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.

Through the ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE Mindset, we teach the positives or negatives in our lives as a foundation on which to build. Choose the positives, and we are on our way toward extraordinary success! By focusing on the things we have, there is no time to be distracted by what we don’t have.

Lessons on below 4 critical components

• Treasure Yourself

• Be More Grateful

• Thank it Forward

• Elevate Your Perspective

Talk About Elevating Your Perspective!

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

• 1/2 cup dried green split peas
• 1/3 cup beef bouillon granules
• 1/4 cup medium pearl barley
• 1/2 cup dried lentils
• 1/4 cup dried minced onion
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1/2 cup uncooked long grain rice
• 1/2 cup uncooked alphabet pasta or other small pasta

ADDITIONAL INGREDIENTS

• 1 pound ground beef
• 3 quarts water
• 1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained

DIRECTIONS

In a 1-1/2-pint jar, layer the first 7 ingredients in the order listed. Wrap pasta in a small sheet of plastic wrap; add to jar. Seal tightly. Store in a cool, dry place for up to 3 months.

To prepare soup: Remove pasta from jar and set aside. In a Dutch oven over medium heat, cook and crumble the beef until no longer pink; drain. Add the water, tomatoes and soup mix; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 45 minutes. Stir in the reserved pasta; cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the pasta, peas, barley and lentils are tender.

National School Counseling Week 2025 is celebrated February 3 - 7. The goal of the week is to focus the attention of the school community on the unique contributions of school counselors. This year's theme is "School Counseling: Helping Students Thrive." We are kicking off the celebration with a poem from Mrs. Katie Misa and Ms. Tiffany Steiner that captures the district's appreciation!

This week we pause, reflect, and see,

The strength you bring so quietly.

With wisdom vast and caring hands,

You guide our students, help them stand.

Through every challenge, every fear,

You’re there to listen, always near.

With open hearts and steady grace,

You help them find their special place.

From grades to goals, from dreams to tears,

You help them rise, you calm their fears.

Through struggles big, or moments small,

You lift them up, you answer the call.

So, thank you, counselors, for all you do,

For making our school a place that's true.

With your support, our students thrive,

And it’s because of you they have arrived.

What is better than learning about animals and seeing them play in a classroom? Primary Pup's extends a warm thank you to Wildlife Safari for sharing their assortment of animals! Let's hope a SLOTH does not appear on anyone's birthday wishlist!

Allenwood Elementary sets a goal of 30,000 minutes for their Read-A-Thon—and they blew past it, reading over 80,000 minutes! The grand reward? Principal Sterenczak volunteers to be duct-taped to the wall during the celebration assembly! What a fun and unforgettable way to STAY PUT and celebrate their achievement!

Central School shows an attitude of gratitude by recognizing the Trusted Adults who make a positive impact on their lives every day. Students reflect on those who make a difference and thank it forward with their art.

Ms. McRoberts at OMS leads the monthly 7 Mindsets Wellness Webinar, teaching what it means to be 100% Accountable! Students experience accountability for their school community by displaying kind messages throughout the school for the Great Kindness Challenge.

West Belmar Student Council gears up for The Great Kindness Challenge by making buttons with positive messages. Throughout the week, students contribute to a "Kindness Rocks" bulletin board expressing their ATTITUDE of GRATITUDE!

Students in grades 3-5 are exploring the 7 Mindsets, focusing on patience, practice, perseverance, and growth mindset. They read "The Most Magnificent Thing" by Ashley Spires, sparking meaningful discussions on these themes!

The WIS staff plans an “Underground Spirit Week” full of fun surprises! Each day, they change their attire and challenge students to guess the theme. It’s a week of playful spirit, encouraging students to notice the adults around the building. For the staff, it’s a way to elevate their perspective, lift their spirits, and break up the routine during the typically dull winter months!

Treasure Yourself:

To help students destress before midterms, WHS's Peace for Paws Club organizes a therapy dog visit from 'Bright & Beautiful.' It’s the perfect way to relax and recharge at school! Thank you to our furry friends for bringing so much joy!

