CCS Staff Wellness Initiative
January 2024 Newsletter
WELLNESS UPDATES
NEW! Free Mindfulness and Movement Retreat for CCS Staff
Gather for a day of connection and relaxation at Sharon Woods Spring Hollow Lodge.
The Columbus City Schools Wellness Initiative is sponsoring staff members interested in participating in the Everyday Mindfulness and Movement Retreat (*first come first serve). This retreat is designed with you in mind. Providing a holistic experience, combining mindfulness practices, movement, education, and creative expression to foster a sense of well-being and resilience. No previous experience is necessary.
RETREAT DATE/TIME: Sunday, January 28th, 10:00 AM - 3:30 PM
LOCATION: Sharon Woods Metro Park, Spring Hollow Lodge 1069 West Main Street Westerville, OH 43081
EVENT INFO: Learn more about the Mindfulness and Movement Winter Retreat here.
To attend this event, please fill out the registration form by clicking the REGISTER NOW button below. Please note registration is on a first come, first serve basis. Filling out the form does not guarantee you a spot. You will be notified by CCS Wellness if you are successfully registered for the retreat.
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NEW! Register for the Staff Winter Bowling League
Are you looking to have fun in your "spare" time? The CCS Wellness Initiative is sponsoring staff to join a CCS Bowling League! You don’t have to be an expert bowler to join the bowling league — all levels are welcome.
Length: 8 weeks, every Wednesday at 6:00 PM
First Game: Wednesday, February 7th
Last Game: Wednesday, March 27th
Location: Bowlero (formerly Sawmill Lanes) located at 4825 Sawmill Rd, Columbus, OH 43235
Cost: FREE! Scan the QR code or click the REGISTER NOW button below to sign up. Enter code CCSBOWL2123 to register
There will be 4 players per team, with the option of adding 2 substitutes. You can register individually or register a team. For those registering as a team, the team only needs one person to register and complete a roster containing team members information. For individuals, we will assemble you into teams.
!! PLEASE NOTE: Registration is open only to CCS staff. Please only register if you are committed to showing up and playing for the full 8 weeks. Consistent No-Shows will not be tolerated and will disqualify you from future rec sports opportunities. !!
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NEW! Volunteers Needed for Special Olympics Andrus Family Sports Classic
Are you interested in volunteering within the CCS community? Volunteers are needed for the Special Olympics Andrus Family Sports Classic hosted by Columbus City Schools! The event takes place on Saturday, May 4th, 2024 at Whetstone HS.
You will need to register to volunteer through your POINT account. If you haven't already signed onto our new volunteering platform, POINT, please see the information below to get started.
- What is POINT?
POINT is one platform to volunteer with over 300 nonprofits in Columbus. You can use POINT as an app, on the web and the Columbus City Schools website.
- Getting started:
You should have received an email on how to get started and join Columbus City Schools on POINT. The email will be from no-reply@pointapp.org . Need help getting started? Watch this video or email wellness@columbus.k12.oh.us.
- Volunteering with family & friends:
Because POINT is a free community app, you can invite your family, friends, (and of course, your CCS coworkers!) to go volunteer with you.
WELLNESS RESOURCES
Health and Wellness Resources
As we begin 2024, make the best resolution: take some much needed time to take care of yourself, reflect and kick off the year with a healthy start.
For a quick guide of Health and Wellness resources for staff, click here.
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Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): More Than the Winter Blues
As the days get shorter and there is less daylight, you may start to feel sad.
While many people experience the “winter blues,” some people may have a type of depression called seasonal affective disorder (SAD). The first step is to determine how much your symptoms interfere with your daily life. Click here to learn more.
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Order COVID19 Rapid Tests
Every U.S. household can place an order to receive four free COVID-19 rapid tests delivered directly to their home. Use this link to request your tests: https://special.usps.com/testkits
If you test positive, consult your healthcare provider for guidance. The CDC recommends 5 days of isolation after symptoms start, followed by 5 days of masking.
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Rally: Your Journey to a Healthier Lifestyle Begins Here
Rally® is a platform offered through UnitedHealthcare and is available at no additional cost to staff who have district health benefits. To get started, take a health survey, receive personalized recommendations and set goals based on your individual results. Participating will help you move more, eat better, and feel great. Interacting with Rally is designed to make getting healthier more enjoyable.
