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 December is dedicated to exploring the mindset, We Are Connected.

The WE ARE CONNECTED mindset teaches that everyone who comes into our lives can help us to achieve and live our dreams. Working with, for, and through others is crucial to realizing our dreams. When you understand this and constantly seek the positives from relationships with others, performance in every area of life improves.

The 4 critical components of WE ARE CONNECTED

• Embrace Everyone
• Maximize Positive Relationships
• Build Your Dream Team
• Lead with Value

Great teams come together through 3 Cs:

• Cooperation- The willingness to fit into the strengths and weaknesses of others.

• Commitment- The choice to keep showing up.

• Contribution- The agreement that we each may need to give up some of our self interests.

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 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 4 carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch coins
• 8 cups chicken stock
• 1 cup frozen green peas
• One 12-ounce container tricolor cheese tortellini
• 2 ears corn, kernels removed
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach, torn into smaller pieces
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish

Method:

• In a large stockpot over medium heat, heat the oil until it shimmers, about 2 minutes.
• Add the onion, garlic, and carrots, and sauté for 5 minutes or until the vegetables are slightly soft.
• Pour in the chicken stock, increase the heat to high, and bring to a boil.
• Add the peas, tortellini, and corn and cook for 12 minutes, or according to the package directions for the tortellini.
• Remove the stockpot from the heat and add the spinach, stirring until it wilts.
• Spoon the soup into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese.

At the November 19th BOE meeting, students who nominated exceptional Educational Support Professionals (ESPs) from their schools were given the opportunity to present their heartfelt essays. These essays were part of the WTEA's "An Educational Support Professional to Remember" contest.

KUDOS:

AW Bus Driver Stephanie Gordon & Student Harper Reistrom

CN Paraprofessional Catherine Rossano & Student Ainsley Kelly

OM Administrative Assistant Ingrid Butler & Student Patrick Kenyon

WB Administrative Assistant Ana Noon & Student Matthew Giacobbe

WIS Paraprofessional Nancy Ottati Student Lena Furey

WHS Paraprofessional Charlene Russell & Student Connor Barrett

What Connects Us?

WHS students are creating blue lanterns, a symbol of guidance, enlightenment, and hope, to demonstrate the many connections that are made within the school community. Students reflect on the components of embracing others, maximizing positive relationships, developing Dream Teams, and leading with core values. ​The lanterns will light up the Main Entrance of the school, inviting others to celebrate the sense of BELONGING WHS strives to create!

By celebrating Red Ribbon Week, WIS students not only made a pledge to be healthy and drug-free but also reinforced the importance of strong community connections. These connections act as protective factors that guide children toward making positive choices.

West Belmar students celebrate the We Are Connected mindset by acknowledging the kind attributes of classmates. Using these attributes to build a kindness chain to decorate the school presents a constant reminder of the importance of belonging to a community! Counselor Ms. Eastmond continues the discussion by asking students to identify each child's Dream Team!

OMS Library Para Ms. Allison Penkethman created a "We Are Connected" poster, inviting the entire school to leave a fingerprint. Media Specialist Tessa Hawley highlights the display in her 7 Mindsets lesson. A beautiful showcase of unity!

Central School collected over 1,000 cereal boxes to donate to local charities—but not before setting up an epic domino chain throughout its two-story building! News12 captured the event, and it aired on TV.

Allenwood Elementary School honored the brave men and women who have served our country with courage and dedication. They proudly expressed their heartfelt gratitude to three inspiring WWII Veterans who shared their stories of valor and resilience. News12 was there to film!

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

WE ARE CONNECTED: As the winter season approaches, families may face various challenges. If your family requires assistance, please contact the school counselor or nurse.

The holiday season can be filled with joy and celebrations. This time of year can also trigger difficult emotions, thoughts, or behaviors—which can affect mental health and the use of substances. That's why it's so important to stop and listen to your own needs, too. If you’re looking for help for mental health or substance use, here are some resources to get started.

1. Connect with loved ones: Use video chat apps like Skype or Zoom to stay in touch with family and friends, even if they’re far away.
2. Send e-cards: Send personalized holiday greetings through e-card apps, saving time and adding a personal touch.
3. Shop online: Enjoy the convenience of online shopping, find great deals, and save time.
4. Plan events: Organize holiday events with apps like Evite or Trello to create guest lists, send invites, and keep track of tasks.
5. DIY gifts: Get inspired for homemade gifts by finding tutorials and ideas online.
6. Create personalized cards: Use augmented reality (AR) to create interactive and personalized holiday cards.
7. Find gifts: Discover the perfect presents with apps and websites that offer gift ideas based on the recipient’s preferences.
8. Stream movies: Watch holiday movies and TV specials from Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime.
9. Play games: Enjoy online holiday-themed games like trivia, puzzles, and virtual scavenger hunts.
10. Track your budget: Manage your holiday spending with budgeting apps to stay on track.

Technology can simplify planning, shopping, and connecting, making your holiday season more enjoyable and stress-free.

2NDFLOOR Mobile App is a resource designed to provide a safe space for youth in New Jersey. The app offers a variety of support features, including:

• 1:1 confidential chat support: Users can connect privately with a counselor or peer advocate for emotional support and guidance.
• Peer message boards: This feature allows youth to communicate with others facing similar experiences, fostering a sense of community and shared understanding.
• Daily inspiration: The app provides uplifting content to help motivate and encourage users, supporting their mental well-being.

The goal of 2NDFLOOR is to create a secure, supportive environment for young people to navigate challenges, connect with others, and access mental health resources.

Want to get started? Download the app from either the the App Store or Google Play.

Remember this is a youth suppport service. If your child or a youth you know is struggling or having thoughts of suicide, call 988. In life-threatening situations, call 911.

The holiday season is a great time to create cherished memories with your children, and building a gingerbread house is a fun, simple activity with many benefits:

1. Boosts Creativity
   Building a gingerbread house lets kids unleash their creativity. The graham crackers are a blank canvas, and the candies allow for endless design possibilities. Letting them create freely nurtures imagination and self-expression.

2. Promotes Family Time
   Building a gingerbread house provides quality time to bond, laugh, and connect. It’s a fun, relaxed way to nurture family ties.

3. Creates Traditions
   Making gingerbread houses an annual tradition gives children something to look forward to and helps build lasting memories and family togetherness.

Start a new holiday tradition with your kids, spark their creativity, and capture their creations in a photo!

Here are a few ideas on how some popular candies may be incorporated:

• Plain or peanut butter M&M’s - can be used for colored roof tiling.
• Gumdrops - can be used for colored roof tiling.
• Small candy canes - can be used for wall decorations or fence posts.
• Shredded coconut - can be used for snow on the roof, or dyed green for grass.
• Pretzel sticks - can be used for fence posts or logs for a log cabin.
• Red vines - can easily be bent and wrapped around corners and edges.
• Marshmallows - can be used to make snowmen or little snow bundles.

WE ARE CONNECTED: As the winter season approaches, families may face various challenges. If your family requires assistance, please contact the school counselor or nurse.

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