Commit to Be Fit Newsletter

August 2024/Issue No. 289

Our little BrainSTARS returned to the ABL Classroom on August 14th. This year, we are continuing to work on foundations of learning with our K-2nd grade students while also working with our reading specialist to incorporate more movement-based literacy learning into the classroom. Stay tuned for some exciting collaborations throughout the school year!

Commit to Be Fit is thrilled to continue offering our Strength, Fitness and Personal Health class at the high school this year. Taught by Mr. Jermey Gates, students in the class will learn different aspects of physical fitness, as well as the importance of a healthy lifestyle. Students are able to participate in weight training and cardio movements which will help them strengthen and further develop their cardiovascular and muscular systems.

Exciting happenings in our cafeterias! A new grab-and-go breakfast cart was purchased through the Healthy Meal Incentive Grant funded to RCPS last school year. Stationed in the hallway, students in grades 5-7 have the option to pick up a quick breakfast item instead of going into the cafeteria. Research has shown that students who eat breakfast each morning have shown an improvement in test scores, attendance and class behavior. With the addition of this alternative breakfast model, it allows our students to have easier access to breakfast options and increases breakfast participation. It's a win, win!

This year, our RCHS cafeteria traded out cartons for dispensers! Students get to enjoy fresh, nutritious milk while reducing packaging waste and saving money. The dispenser features three milk flavors: regular, chocolate and strawberry.

Mark your calendars for the third annual Headwaters Harvest Festival, which will take place on October 5, 2024 at Rappahannock County Elementary School from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. This year, Headwaters is thrilled to announce its collaboration with Rappahannock County Public Schools to showcase student projects. Stay in the loop and follow Headwaters' Facebook and Instagram pages to receive festival updates.

The Commit to Be Fit team is excited to be a vendor at the festival this year with some fun games for those of all ages to join in on. We can't wait to see you there!

The POP (Power of Produce) Bucks program continues this year with lots of fresh produce! Funded through a grant by the generosity of the PATH Foundation, all students at RCPS have the opportunity to receive a FREE farmer's market bag full of fresh proteins, grains and vegetables, along with two, $5 tokens given at pick up for students to shop around with at the market. Sign-up is required for each market. For more information or to sign your child up, click HERE.

Beginning this school year, our newsletter will be operating on a monthly format. Be sure keep look out for emails from us at the end of each month to get a recap of our recent happenings, tips, announcements and more!

As children transition into a back-to-school routine, encourage them to start their day with a healthy breakfast. Breakfast gives them the brain power for learning and the fuel needed for P.E. and sports. Studies show that regularly eating a nutritious breakfast is linked to better academic performance and helps with better concentration, memory, and cognitive function. In addition, a balanced breakfast helps stabilize mood and reduce stress, making children more likely to interact positively with peers and teachers. Not enough time in the morning? No worries! FREE breakfast (and lunch) is offered to all RCPS students at school!

Had a fun-filled summer and maybe relaxed a bit too much? Is that even possible? Now it’s time to get back to it. Back to work (if you’re a teacher), working out, or just getting back to the normal routine. Along with new routines sometimes comes soreness. Struggling to get out of bed? Pretend you’re a robot running low on battery. When you sit down, do it like you’re landing a space ship, complete with sound effects. Maybe you’ll make yourself laugh and before you know it forget about the soreness. Of course, don’t forget stretches and lots of water. The key is to keep moving to work the lactic acid out of the muscles. The good news is the soreness probably won’t last more than a couple days and you’ll be back to brand new again.

Whether you're a parent, teacher or child, returning to school schedule after summer break can be a challenge. Establishing a night time routine 30 minutes before you go to bed might be a good place to start. It could be listening to your favorite podcast, a relaxing bath or reading a few chapters of your favorite book. Whatever you do, make sure it's something that relaxes your mind and body. Consistency helps your body to know when its time to power down, leading to a better night's sleep and better days ahead!

Start your mornings with a quick and healthy, 4-ingredient oatmeal cups! With 3 different flavor options, you can meal prep them for the week or store them in a freezer-friendly container to always have on hand. Check out the recipe below and enjoy. :)

CLICK HERE FOR RECIPE

C2BF has a massive database of brain breaks and movement-based learning activities available to all RCPS teachers that cater to PreK-12th grade levels. These teacher resources can be found HERE on our website. As always, the C2BF team is more than happy to come into your classroom and lead these activities, while giving you an opportunity to a quick break. Email c2bf@rappahannockschools.us to schedule a time with the team!