Everyday Wellness

• All District Lunch from Marivel's Kitchen
• May 1st Opportunities- Sign Up Here
• Letters to a Stranger
• Reflections
• Interesting Article
• Ujjayi Breathwork Benefits and Meditation
• Delicious Recipes
• Community Wellness Events
• Wellness Webinars
• Meaningful May Calendar

Dear SSD staff,

Welcome to May, a month brimming with opportunities for personal growth and well-being!

As we embark on this journey together, let's embrace the spirit of renewal and self-care. This Wellness Wednesday, we invite all school district staff to savor a delicious lunch from Marivel's Kitchen, a gesture to nourish both body and soul. May is yours to make meaningful, so take a moment to prioritize your wellness and find what brings you joy. Let's celebrate each other and the possibilities that lie ahead!

Sincerely,

Your Wellness Committee

"Wherever you are, be there totally."- Eckhart Tolle

Sign Up Here

Cooking with Jeff (24)

Join Jeff in the culinary room to experience another one of his amazing lessons in cooking cuisine! He will be teaching us how to make the delicious Rigatoni alla Zozzona. This activity can accommodate one or two GF groups too. If anyone needs a GF option please indicate that when you sign up in the little byline/note underneath your name.

Homesteading with Shirley (10)

Join Shirley at her home to see where she is "in the process" of homesteading. You will see the plans, the chickens, and the ducks. Each participant will leave with plants for their gardens like squashes, pumpkins, hollyhocks, zinnias, etc.

Sound Bath (15)

Bring mind, body, and spirit into harmony with this ancient healing modality of sound and vibration. Located at Living Fit Yoga.

9 Holes at Highlands Golf (12)

Bring your own clubs or rent them on your own and enjoy this wonderful opportunity.

Letters to a Stranger with Kristi (20)

Dear Stranger is a recurring letter-exchange project that connects Oregonians through the mail to share experiences, beliefs, and ideas. Check out this story from NPR to hear what past participants had to say about the experience.

Pysanky Egg Decorating with Cate (8)

Come visit the District Office decorate beautiful Ukrainian Easter Eggs, using beeswax and dyes applied in layers to create beautiful creations.

Disc Golf with Mason and friends! (30)

Come alone or with colleagues to learn to play disc golf at the old Seaside High School track! Mason and his freinds are experienced disc golf players and will give instruction, tips, and lead a friendly competition.

Laser Tag (20)

Have fun chasing down your colleagues at Laser Tag!

Seed Beading with Jenn (10)

Discover the artistry of seed bead jewelry in our beginner's workshop! Dive into the vibrant world of tiny beads and learn essential techniques to create stunning jewelry pieces.

Mindfulness Time (25)

Listen to your favorite podcast, do a meditation, read a novel, visit a neighborhood park, or take a walk on your own.

Thank you Kristi York for offering this wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow Oregonians at May's Wellness Wednesday. If this feels in alignment for you, sign up to take Kristi's workshop May 1st!

Dear Stranger is a recurring letter-exchange project that connects Oregonians through the mail to share experiences, beliefs, and ideas. Since 2014, more than 1,000 people have exchanged letters through the project. Everyone is invited to participate—whatever your age, your place of residence, or your circumstances, Dear Stranger wants to hear from you. Check out this story from NPR to hear what past participants had to say about the experience.

Here’s how to participate:

1. Write a letter. Address it “Dear Stranger.” Fill a page or two, or more if you feel inspired. If you’d like, feel free to include a photo or a drawing or a recipe—anything that will fit in an envelope. You can write about anything you like. Here’s a prompt to get you started:
   
   For this round of Dear Stranger, write about fear. Share your worries, anxieties, and phobias. What are you afraid of? What should more people be afraid of? Are there things you used to fear that no longer scare you? Are there things that people commonly fear that they should not?

Spring Scavenger Hunt

"Leslie Garvin, Erin Meyer, and I were able to enjoy our beautiful trail and get to spend time socializing. It wasn't perfectly blue skies, but the air was fresh, the birds were chirping, and the company was lovely. I would love to walk the trail again!"-Stephanie Wheatley

Lego Art- Daffidils

"I love building LEGO and would do this again in a heart beat! I really hope LEGO continues to be a wellness choice next year."- Becky Seybold

Candy Making Workshop

"I would absolutely do it again! Brian Taylor was very inviting and gave a wonderful instructional talk on how candy is made. The best part was all the chocolate samples."- Joy Duff

9 Holes of Golf

"Absolutely.. I am hoping we can do Gearhart golf links by end of school year."- Joel Dierickx

Mindfulness Time

"Yes, mindful time was very mindful this week. . I got so much done this week, I really needed the hour to prep and get caught up. it was great and helped me from feeling burnt out."- Lynn Addis

"After a bustling day at work, I felt immensely grateful to unwind with a leisurely stroll, relishing the beauty of the outdoors."- Tricia Martin