To get started visit myuhc.com > Health Resources > Rally
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Columbus City Schools Employee Assistance Program
With each New Year, there comes an opportunity to start off on the right foot. There are a number of things you can do to make 2024 your best, and healthiest year yet. Be proactive and take steps to ensure you have a happy and healthy year by clicking here.
Health Advocate's EAP program provides 24/7, free, confidential assistance for you and your extended family. Call Health Advocate at 866-799-2728 or visit their website at healthadvocate.com/columbuscityschools.
Register or login to your Health Advocate account.
CURRENT WELLNESS PROGRAMMING
Dietitians on Demand
With our newest Wellness programming, called Dietitians on Demand, you can meet one-on-one with a registered dietitian who can provide you with a personalized plan and individualized education. Anyone can meet with a dietitian. Whether you want to lose weight, better manage a specific medical condition, improve your overall health or boost your athletic performance, a registered dietitian can help.
View the flyer and visit our Wellness website here to get started today.
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Start Your Real Appeal Journey
Jumpstart your new year's resolutions by taking advantage of Real Appeal.
Meet with an online coach to create health goals, track your activity, and find new ways to keep your body moving. Real Appeal® is a program on Rally Coach™ available to you and eligible family members at no additional cost as part of your health plan benefits. Note: you must have insurance through the district to participate in Real Appeal.
View the Real Appeal flyer to get started and learn more about Real Appeal by watching the video below.
SIGN UP TODAY: columbuscityschools.realappeal.com
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Mindfulness and Movement Classes
Change up your winter routine. Reset with 30 minutes of mindfulness and movement.
Mindfulness & Movement offers a variety of gentle accessible movements, breath practices, restorative postures and body awareness meditations in a 30 minute class via Zoom. These practices are accessible, practical, powerful and for everybody. You will experience a sense of well-being that impacts your ability to navigate everyday challenges, notice dysregulation and appreciate the joys that we all experience in life.
View the Mindfulness & Movement class information and winter/spring schedule here.
FREE FITNESS CLASSES FOR CCS STAFF
CW Wellness By Design
Join CCS alumna and owner of CW Wellness By Design, Christina Wilson for virtual fitness classes! Christina is offering Power Pump: Strength + Cardio Classes on Mondays and Wednesdays at 6:00 AM. Christina's workouts will leave you feeling strong, accomplished and ready to take on the day!
Classes are FREE for all CCS Employees. Click here to view the flyer and instructions to sign up.
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Virtual and On-Demand Fitness Schedule
Unable to join the live fitness classes? No worries! Take advantage of the ON-DEMAND fitness class options at your own pace.
Click here for OhioHealth fitness class schedule, the on-demand link and password to access classes.
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10 Minute Movement Breaks
OhioHealth offers 10 minute movement breaks on their virtual fitness class schedule. The short activity breaks can be done at your desk or in your classroom with students!
Visit our wellness website for instructions on how to register for 10 minute movement breaks.
Have you seen our Wellness Wednesdays videos yet? This year, we've been highlighting staff members and community partners whose work promotes a culture of well-being within our district. Take a few moments to check out this year's Wellness Wednesdays videos.
Are you or someone you know implementing great health and wellness programming in buildings for students, staff or the CCS community? We are looking for staff and community partners to be featured in this year's Wellness Wednesdays campaign! Nominate yourself or a colleague by emailing wellness@columbus.k12.oh.us.
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Wellness Wednesdays with Scott McCoy
Continue to follow and show your passion to others. It can have a positive impact on the world around you.
For this week's Wellness Wednesdays video, hear from CAHS Health and Physical Education Teacher, Scott McCoy. Click below to watch the full video.
STAFF WELLNESS SPOTLIGHT
Michelle Jeffries - Testing Coordinator/ESL Teacher/Apex Lead/SFR at Columbus Online Academy
Here at Columbus Online Academy 9-12 we spend a lot of time directly on our computers, and this is not the healthiest way to spend our days. To combat the constant sedentary hours, we created a space for teachers to go to move their body a little, and make sure that our health is still a priority. When we move, even 10 minutes a day, we open up our minds to allowing more creativity and calmness to our day. Our staff's mental health is very important; they need to be in good spaces in order to be there for our wonderful students.
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Stay in Touch with Us!
CCS Wellness Website: ccsoh.us/wellness