Thursday, November 30, 2017

December 2017

This time of year is crazy- lots of lists and details.  In order to not get buried in it all and enjoy the amazing things happening around us, we need to pause.  Taking a purposeful pause each and every day means intentionally pausing throughout the day to center ourselves.  It's not difficult and allows us to reconnect with our breath and the present moment. As a way to remember, maybe set a reminder on our phones every 2 hours or use expected moments during the day (such as a red light, copy machine visit, or a meal) to try a purposeful pause. Once the moment arises, take 3-5 minutes to focus on breath, check in with the body or utilize senses to be present in the moment.   More information on Purposeful Pauses with Janice Marturano


Colorado Healthy Schools Champions Applications are open!! Due 1/19/18

The Colorado Education Initiative recognizes schools that have "excelled at creating health and wellness programs that support student learning" through the Healthy School Champions Recognition program. 40 Colorado schools will be chosen to receive an award valued at $500 to $7500. Your school must complete the Colorado Smart Source survey by Jan 19, 2018 to be eligible. Champion awards are due February 22, 2018. Reach out to Laurie LaComb at lllacomb@dcsdk12.org for any support.

Schools must submit Smart Source by December 15, 2017 to be entered in the $1000 raffle. This deadline is only two weeks away so, if possible, please know we are here to help you in any way!  Link to Smart Source

Brain Boosting Strategy


A study at Stanford University had students think about their thinking, by reviewing their study plans before an exam.  The students who actually reviewed their study resources before actually used them performed better and had less stress. This study outlines five steps to make this happen in your classroom.  

1. Think about and list your options before you study.
2. Make a plan.
3. Set & get those goals.
4. Know that you can.
5. Through infinity.

Read the article for more details


What does Medicaid do in DCSD?

This amazing federal program is responsible for supporting the majority of the Healthy Schools work in DCSD.  Here is a little information about Medicaid...

 Our DCSD Healthy Schools Program is supported by the Medicaid Reimbursement Program.  Special Education service providers throughout the District document their services for our IEP students which enables the District to receive partial reimbursement for the costs involved in providing those services.  

Staff also receives Random Moment Time Studies from the State via email.  The email contains a link to the survey which consists of five questions.  The survey should be answered promptly after the assigned "moment" occurs, keeping in mind the health-related aspect of your moment to obtain maximum credit for the response.  These surveys take less than five minutes to answer.  For more information on the Random Moment Time Study, please visit our Google Site:  medicaidreimbursement.dcsdk12.org   On the Site you will find examples to assist in answering your Random Moment Time Study quickly and efficiently.  The Site also contains useful information on all aspects of the Medicaid Reimbursement Program.

The funds reimbursed to the District are used to promote health, wellness and prevention programs for all DCSD students.  Please support the Medicaid Reimbursement program to allow us to continue providing these much-needed programs.


Training Opportunities



1/23/18- Teaching With The Brain in Mind Part 2—Mindfulness, Meaning, and Mistakes
Get back onto the road of learning while considering the brain and how it operates, thinks, and processes information.  Jump right in and join us as we experience teaching strategies that include neuroplasticity, learning to learn, mindfulness, using mistakes to make meaning, and brain differences (age, stage, gender).  Participants attending this workshop will get a deeper understanding of how the learning brain functions and collect a variety of strategies to implement into planning, content, and the classroom.
Please go to Inspired Ed to register now!

Kim Bevill Workshops

Upcoming 2018 
Winter-Spring Schedule!
- Join us for a "Movement Course" Weekend....
...plus Learning in Motion -  1 credit class (for 3 credit course)
April 21 & 22...Gender and the Brain

If you need tuition assistance, utilize DCSD's Tuition Reimbursement Program (It is AWESOME!)




Free Mindfulness Video Trainings- a great resource for teachers and mindful practitioners.


Daily Good Deeds

Carrie Wisehart released her printable December Daily Good Deeds calendar this week.  Print it out and practice kindness every day.  A December Daily Good Deeds calendar would be a fun project for a class!  Daily Good Deeds Calendar



Physical Activity

Please share with your recess supervisors. Positive recess leaders

Save the Date! Staff Wellness Event


Fit Fest - Saturday, February 3, 2018 -Rock Canyon High School. You won't want to miss this FREE wellness event. More details coming soon from staff wellness. 

Nutrition



The ingredients for this veggie tray are pretty simple.  Start by cutting your cauliflower into small bite-size pieces.  Place them on your tray and then arrange into a snowman shape.  You will also need additional veggies to surround your snowman.  We chose carrot sticks for the top portion, because Olaf has a carrot for his nose and it was a cute match!  We used pretzel sticks for his arms and hair.  I broke apart one pretzel stick and used it for his fingers.  For the face, you can even  draw your own on a piece of paper if you are feeling artistic.  You can also use olives for his buttons which would be super cute.  Link to description.


We wish all a wonderful holiday break! Make sure to take a few purposeful pauses to soak up all the wondrous last moments of 2017.

 With gratitude,
Laurie & Kimmy 
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