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.

The months of September & October are dedicated to the exploration of the mindset, EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE.

EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE teaches that everything that exists was once an idea that someone believed was possible, and through that belief, it became a reality.

Through this mindset, we learn to envision a wonderful life, expect greatness, and effectively execute the process of making dreams come true. In doing so, we plan the small steps to take every day on the road to our dreams. We embrace creativity and imagination, look on the bright side of things, and turn mistakes or setbacks into opportunities.

4 Key Components:

• Dream Big

• Embrace Creativity

• Think Positive

• Act and Adjust

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

• ½ Tbsp olive oil
• 2 ribs celery, diced
• ½ large, sweet onion diced
• 3-4 large carrots, diced
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 10 cups chicken stock
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 Tbsp chopped fresh thyme
• 2 Tbsp chopped Italian parsley for garnish
• 3 cups rotisserie chicken
• 1 bag egg noodles- Cook on side and add when serving

Method:

1. Add olive oil and sauté the celery, onions, and carrots for several minutes and then add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
2. Add chicken stock, herbs, and salt and pepper to taste. You can always add more in the end if need be.
3. Cook noodles al dente, cool, toss with a small amount of olive oil so that they don’t stick and
4. Set to the side.
5. Add the chicken.
6. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Plate soup, add egg noodles or a noodle of your choice, and garnish with the chopped parsley

Bon Appetite!

Note- Use a Gluten Free Noodle as an alternative option.

Ms. Jen Sczerbowicz is Wall Township Public Schools’ District Communications Coordinator. She manages WTPS's social media, school newsletters, and district communications. Inspired by her love of art, storytelling, and poetry, Ms. Sczerbowicz dreamed of writing children’s books to uplift, inspire, and send a positive message to young readers.

EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE! Ms. Sczerbowicz was recently signed with StarLight Books Publishing. She is releasing a children’s poetry book she wrote and illustrated under the name Jen Sczerb. A specific release date is forthcoming but in the moment we celebrate her accomplishment achieved with the support and love of her husband and two daughters!

CONGRATULATIONS MRS. SCZERBOWICZ!

WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU!!!

• To follow her journey, please follow Jen on Instagram @jensczerb

Parents, staff, and students shared words of encouragement for our students, setting the tone for a year where 'Everything is Possible'! Special thanks to WHS Peer Leaders & RISE students for creating this amazing board!

The Wall Intermediate School counselors, Ms. Curran, Ms. Procter, Ms. Sarrecchia, and Ms. Willms, kicked off this year's Back to School Night with a focus on resilience, presenting "Everything is Possible: Raising Resilient Youth." Here are some key takeaways from their discussion:

What is Resilience?: Resilience is the ability to recover from setbacks. It’s a skill that can be nurtured over time.

Parenting Strategies to Foster Resilience:

• Encourage open communication and reinforce expectations and family values
  
• Model healthy coping strategies and resilience
  
• Praise effort and perseverance: take the time to point out the positive
  
• Teach problem-solving skills and role-play
  
• Promote independence when appropriate

By sharing these strategies, the counselors hope to empower parents to help their children navigate the challenges of middle school with resilience and confidence.

Allenwood's Principal, Mr. Sterenczak, visited every classroom to read the story, The Pout-Pout Fish and the Bully-Bully Shark". Using the book as a springboard to get to know Allenwood's youngest community members, Mr. S responded to questions and provided an opportunity for his students to get to know him a bit more! Thank you, Mr. S, for reinforcing the mindset, WE ARE CONNECTED!

Smiles from Old Mill and Central Elementary Schools demonstrating a great start to the School Year- EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE!

West Belmar Elementary School Celebrates EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE by supporting Childhood Cancer Awareness and Community.

As a way to give back to the school community, Wall Intermediate School teacher, Mr. Ryan, is offering the school's staff a monthly yoga class with sound bath meditation through the Fall.

Although classes are free and available to all members of WIS staff, donations are being collected. All donations are being provided to the school's "Mission Snowflake" program that helps families in need during the Holiday Season.

Special thanks to Mr. Ryan!

Stay tuned for all the activities and celebrations each school building has in store during WEEK OF RESPECT.

A new initiative to the 7 Mindsets experience are Wellness Webinars. To better understand the initiative, Ms. Gilvary interviewed our newest members of the Wellness Department, Ms. Ormsbee, Central School SFLC, and Mrs. Sarrecchia, WIS Student Assistance Coordinator.

What are Wellness Webinars?

A webinar presented by the school counselors to an entire grade level in the school building at the same time. All of our topics will align to the the 7 Mindsets program.

Back up… What is a Webinar?

An online class that connects students to a teacher as they teach lessons LIVE, from anywhere in the world. We assured the students we are not leaving the country to present, but we will be in a central location in our school buildings. This experience is important because so much of our world is offering lessons, classes, and opportunities in this format.

Are there other reasons we are doing this?

Yes, we are creating an opportunity for kids to connect and hear ideas from students in other classes. When we ask a question, we are allowing students to pause the webinar, so that as a class they can discuss answers in a more private setting. We want to build their confidence and confirm the class's ideas before reporting back to the grade level. This is also an opportunity for us to model and practice responsible online behavior, referred to as Digital Citizenship.

When do Wellness Webinars begin?

We are offering our first Wellness Webinar the first week of October. This first one will be important for us to work through the process and overcome any obstacles we encounter. Remember this is the first time grade levels are using technology as a platform to communicate on a large scale. Although our tech teachers have been practicing with us, we are just as nervous as our students are on their first day of school. We do believe that launching this is worth the nerves though. When we get it right it is going to offer a lot of future opportunities! We are very excited.

Yoga is not just for adults! It can give children essential life skills that can help them succeed in the world.

1. Yoga helps children manage their anxiety. The breathing exercises and relaxation techniques can help children with stress management.
2. Yoga improves children’s emotional regulation. Children learn to be in the present moment while relaxing and gaining a peaceful state of mind.
3. Yoga boosts children’s self-esteem. Perfecting a pose or improving their balance and flexibility can give children a sense of personal empowerment.
4. Yoga increases children’s body awareness and mindfulness. Yoga helps children learn about their bodies and the movements they’re capable of doing.
5. Yoga enhances children’s concentration and memory. One of the top benefits of yoga is that the different types of moves require children to focus and work on their memorization skills.
6. Yoga develops children’s strength and flexibility. Yoga helps strengthen children’s growing bodies and improve their flexibility.
7. Yoga teaches discipline and reduces impulsivity. Yoga provides a physical outlet for children to express themselves.

If your child needs a positive activity, yoga may be worth exploring. Above are some basic poses to get started.

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