Elevate Your Perspective:

WHS students from the Multicultural Club craft a powerful bulletin board inspired by the "I Have a Dream" speech. They carefully select and highlight sections that resonate with them, bringing Dr. King's vision to life through their thoughtful design.

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

The winter blues can strike when the reduced sunlight disrupts your body’s internal clock, leading to changes in brain chemistry that affect your mood, sleep, and appetite. To help combat seasonal blues and lift your spirits, here are some tips you can try:

Stay Active: Regular exercise, like a 30-minute walk, releases endorphins that help ward off depression. If you can’t get outside, march in place or walk up and down stairs to get your blood flowing.

Soak Up Sunlight: Natural light can boost your mood. Spend time outdoors on sunny days or sit by a window for a few minutes to catch some rays.

Prioritize Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Reduce afternoon caffeine and avoid screens before bed to improve your sleep quality.

Stay Social: Even small social interactions can help fight the winter blues. Set goals to connect with others regularly, whether it’s a walk with a neighbor or attending a local event.

Treat Yourself: Give yourself small comforts, like visiting loved ones, savoring a favorite meal, or lighting a calming candle to create a cozy atmosphere.

Practice Gratitude: Reflect on the positive aspects of your life, like your friendships or the little things that bring you joy. Acts of kindness can also help spread positivity to others.

By incorporating these practices into your routine, you can help mitigate the effects of seasonal blues and maintain a more positive outlook through the winter months.

ENERGY FLOWS WHERE ATTENTION GOES! What we focus on is what grows in our lives. If we direct our attention to the negative, negative things become the foundation for growth. But, if we focus on the positive, our joy and happiness will flourish.

Why does negativity often dominate our thoughts? It’s because our brains are wired to respond more strongly to negative stimuli. This is known as the brain's “negativity bias”—it’s a built-in sensitivity to unpleasant experiences, and it kicks in early during information processing.

To increase our happiness, we need to shift the narrative in our minds. Studies have shown that practicing gratitude has a profound positive impact. For instance, research from the University of Pennsylvania revealed that keeping a daily gratitude journal can improve our mood even more than modern medications. In fact, they found that regularly practicing gratitude could add seven years to your life—more than the benefits of regular exercise or quitting smoking!

Our district is dedicated to teaching children how to bring more grace into the world. We aim to “change the narrative” by reminding children that “The best way to multiply your happiness is to share it with others.”

Online gaming has become increasingly popular, providing children with a fun way to connect with others and develop skills like teamwork and problem-solving. However, as its popularity grows, so do the risks, such as online bullying or the formation of relationships that may be outside of parents' comfort zones. Below are some tips to help parents navigate the online gaming world with their children.

Family gratitude multiplies when we appreciate one another. Focusing on the positive and expressing gratitude strengthens bonds, fosters deeper connections, and enhances the family's unity and happiness.

Practice Gratitude: Make thankfulness a regular part of your family’s routine. Encourage your child to think about what they’re grateful for and either write it down or share it with you.

Ask What Went Wrong: Ask your child questions such as, "What didn’t go as planned today?" or "What challenge did you face?" Then, ask them what they learned and how it can help them grow. This will show your child to view setbacks as opportunities for growth, building a positive mindset.

Appreciate Them: Write a heartfelt note to your child sharing what you appreciate about them. Explain what that quality says about who they are and why it matters to you. This creates a meaningful connection with your child, leaving a lasting positive impact.

Folding Directions:

1. Start with the print side down.
2. Fold Diagonally: Fold the paper diagonally both ways, then unfold to create two intersecting diagonal creases.
3. Fold Corners to Center: Fold each corner to the center where the creases meet, forming a smaller square.
4. Flip and Repeat: Flip the paper over and fold each corner to the center again, creating an even smaller square.
5. Create Creases for Opening: Fold the square horizontally and vertically, then unfold.
6. Form Pockets: Lift the paper, slip fingers under the four flaps, and pinch the sides to form a 3D shape.
7. Shape It for Use: Use your fingers to move the flaps back and forth—your fortune teller is ready!

How to Use Your Kindness Conversation Sparker:

1. Ask the person to choose a color from the hearts.
2. Spell out the color to reveal numbers.
3. Choose a number and count it out.
4. Ask for one final number, then lift the flap to reveal the question.

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