Showcasing CPS leaders and champions who personally model healthy behaviors and truly believe in creating opportunities for school employees to take better care of themselves! and this month, I am recognizing two employees as they will be teaching BodyPump and BodyJam classes for our employees this October! See how you can get in on this opportunity in the Physical Wellness and Upcoming Wellness Opportunities sections!

Vesta Hotchkiss, Kindergarten Teacher at Mill Creek Elementary

What her coworker says about Vesta "Vesta has been a fitness instructor for a long time but just completed her cross-fit coach certification She eats a plant based diet and shares recipes and encourages others to make healthy choices." Thank you Vesta for being a wellness leader in our community.

Kim Uffmann, Assistant Principal at Russell Elementary

What her coworker says about Kim "Kim is a fitness instructor locally, promoting movement for the Columbia community!" Thank you Kim for being a wellness leader in our community.

If you want to nominate an employee to be spotlighted for their wellness efforts, fill out this short Google Survey.

October is the month of the year dedicated to focusing on emotional wellness. When you think about emotional wellness, you probably think "mental health" or "stress." But did you know it's so much more?

Emotional health or wellness is a person's ability to manage and accept feelings through challenges and changes. You can positively process your emotions and manage stress without feeling overwhelmed. Emotional wellness encompasses both emotional regulation and emotional intelligence.

Emotional health is a critical key to your total wellness, and it is essential to keep your feelings in check. By learning how to be more emotionally well, you will be able to enjoy a happier and healthier lifestyle!

This month, I encourage you to prioritize your emotional well-being! Click here to find an Emotional Wellness Checklist, giving you tips for improving your emotional health.

Are you looking for a fun and effective way to stay fit and workout with some coworkers? Be Well has teamed up with two Wilson's Fitness instructors (who also happen to be CPS employees!), Kim Uffmann and Vesta Hotchkiss, to deliver BodyJam and BodyPump free to CPS employees in October!

What is BodyJam?

BodyJam is a high-energy dance workout set to the latest beats and rhythms. It's not just about fitness - it's about having fun and letting loose! Whether you're a seasoned dancer or have two left feet, BodyJam is designed for all fitness levels. The combination of dynamic moves and upbeat music will have you burning calories while enjoying every second of it.

What is BodyPump?

If strength training is more your style, BodyPump is for you. This full-body workout focuses on low-weight, high-rep barbell exercises, scientifically proven to tone muscles and burn fat. BodyPump is designed to build strength, endurance, and lean muscle mass without bulking up. It's perfect for both beginners and fitness enthusiasts looking to challenge themselves and see real results.

Classes will be held as following:

October 9: BodyPump @ 4:45 in Rock Bridge High School Dance Room

October 16: BodyJam @ 5:00 in Rock Bridge High School Dance Room

October 23: BodyPump @ 4:45 in Rock Bridge High School Dance Room

October 30: BodyJam @ 5:00 in Rock Bridge High School Dance Room

All fitness levels are welcome, and equipment is provided. We hope to find more centrally located spaces in the future! Don't miss out on this fun and energizing opportunity to prioritize your health and wellness!!! Sign up today by clicking on the class above you would like to attend and experience the perfect balance of strength, cardio, and fun. Let's get moving!

Take a listen to this podcast where Ben Eden talks about how emotional wellness plays a vital role in the workplace.

As we gear up for our 3 day PD session, I wanted to highlight how important it is to fuel up for work and all-day meetings. Maintaining focus during long meetings or work sessions can be challenging. One key to staying sharp throughout the day is proper nutrition, particularly by incorporating brain-boosting foods into your diet. Your brain is an energy-intensive organ, using about 20% of your body's total energy. When you're in back-to-back meetings or working on complex tasks, that demand increases, making it vital to provide your brain with the right nutrients. Brain food enhances cognitive function, memory, concentration, and even mood - key components for peak performance in a busy work day.

Remember a couple of newsletters ago when I put a call out for others to join me in instituting a Healthy Meeting Policy? This was to help us lead to more engaging and effective team-building meetings and work days! A well-nourished brain leads to better decision-making, creativity, and overall productivity - making it a win-win for both employees and employers! So read the article below to see which foods we should aim to incorporate in these meetings and PD days!

Wednesdays in October starting 10/9 - Don't forget to sign up for our Be Well events, BodyPump and Body Jam! See above for more information, or click on links below to sign up for the class(es) you want to attend!

October 9: BodyPump @ 4:45 in Rock Bridge High School Dance Room

October 16: BodyJam @ 5:00 in Rock Bridge High School Dance Room

October 23: BodyPump @ 4:45 in Rock Bridge High School Dance Room

October 30: BodyJam @ 5:00 in Rock Bridge High School Dance Room

On Demand Modules: Filling Your Cup: Comprehensive Self-Care Strategies Curriculum, School Staff well-being is essential to a healthy and resilient school. With this in mind, Healthier Generation, through the support of Kaiser Permanente, developed this engaging four-part on demand training series packed with tools and resources to help school staff focus on their own well-being. Click here to learn more and listen at your convenience!

October 12 @ 9am: Monster Bike Bash! The Monster Bike Bash is a Halloween inspired bicycle party on the Katy Trail! Bring out your alter ego and be sure to dress for the occasion. Trail side stops with fiendish fun. Costume contests and dance parties. Starting at Flat Branch Park, rides will ride the MKT Trail to Katy Trail, then creep on out to Rocheport. Prepare for freaky bicycle fun by registering here!

October 19 @ 8am: Mizzou Homecoming Parade! Strike up the band, alert the mule team, and put on your best black and gold as we proudly lead the legacy of the nation's very first Homecoming! The Homecoming Parade will take place in the morning on Saturday, October 19 at 8:00am on MU Campus and Downtown Columbia

October 25 @ 4pm: Halloweenie in The District, Join us in The District, Downtown Columbia, on Friday October 25th for our annual family-friendly trick or treat event - Halloweenie! District businesses will be handing out candy from 4pm until 6pm (or until they run out). Visit Discover The District for more information.

Below are local gyms that offer educator discounts to CPS Staff. I am working to increase this list, so if you have a gym you would like me to reach out to, please let me know! To download the PDFs, you must open this newsletter in the internet browser by clicking "view in browser" at the top.

The Employee Assistance Program through Boone Health is a free and confidential counseling program offered to Columbia Public School employees and their immediate family members. The EAP offers counseling to people experiencing a variety of challenges and hardships. The EAP offers in person visits, virtual visits, or even telephone visits of varying time frames, with last appointment at 5:15pm

Employees who are benefit eligible (working 30 hours or more per week), their spouses, and children age 13 and over are eligible to receive services at the EAP free of charge.

For more information click on the brochure on the right, or to schedule an appointment, contact the EAP at 573-815-6034 or at eap@boone.health.

Boone Health Employee Assistance Program is located at 1605 E. Broadway, Boone Medical Plaza 2, Suite 200, Columbia, MO 65201.

This newsletter is brought to you in collaboration between the following CPS departments:

• Nutrition Services
• Occupational Health
• Physical and Health Education
• Psychological Services (Outreach Counseling & School Psychology)
• School Counseling
• School Nursing