Commit to Be Fit Newsletter

3 November 2023/ Issue No. 262

Check out the view! Learn more about our recent field trip below.

The Strength, Fitness, and Personal Health class hiked to Mary's Rock on the Skyline Drive on Thursday, Nov. 2nd. The students enjoyed exploring the 3.7-mile trail and seeing the breathtaking view of the Shenandoah Valley. Taught by Mr. Jermey Gates of Commit to Be Fit, the high school elective teaches students the benefits of a healthy, active lifestyle.

The Commit to Be Fit SY2022-2023 Report is now available. To see our Year 6 overview, CLICK HERE. It is also available on the homepage of our website.

Last year's virtual event had so many participants, we've decided to do it again! Stay tuned for all the details coming soon.

To enter our prize drawing, email your total points to c2bf@rappahannockschools.us (or drop the completed scorecard to the RCPS school board office) by Friday, November 3rd.

Our popular Hike, Rappahannock community challenge is back! To participate, go on at least one hike during the month of October. Hikes can be done at ANY LOCATION and ANY DISTANCE. Have a favorite trail? Yes, repeating the same trail counts. Get ready to have some fun physical activity while enjoying the beautiful scenery!

PRIZES: We will have two prize drawings; each winner will receive a C2BF hat!

CLICK HERE to learn more and register!

*Registration is required.

RCPS Families-- If you have participated in the POP Bucks Market Bags program and still have left over tokens, be sure to redeem them at the Rappahannock Farmers' Market by November 18th.

RCPS is excited to announce that the Fit Kids Clinic has reopened and is available to all RCPS students and staff. If your child gets sick at school, leaving work is not always easy. Telehealth makes it easier. With your consent, our telehealth presenter, Ms. Goode, will be able to use video telehealth technology to connect your child with a provider at Valley Health. In most cases, your child can be diagnosed without leaving school or you having to leave work. Conditions treated include: asthma, allergies, cough, colds, flu, ear aches, sore throats, fever, headaches, head lice, pink eye, and skin irritations. This clinic saves valuable time (for students and parents) and reduces absenteeism. The clinic is available for all students in grades PreK-12 with parental consent. Parents and Guardians- you can find the necessary paperwork at https://www.valleyhealthlink.com/about-us/school-based-telehealth-visits/

Lace up your shoes and join us for Walking Group on Mondays! This group meets at 3:45 pm at the RCES flag pole. Whether you are competing in one of our physical activity challenges or you would like to get a few extra steps in, we would love for you to come out and walk with us! This group is open to the entire community. Tell your friends or bring them with you!

I’m not particularly fond of the cold weather, but it’s here, so let’s embrace it. Many individuals tend to retreat indoors and bundle up to escape the biting cold. However, venturing outside in the cool weather of November can bring about a multitude of benefits for your overall wellness.

Firstly, stepping outside in November allows us to reconnect with nature and experience its transformative powers. As we find ourselves surrounded by the vibrant burst of fall colors, our senses are awakened, allowing a sense of awe and wonder envelope us. Breathing in the crisp, fresh air invigorates our lungs, rejuvenating our spirits and enhancing overall well-being. Nature has an ability to calm our minds and alleviate stress, making it an effective tool for improving mental health.

Furthermore, exposing ourselves to cool temperatures stimulates our bodies in various ways.

As we engage in physical activities such as hiking, jogging, or simply going for a leisurely walk,

our bodies work harder to stay warm. This increased effort leads to a higher metabolic rate,

resulting in more calories burned and improved cardiovascular health.

November also presents us with the opportunity to escape the monotony of indoor spaces and

reawaken our senses. The colder weather provides stark contrast to the warmth and comfort

we often seek in enclosed environments. By experiencing the elements first hand, we become

more attuned to our surroundings, noticing the touch of the wind and sounds of the rustling

leaves. This heightened awareness allows us to develop a deeper connection with our

environment and appreciate the beauty of each passing season we are lucky to have in our

geographic area.

Venturing outside in November can encourage social interaction and promote a sense of

community. Often, during cooler weather, we find ourselves staying indoors, disconnected

from the real life outside world. Cool weather can provide the perfect backdrop for shared

activities with friends and family. Engaging in outdoor gatherings, such as bonfires or picnics,

allows us to bond, creating lasting memories and strengthening relationships. Being in the

company of others gives a sense of belonging and combats feelings of isolation.

Rather than shying away from the cool weather, we should embrace it as an opportunity for

personal growth and wellness. Stepping outside during this time not only reconnects us with

nature, but also offers physical, mental, and social benefits. From improving our cardiovascular

health to enhancing our mental well-being, the cool weather of November opens a gateway to

a world of wellness. So, let us pause, dress warmly, and immerse ourselves in the beauty and

magic of this season, allowing our minds and bodies to reap the rewards that nature has to

offer.

