAPE link

October 25  Integrating Physical Activity in Schools 

                      Trainwell is presenting an all day workshop here in DCSD on PA in the
                      classroom, applicable for all grade levels. This workshop is designed for
                      classroom teachers, physical educators, specialists, and administrators that are
                      interested in integrating physical activity in the school setting. 

                      Evidence-based research will be presented on the positive impact

                      of physical activity on academic performance, behavior, and overall health and 

                      wellness. Participants will learn a step-by-step process to increase physical 

                      activity opportunities. Resources and tools will also be shared. Lunch
                     will be paid for, 7 hours of participation, subs will be provided for
                     if needed.  Registration forms will be sent to those who are interested. Please
                      contact  Laurie LaComb at lllacomb@dcsdk12.org. Workshop will take place at 
                      620 Wilcox, Castle Rock, CO 80124, from 8-3:30.

Fundraising Opportunities

Raise funds for your Healthy Schools Initiatives through DCSD's sustainability program!

Due September 14th sustainability info link

Community Outreach

Come join the Douglas County Youth Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition for a community discussion on local youth substance abuse.

     ~ Dinner will be provided. Childcare upon request.
     ~ September 12th, 6:15 p.m.- 8 p.m. Castle Rock
     ~ September 21st, 6:15 p.m.- 8 p.m. Lone Tree
     ~ September 22nd, 6:15 p.m.-8 p.m. Highlands Ranch
     ~ September 26th, 6:15 p.m.- 8 p.m. Parker

Contact Lindsay at lmoore@omni.org or 303-839-9422 x148 to sign up. Online registration https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TownHallReg

Mindfulness Moment

Rainbow Walk: A Mindfulness Activity to Move the Body and Rest the Mind

Instructions:  Take a walk, and look for something red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple.  Keep going through the colors, in order, until the end of your walk. This is a great activity to use before lessons when teaching details, for example, in writing.

• Provide a worksheet for students to note and/or sketch something they saw in each of the colors;
• After the walk, discuss what different members of the group noticed--were different people focused on different things? 

Idea came from Mindful Teachers  Mindful Teachers link

Physical Activity

Lazy Eights Strategy: 

Use these strategies to get students up and out of their seats. Ideal for breaks after intense or mentally challenging activities. 

1. Extend one arm in front of you with your thumb pointing upwards. 

2. Trace the shape of a figure eight in the air. The eight should be on its side and as you trace it out in large, slow movements focus your eyes on your thumb. Without moving your head trace three eights in successively larger movements. 

3. Now do it with your other hand and then clasp them together and do it with both hands

Need more PA ideas?? Alliance for a Healthier Generation link

Tech Tips

Create a positive classroom culture

Help students grow by sharing regular, positive feedback in class and on their own portfolios.  ClassDojo link

Webinars

AFHK's 2016-2017 Wellness Wednesday Webinar Series

Join us live from 2-2:30 MT on the second Wednesday of each month for practical tips on a variety of wellness initiatives. Register, view archived webinars link

• September 14 - Walking and Running Initiatives in Schools
• October 12 - Energize Employee Wellness in Your School
• November 9 - Easy Nutrition Messages
• December 14 - Nudge Kids to Eat Better at School: Smarter Lunchrooms
• January 11 - Are You Ready to Take the SuperFit School Challenge?
• February 8 - Celebrating National Nutrition Month and School Breakfast Week
• March 8 - Engaging Volunteers Through Game On Activities
• April 12 - Turn It Off! Promoting Screen-Free Activities at School
• May 10 - Offering Healthy Snacks at School

KRA

Get your students moving! KRA has a well structured marathon program that can be implemented in all grade levels.  Kids Running America link

Healthy Recipe

Asian-Style Cobb Salad

salad recipes link

INGREDIENTS:

• 5 cups chopped romaine lettuce
• 1 (11-ounce) can mandarin oranges in light syrup, drained
• 1/3 cup shredded chicken (Note: Vegetarians, try Beyond Meat or other chicken substitutes)
• 1/3 cup grated carrots
• 1 avocado, halved, seeded, peeled and diced
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, diced
• 1/4 cup sliced green onions

FOR THE SESAME VINAIGRETTE

• 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
• 1 clove garlic, pressed
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce

DIRECTIONS:

1. To make the vinaigrette, whisk together rice wine vinegar, garlic, sesame oil, sugar, ginger and soy sauce in a small bowl; set aside.
2. To assemble the salad, place baby greens in a large bowl; top with arranged rows of mandarin oranges, chicken, carrots, avocado, eggs and green onions.
3. Serve immediately with sesame vinaigrette.

Thank you for taking the time to read this month's blog. Please leave a comment on content or provide suggestions on topics that you may be interested in learning more about.  Have a wonderful September, good luck with finding your balance!

With gratitude,

Laurie LaComb 

lllacomb@dcsdk12.org