"Yes, definitely. i got a lot done this week in that hour. I am ready to get back to doing crafts with ya'all."- Lynn Addis

"I find it so enjoyful to be able to be able to stroll down the beach with my dogs, and just relax. So thankful for this time to myself!"- Susan Payne

Seaside Aquarium

"We went to the aquarium. After feeding the seals we decided a walk to Gelato was a great choice for us too! Wonderful to spend time with some wonderful people and get to soak up a little sun and a delicious treat too."- Grace Bruncke

"Every day when I get home and my babies (Mick, a 4 year-old mixed-breed, Jax, a 9 year-old Golden Retriever) greet me with wiggles and jumps and wags (and bossy voices) because they are ready to break out of the house and go on our walk, I can't help but benefit from their contagious energy. Our walks up in the woods are a daily glimmer I have to look forward to. They run freely through the woods, popping in and out for their trail treats, and I walk on appreciating the fresh air, the solitude and my goofy duo." - Hailee Wawro

"Much gratitude to our collective community on the north coast. Specifically C. Overcast and C. Blecha are always cracking me up. They are next to my office and I love having a fun and easy conversation every time. Its the consistency that is impressive.:- Ethan Guzman

"Wendy Crozier leads our PDs with a heart centered and compassionate approach that integrates connection and gratitude into our experience and I really appreciate that."- Jenn Gooch

"Natalie Dyroff spearheaded the planning and execution of our upcoming Multicultural Community Night. Often with these big projects, no one really wants to be the designated person in charge...but Natalie has taken on the bulk of organizing and directing, on top of all of her other responsibilities. Thank you for taking on this project, NATALIE! It's going to be a blast! "- Anonymous

"I truly admire Kaley Waldemar's ability to connect with students and nurture positive relationships beyond the surface level. Students are always telling me how much they enjoy PE and/or health with her because they feel seen and heard, and they have FUN! Whenever I email teachers about a student that requires extra attention, Kaley is the first to respond with helpful feedback and a commitment to try new things to better support the student. We're lucky to have her!!"- Anonymous

"A kiddo saying they just want to stay in my class forever even after a hard day."- Grace Bruncke

"I have a student that comes up to me daily at just the right moment, smiles big and says, "Everything is going to be alright Ms.Gooch." It is just nice!- Jenn Gooch

What are your favorite things about warmer weather and longer days?

"The energy, motivation and inspiration the sunshine gives! 😎"- Hailee Wawro

I love whe"n the sun is up by the time I wake up! It is so nice to sit outside on the patio and drink my coffee in the morning, even when it is raining. Starting the day outside sets the tone for a great day. I also love getting outside in the evenings for a long walk! It is great to put a podcast or audiobook in and walk the neighborhood. It's a great way to wind down after work or a busy day. "- Stephanie Wheatley

"I appreciate the opportunity to escape to my garden once driving kids to and from sports settles down. Those precious moments in the evening are essential for unwinding and digging into nature."- Chelsea Archibald

"

As educators prepare for the closing weeks of the school year, a top priority is ensuring that each student reaches their goals. But it’s also important for teachers to prioritize themselves during this busy—and joyful—time of year.

Here are 10 ways that educators can focus on their own wellness so they can best help their students be at their best.

Treat yourself. Whether that’s a day with friends or a quick trip to a local coffee shop, taking a little bit of time to treat yourself can help you re-energize. We also encourage being active by taking a mindful walk!

Seek support. We aren’t meant to do everything alone. Seeking support when you feel overwhelmed, tired, or just generally busy can help lighten your load.

Remember your “why.” Remembering your “why” on hard or long days can help you recenter and refocus. Whatever your “why” is—getting to know students, affecting change, or brightening a child’s day—try to prioritize that feeling.

Take a break and set boundaries. While we know taking work home can sometimes be unavoidable, try setting boundaries around how much you take home. This includes the time that you actually stop working and start relaxing, or how much work you take on. Here are some tips to take a self-compassion break at school. Having compassion and patience for yourself allows you to have more compassion for other people.

Connect with your students! Research shows that when we feel part of a community and connected to those around us, we feel happier. Sharing milestones, feelings, hobbies, or thoughts—big or small—with your students can build a culture of connection in your classroom.

Get outside and soak up the sun! The days are longer, warmer, and perfect for a quick walk, or a few minutes outside to experience nature and absorb some much-needed vitamin D. Fresh air cleans your lungs, boosts your mood, lowers your heart rate, and increases energy levels. Take lunch outside, listen to music, get into an education podcast, read under a tree, or park further away at work to get a few extra minutes outdoors.

Start a garden. Getting your hands dirty can be relaxing and cleansing for the mind. There are several vegetables that you can start seeding indoors at the start of spring, including brussels sprouts, cauliflower, spinach, squash, and perennial herbs. If you want to start outdoors, wildflowers are wildlife-friendly, fast-growing, low-maintenance, and a great way to keep the weeds away.

