COMMUNITY WELLNESS IN THE WORKS

COMMUNITY WELLNESS IN THE WORKS is authored by Ms. Cailyn Gilvary, District SELect Leader, and Ms. Tiffany Steiner, Director of Intervention Services and Student Wellness.

The month of November is dedicated to the exploration of the mindset, Passion First.

Passion First teaches understanding that each of us is a unique expression of human existence and that our lives should be focused on finding our individual genius. Essential to this is making our dreams authentic and aligned with our core values.

4 Key Components in this Mindset include:

• Focus on Strengths
• Explore Your Interests
• Take a Stand
• Be Authentic

Storytelling has come a long way from its humble beginnings around the campfire. Today’s children’s literature continues this tradition, using stories to teach, share, and deepen connections among readers. If you’re seeking a creative way to bond as a family, consider pairing a beloved children’s book with a comforting meal, like a warm soup. Enjoying a cozy bowl while reading can create lasting memories and strengthen your family’s ties!

Assistant SUPErintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, Mrs. Jennifer McCann is partnering with Mr. Joe Piddington, District Food Service Manager, to offer their version of Chicken SUPE for the Soul.

What a great way to explore a new book and make dinner together as a family! ENJOY!

Ingredients:

• 2 Tbsp Butter
• 1 Cup Finely Chopped Onion
• 2 Cloves Garlic, Minced
• 4 Cups Chicken or Vegetable Broth
• 2 (2lb) Roasted Butternut Squash (peeled, seeded and cut into 1-inch pieces)
• 2 Tsp Curry Powder
• ½ Tsp Ground Cumin
• 1 Tsp Salt
• ½ Tsp Cayenne Pepper
• 2 Tbsp Honey
• ½ Cup Half-and-Half (You can substitute with milk)

Method:

• Roast the butternut squash for 20 minutes at 375 degrees.
• Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Cook the onion and garlic until softened and translucent, approximately 10 minutes.
• Stir in broth, squash, curry powder, salt, cumin, cayenne pepper into onion mixture. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer until squash is tender (15 minutes).
• Remove from heat, puree, add the half-and-half stir and honey into squash mixture. You may need to add additional liquid depending on desired thickness.

WIS 7th graders recently took a field trip to Sandy Hook and Fort Hancock. The trip was an exploration of New Jersey history and the Salt Marsh. Students met at Fort Hancock, discussed the history behind the old military fort, and then went seining to observe fish and other marine organisms native to Sandy Hook Bay.

What a way to EXPLORE NEW INTERESTS!

Use this link to the Nursing and Health Services district webpage to learn more about staying healthy!

What is self-love?

Self-love means valuing yourself, recognizing your worth, and prioritizing your happiness and well-being. It is a quality that can greatly enhance mental health, relationships, and overall quality of life. It also is a quality that requires attention and practice because it can be easily affected by outside influences, stress, and negative feedback. To maintain a healthy balance of self-love, here are some tips:

1. Recognize Your Feelings

Awareness is key. Acknowledge how you feel—sad, angry, happy— and understand why.

2. Accept Your Emotions
Accept that it's okay to feel what you feel. Take a moment to remember you are not perfect and feeling negative emotions are part of life's journey.

3. Consider an Outsider’s Perspective
Think about how you’d respond to a friend experiencing the same feelings. Treat yourself with the same kindness and encouragement you’d offer them.

4. Forgive Yourself
Decide what it takes to forgive yourself and consciously choose to do so. Acknowledge mistakes and practice positive self-talk to encourage your journey toward forgiveness.

5. Set Boundaries
Self-love often means saying “no” to others. Prioritize your needs and establish boundaries to protect your well-being.

Remember, self-love is an ongoing process. Keep investing in yourself and making choices that nurture your well-being.

You’re invited to our second annual VIRTUAL KINDER MEET AND GREET! Join us on Monday, November 11, from 6:00 to 7:00 PM. This is a great opportunity to connect with other kinder parents, our elementary school counselors, Director of Student Wellness Tiffany Steiner, and District SELect Leader Cailyn Gilvary. We’ll discuss our district wellness programs and the 7 Mindsets initiative.

Join us using this Google Meet link: https://meet.google.com/qux-dvhd-gwo
You can also dial in at (US) +1 240-442-8075‬, PIN: 517 175 759‬#.

SCHOOL CLOSING

November 7th & November 8th = School Closed

November 28 & November 29 = School Closed

EARLY DISMISSAL

November 1, 4, 5, and 6 = Early Dismissal Elementary ONLY

November 27 = Early Dismissal for ALL Students & Staff

Join us in learning basic self-defense techniques to promote personal health and safety. Parents, teens/tweens, and staff are invited to attend. Please register via an email to lmossa@wallpublicschools.org.

Cost: $20.00 donation to Wall Business & Finance Academy

In 2020, New Jersey updated learning standards related to Computer Science and Design Thinking. To tackle the major challenges we face as a society, our children need new ways of thinking that use technology and computing. The fast pace of tech changes and the growth of digital information and communication have significantly impacted how we learn, work, and connect globally.

KUDOS to our K-8 school counselors, technology teachers, and administration for being pioneers in this area. The implementation of the 7 Mindsets Wellness Webinars is a creative, responsible, and safe way to explore technology, build community, and reflect digital citizenship. EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE at Wall Township Public Schools!

In reading an article by clinical psychologist, Diana Hill, a profound statement was made.

We all have parts of us that hurt, make mistakes, or do things we regret. However, it’s how we respond to ourselves in those moments that make a difference as to whether we collapse into shame or feel bolstered even with our human imperfections.

As parents, mentors, role models, coaches, teachers, etc., we witness children navigate their decisions; some good and some bad. Why not help your child prepare a positive response to self (a.k.a- Love Letter to self) to read during those times collapsing into shame seems like the only way to respond. Telling our children that they are more when they feel less is KIND. Teaching our children to be mindful that they are more when they feel less is a GIFT!

1. Handwrite Slowly: Take your time and use a writing style you enjoy, like cursive or your youthful scrawl.

2. Use a Cheerful Salutation: Start with a pet name that brings you joy—something personal and uplifting.

3. Recall a Fond Memory: Begin with “Do you remember when you…” and vividly describe a cherished moment, including the sights and feelings.

4. Offer Words of Comfort: Remind yourself that pain is temporary and affirm your worth. You matter and will be remembered.

5. Express Your Unique Qualities: Celebrate what makes you special—your traits, quirks, and flaws. Take your time and enjoy this reflection.

6. End with a Flourish: Conclude with a reminder of your uniqueness, emphasizing that you are one of a kind.

7. Close with Love: End your letter with an affectionate sign-off, filled with encouragement.

8. Seal It Up: Place your letter in an envelope addressed to yourself in a meaningful way, indicating it holds something special.

Finding Stability:

If your family is experiencing economic challenges or homelessness, visit the McKinney Vento webpage for essential information and guidance on available resources.

District Homeless Education Liaison

Tiffany Steiner
tsteiner@wallpublicschools.org
732.556.2647