DCSD Healthy Schools

May 2018

You did it! Another amazing year of healthy schools work in DCSD. Thank you to everyone for making this a year of growth for our program. We had more SHIPS (62), more schools (60), more student classes, and more professional development workshops for district staff. Although we know we can't affect all of DCSD (yet!) there is definitely a positive impact being made. Through this work we have reports that schools are seeing less behavioral issues, less reactionary behavior, decreased stress, and increased movement throughout the day. All of this would not be possible unless it was for people like you who put in the time, passion, and willingness to go above and beyond. Thank you on behalf of the students, families, school communities, and district leadership!!

Grant Opportunities

When you attend a live, virtual discussion, you will be entered to win a $200 Target Gift Card.

Share your Healthy School Success to Build Support:  May 7, 15, 21
Sharing your accomplishments helps build support for the healthy schools goals. We will identify key elements of a success story, practice writing your school's success story, and share multiple communication channels. Can't attend, check out this on-demand video.

What do YOU need? Grab-and-go resources:   May 3, 10, 14, 22, 30
Join us to learn about tools, resources, and expert guidance offered at no-cost. Can't attend, check out this on-demand video.

Schools can receive up to $3500 in grant money towards academic or extra-curricular programs.

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

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

Grant application

Training Opportunities

Learning 2 Practice- earn money by attending ELC. Who: Any Certified Staff What: Certified staff will have the opportunity to submit for up to two stipends of $100 each. How: Complete the Learning to Practice Form More information                                                              Kim Bevill Classes 2018 Spring and Summer Schedule Saturday, May 5.....................Hands-On Strategies *Hybrid 2-3 Credits (*Hybrid is 1-day onsite + Online) Sat & Sun, May 19 & 20........Happiness and Gratitude 2-3 Credits Sat & Sun, June 9 & 10.........Willpower and the Brain 2-3 Credits Sat & Sun, June 23 & 24.......Motivation and the Brain 2-3 Credits Sat & Sun, June 30 & July 1..Memory and the Brain 2-3 Credits Make it a Movement weekend: Saturday, July 14..................Complex Moves and the Brain NOW! 2 Credits! Sunday, July 15....................In the Zone:Performance and the Brain 1 Credit Take BOTH, and use PD Code move75 to receive $75 off In the Zone Check out our Live Seminar Schedule Here! Check out our Online Classes Here! Learning & the Brain

As Eric Kandel discovered (and won the Nobel Prize for), to learn something new you need  “repeated training interspersed with periods of rest.” Don’t forget to take frequent relaxation  breaks during the learning curve. While you rest, mindfully reflect on your goal, desire, and progress.  Pick a new behavior you’d like to develop right now (i.e., eliminating procrastination, learning  the skills to be a successful entrepreneur, daily exercise, eating healthier). Follow these steps: write down the behavior or skill you want to develop; commit to four days of dedication; practice for an hour each day; and rest after each round of practice: breathe deeply, visualize yourself achieving your goal, take a power nap, and then stretch your body. In the book, In Search of Memory, Kandel explains that the learning circuits in your brain need  those periods of rest “to establish long-term memory.” But be forewarned: once you’ve taken  on a new habit or skill, it will fade away after a few weeks if you don’t continue to practice it. Mindfulness Activity: When students are feeling a little overwhelmed with managing difficult emotions, try this 4, 3, 2, 1 technique from Mindful Schools.        Thank You Kelli Clay from RHMS for sharing Mindfulness Bingo! MINDFUL BINGO Do 3 minutes of meditation Practice Yoga or Stretching Color a Mandala Participate  In Mindful Eating Complete the 5 senses Mindfulness Activity Practice your favorite breathing technique or learn a new one Listen to music, read a book, or do something relaxing Drink a bottle of water for good health Go on a Mindful Walk Drive to work in silence or Eat lunch in the MOCR (The Quiet Room) List three things you are grateful for Do a random act of kindness

How to Relax Muscles with Progressive Muscle Relaxation

Technology

I had the privilege of hearing Jean Twenge speak at the Learning & The Brain conference (Thank you DCSD Tuition Reimbursement program). What scientists are learning about the psychological and physiological affects of technology on our children is absolutely fascinating! It's time to educate ourselves and establish boundaries in schools for cell phone usage. I know of two schools, Rocky Heights Middle School and Mountain Ridge Middle School, who are creating new policy around cell phone use on both classrooms and at lunchtime.  Let's learn from these leaders on the effects it has on their students' behaviors, ability to focus, and academic engagement.  Get the conversation going at your school! Let's start planning on Screenagers screenings for 2018/19 school year.

If you are ready to take action now, check these out... Away for the Day... or Hands Free Momma

Physical Activity

In addition to basic classroom use, The Walking Classroom is a great tool to enhance learning opportunities for:

Before- or after-school walking clubs: Form a Walking Club where students can burn off some energy (and still learn something!). Small-group classroom stations: Ask a parent volunteer to take rotating groups of 5 or 6 students for a walk. Misbehaving students: Students who are sent to the principal’s office can cool down and refocus their energy with an educational walk around the school before they meet to discuss their behavior. Walking buddies: Have older students take younger students on walks while listening to a podcast.

Thank you all so much for your patience as BOKS transitioned our Website, Trainer Hub, Virtual Training, and Online Registration over to our new look. We're happy to announce that they are all officially live with our new branding! If you haven't seen them yet, be sure to check them out and let us know what you think! Website: www.bokskids.org Trainer Hub: https://trainerhub.bokskids.org Virtual Training: https://virtualtraining.bokskids.org  As most of you know, BOKS isn't just a before school program anymore - our multiple curriculum offerings serve before, during and after school and can be utilized by parents, non-profits, and other organizations in addition to schools. We've updated the content and features of our new website to more accurately reflect our program's evolution. This month's Trainer Talk is focused on highlighting some of these exciting digital updates (including new Trainer Hub features).  Thank you! https://schoolleadersnow.weareteachers.com/recess-improving-culture/

School Celebrations

Glitter jar fun at Rocky Heights Middle School!

Recipe of the Month!

Fresh Vegetarian Greek Pasta

Recipe Resource

INGREDIENTS

• 2-3 large tomatoes, seeded and chopped
• ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
• ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped basil
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 pound (uncooked) penne pasta
• 6 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 teaspoons garlic, minced
• If you want to make it less vegetarian, add some chicken, shrimp, or salmon

iNSTRUCTIONs

1. In a large bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes, olives, feta, spices, salt and pepper. Chill while the pasta is cooking.
2. In a large pot, add penne pasta to salted, boiling water. Cook according to package directions. Drain.
3. In the same pot, while pasta is draining, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 1-2 minutes. Return the pasta to the pot and toss with olive oil mixture.
4. Add pasta and tomato-olive mixture to a large serving dish and toss until the fresh vegetables are thoroughly mixed with the penne.

Enjoy your summer! We look forward to seeing all of you at our Healthy School Leaders Fall Workshop at the Highlands Ranch Mansion on September 12th, 2018. Until then, reboot, reset, relax!

With mucho gratitude,
Laurie & Kimmy