Start with a clean slate. This is a great time of the year for cleaning, re-organizing, decluttering, or donating items that you no longer need. If a spring refresh feels overwhelming, start small. Purge or clean one thing a day.

Nourish yourself with spring’s produce! Find a local farmers market and stock up on bright, colorful fruits and vegetables. Asparagus, arugula, carrots, and peas are great in spring. Eating adequate amounts of fruits and vegetables is associated with reduced depressive symptoms and higher levels of optimism and self-efficacy. Why not try a new recipe with your produce to get out of a food rut?

Get that annual physical. If you’ve been putting off doctor appointments, now is a good time to find a primary care physician. Even minor symptoms that seem manageable should be discussed with a doctor.

We hope all educators find time for rest and relaxation before the end of the school year. It’s essential to take care of ourselves so we can continue to best serve all students.

Our recipes highlight the earthy, nutty flavor of these popular wild mushrooms. Try a spring pasta with morels, morel cream sauce, morel and asparagus pizza—or just savor morels sauteed in butter.

Morel mushrooms tossed with a little flour and sauteed in butter is the purists' way to enjoy these seasonal delicacies.

This Strawberry Rhubarb Upside Down Cake is amazing and vegan! With sweet fresh strawberries, tart rhubarb baked in their own juices a top a simple vanilla cake scented with orange and cinnamon! Oh my!

INGREDIENTS

For the topping: AD

• 3 tablespoons melted vegan butter, I use earth balance
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• 1 and ½ cups sliced fresh strawberries
• 1 and ½ cups fresh rhubarb, diced

For the vanilla cake:

• ½ cup unsweetened non dairy milk, I use almond milk
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• ⅓ cup oil, I use grapeseed oil
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• zest of 1 orange
• 1 and ½ cups all purpose flour
• 1 and ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350° Add the melted vegan butter to a 9 inch non stick cake pan, spread around the base and up the sides with a pastry brush. Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the base of the pan. In a large mixing bowl toss the strawberries and rhubarb together and evenly spread on top of the butter sugar mixture.
2. In the same mixing bowl (give it a wipe if needed) add the plant based milk and vinegar, give it a stir and let sit for 5 minutes to curdle (this is your vegan buttermilk) then add the oil, apple sauce, sugar, vanilla and orange zest and whisk until combined
3. Add the flour to the top of the wet ingredients. Sprinkle the baking powder, salt, and cinnamon over the flour. Whisk until completely combined, but don't over mix.
4. Pour cake batter evenly over the prepared cake pan (strawberry/rhubarb layer).
5. Bake for 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.
6. Let cool for 5 minutes on cooling rack. Run a knife around the edges a couple of times. Invert onto a plate or cake platter. (might have to tap the top a couple of times) Cool completely or serve slightly warm with vegan vanilla ice cream or dairy free whipped topping! Enjoy!

Join a health club for just $28 a month! As a Moda Health or Delta Dental member, you have access to the Active&Fit DirectTM program. For just $28 a month, you can choose from over 9,000 participating health clubs and YMCAs nationwide. We have attached the pdf informational page from Moda and this link to the Active & Fit Direct program to sign up.

Get inspiration for your journey to better health. Check out these educational wellness webinars and workshops!

• 2024 Be well webinar calendar

Recorded webinars

• Home Burnout
• A deeper dive into Moda's wellness programs and resources for OEBB members
• Work Burnout
• Social Burnout
• Work Burnout
• Inflammation 101 Webinar
• Building a Better Immune System for Lifelong Health
• Heart Health: Supporting Your Cardiovascular System
• Real Food on a Real Budget: How to Save Money by Eating Healthy
• Tools for Managing Stress & Creating a Healthier Mindset

Big Shout out to Suzy for sharing with us an opportunity to participate in the Run On the River event! If people use code SUZY they can save 10% off Run on the River registrations!

"It's one of our favorite runs! Collin, James, and I have all run the 5k a few times and Collin and I are doing the 10k this year! It's a great one to run or walk! The views are beautiful, the course is flat, and there is Buoy Beer after! It would be fun to have other district folks join!" - Suzy Wintjen

The flyer is attached and here is a link to the registration page:

https://raceroster.com/events/2024/80988/astorias-run-on-the-river-half-marathon-10k-and-5k

Wellness Coordinators

Jenn Gooch (SMS)

Kathryn Zacher (PRE)

Business Manager

Toni Vandershule

Pacific Ridge Elementary School Building Leader

Chuck Albright, Debbie Hillman

Seaside Middle School Building Leaders

Natalie Dyroff, Wendy Crozier, Shelby Gagnon, Karma Herd

Seaside High School Building Leaders

Julie Greene, Vinh Pham, Katharine Parker, Chelsea Archibald

District Office

Amy Santilli

Bus Barn Building Leader

Tonya Wilson

Contact us at wellness@seasidek12.org

Follow us on Instagram @ssdeverydaywellness

Join us on our SSD Facebook group