November is Diabetes Awareness Month! Nearly one out of every three Americans are prediabetic and don’t know it. One out of every ten Americans have been diagnosed with diabetes, with over 90% of those being Type 2. Type 2 Diabetes is one of the most preventable chronic illnesses and yet one of the most prevalent in the United States. Diabetes occurs when the body cannot produce insulin (Type 1) or when the body becomes resistant or does not produce enough insulin to absorb glucose (Type 2). This month, become more aware of how you are taking care of your body. Know the risks and what you can do to prevent the onset of diabetes. Here are a few prevention tips and strategies:

• Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise a day

• Work toward/ maintain a healthy weight

• Limit drinks that are high in sugar and calories

• Don’t smoke. Smoking can lead to insulin resistance

• Stick to whole foods (unprocessed meats, whole grains, vegetables, fruit, healthy fats)

• Know your family history of diabetes

Want to know your risk? Try this quick one minute quiz

This week's recipe comes from Eat Well 101 and features sausage with sweet potatoes, brussels sprouts, onion, and more! CLICK HERE to view the recipe.

RCPS Staff- C2BF invites you to share staff shout-outs to run in our weekly newsletter in the teachers tidbits section. We will run this throughout the semester, so feel free to submit as often as you like. Messages can be signed or anonymous; it's up to you. Let's spread kindness, happiness, and gratitude with positive notes!

CHECK OUT THIS WEEK'S SHOUT-OUTS

• Thank you to Dr. Johnson for bringing the C.A.R.E. Training to our community! It was wonderful:)
• Shout out to Stacey Whitt for all she does behind the scenes to help each of us! She is always so pleasant, helpful, and knowledgeable! Thank you, Stacey, for all your hard work! You are appreciated!
• I am grateful to Beth Seeley for keeping us in the loop of all the new technologies :)
• I am grateful to Kylee Wiggins for working so hard with to get our students prepared for plans after graduation! Thank you :)
• Mrs. Deal has a complex class of students this year. She embraces each day with enthusaium and positivity. She exutes professionalism. These 1st graders are lucky to be taught by her. Mrs. Deal keep going, your are doing an awesome job. These kids will always remember you! Your neighbor, Mrs. Waterbury
• A shout out to the Mental Health Innovators Team led by Erica Jennejahn. They deal with behaviors all day each day, but show such professionalism and dedication to our students. Thank you for all you do each day.
• Bethany Bostic I can’t believe how lucky I am to have a great colleague like you.
• Katherine Todd, Thanks for always being willing to lend a hand.
• Mrs. Wayland, Thank you for being there for me. Not only are you my colleague, but you are my mentor and friend. I am so grateful for all I have learned from you.
• Thank to High School custodians Bobby and Ed for all that you do for us!!!
• Thank you Officer Ubben for coming and speaking with my class and interacting with the students!
• Thank you Robin Bolt for working so tirelessly on the upgrades and remodels in both schools, they really look great!!!!
• We are so lucky to have Kathryn Waters join our school this year. She is doing such a wonderful job providing opportunities for the students interested in health sciences. Thanks so much for all that you do, Kat!
• So THANKFUL for Jill Atkins. She goes above and beyond EVERYTHING she is asked to do and so much more!!! We ALL are very fortunate to have HER 💙
• Thank you, Mrs. Bostic, for always providing help and resources (and mental health support) to anyone in need. You wear lots of hats and always share a laugh or smile while doing so.
• Mrs. Aylor - For always being so kind and helpful to everyone and sharing her resources! She has always been a light to those around her and we appreciate you!
• Shout-out to Brenda from the Elementary School Cafeteria
• Thank you to our RCES SRO Deputy Fincham or as many of us know him as Mr. Robbie for all you do for our elementary school keeping us safe each day and the students who adore you. You are a great role model for the students and many of them want to be JUST like you when they grow up.
• Shout-out to A L L of us for doing the best we can. We A L L have things we do not always talk about going on in our lives, yet we continue to plug away at our jobs. ~Amy W.
• Brenda from The Elementary School Cafeteria staff. Her consistent “I got it” demeanor at work is contagious. She strives everyday to ensure our students have a great dining experience. She may not be directly cooking all the time, but instead she gets done a TON of supplemental work that allows those cooking to excel and she always fills in where needed. She is a force we are grateful to have.
• Thank you, Mr. G, for always going the extra mile to build relationships with your students.
• Shout out to Mrs. Moon for being a wonderful math teacher! Your hard work does not go unnoticed. We are so lucky to have someone as dedicated as you at RCES!
• RCES is beyond lucky to have Mrs. Jennifer Deal! Your hard work, dedication, knowledge, experience, and genuine care for your students make you an outstanding teacher. Your taco salad and spinach dip are just added bonuses.
• Shout out to our school nurse, Ms. Heather! I appreciate all that you do and how calm you keep all of us when emergencies arise.

The winners of this week's FREE salad bar coupon goes to Erica Robinson (RCES) and Lauren Williams (RCHS).

RCPS Teachers-- As a friendly reminder, we have a massive database of brain breaks (PreK-12) and movement games/activities with SOL and content integration ideas (PK-5). CLICK HERE to view the Teacher Resource page. If you prefer, the C2BF team would be happy to come to your classroom and lead a brain break, activity, or even a mindful minute. Email c2bf@rappahannockschools.us to schedule a push-in.