Commit to Be Fit Newsletter

8 December 2023/ Issue No. 267

The team had a blast hosting math & movement stations during the RCES Grinchmas on December 6th. Students enjoyed math-based physical activities such as Grinch's Wheel of Fitness, Whoville Number Knockout, and 9 Square Showdown. Organized by Bethany Bostic and Kathryn Todd, the school-wide event was a hit with families! Thank you to all the staff, volunteers, and organizations that lead other fun-filled stations, making this event possible for the students and families.

On Tuesday, participants in the meal prep workshop prepared Crockpot Sausage & Potatoes with Kale/Spinach to cook at home. Check out the recipe in our Featured Recipe section below.

For one hour each morning, the ABL Lab is transformed into a calming, serene environment. Soothing sounds and dimmed lights set the tone as a peaceful video featuring sea turtles play on the big screen. The room is open to all staff and their students that would like to take a calming moment of deep breathing and relaxation. A few minutes in the reset room can quite literally reset your mood.

We are THRILLED to announce that our 8-Week, At-Home Strength Training Program will kick off on Monday, January 8th! To participate, all you need is a pair of dumbbells. CLICK HERE to register today.

Mark your calendars- Karen's Line Dancing is returning to RCES on Saturday, January 20th.

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!

Due to the winter break, Walking Group will NOT meet on Dec. 18th, Dec. 25th, and Jan. 1st.

We all go through times in life when we feel a little less happy. Whether you are feeling stressed, fatigued, or just stuck in a rut, feeling blue is a normal emotion. While physical activity is my go-to when I'm feeling down, I also am a big believer in the power of positive thinking. Of course, when you are really feeling unhappy, cultivating happy thoughts isn't always that easy. That's when a gratitude jar can come in handy.

The next time you are in a really happy mood (yes, happy mood), take 10-15 minutes to create your jar. I like to use a mason jar, but you could really use any container. Cut a sheet of paper into small pieces. On each piece of paper, write one thing in your life that you are grateful for and why. Be as specific as possible. For example- rather that simply saying "I am grateful for my child," OR "I'm grateful for my job," elaborate and be descriptive. This may be "I am grateful for my son because his sweet laugh is the most precious sound in the world," OR "I am grateful for my job because it allows me an opportunity to be a positive role model for young children every day." Write out as many things as you can think of that bring you joy or make you smile. Once you are finished, fold each slip of paper and place it in the jar. Keep the jar in a place where you experience the most stress, whether that is at home or at work.

The next time you feel down, simply remove one random slip of paper from the jar. Take a few minutes to read it and truly reflect on it. It just may be the little reminder you need to brighten your day.

Finding joy during the holiday season can be a wonderful and rewarding experience. Here are some tips to help you make the most of this festive time:

• Connect with Loved Ones:

• Spend quality time with family and friends.

• Make a point to connect with those you haven't seen or spoken to in a while.

• Create or Continue with Traditions:

• Establish and celebrate traditions that bring you joy. Whether baking cookies, decorating the tree, or watching a favorite holiday movie, traditions can create a sense of continuity and happiness.

• Take Care of Yourself:

• Ensure you get enough rest, eat well, and engage in activities that bring you personal joy and relaxation.

• Simplify:

• Don't feel pressured to do everything. Simplify your holiday plans and focus on what truly brings you joy.

• Be Creative:

• Engage in creative activities like crafting, writing, or playing music. Expressing yourself can be a great outlet for joy.

• Set Realistic Expectations:

• Avoid setting unrealistic expectations for yourself or others. Accept imperfections and focus on the positive aspects of your holiday experience.

• Enjoy the Little Moments:

• Cherish the small, special moments that happen spontaneously. Sometimes, it's the little things that bring the most joy.

Everyone experiences the holidays differently, and it's okay if your version of joy differs from others. The key is prioritizing what truly matters to you. Wishing you and your family a happy, healthy, and joyous holiday season!

This week's featured recipe comes straight from our Meal Prep Workshop.

Ingredients

• 1 tsp. olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 1 cup carrots, chopped
• 1 rib celery, finely sliced
• 2 smoked sausages, sliced and halved lengthwise
• 1 1/2 lb potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• 1/4 tsp dried thyme
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups finely chopped kale or spinach
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Parmesan cheese to garnish

Directions

1. Chop/dice the sausage, celery, onion, kale/spinach, carrots, and potatoes.

2. If prepping to cook for a later time, place all ingredients except for chicken broth in freezer zip lock bag. Keep in freezer for up to 3 months or cook within 2 days after prep.

3. When ready to cook, place all ingredients from bag into crockpot and add chicken broth. Place on low for 6-8 hours. Top with parmesan cheese and extra salt/pepper if needed. Enjoy!

RCES Staff- Do you ever feel you could use a quick reset? It's amazing what a few minutes of relaxation and deep breathing can do to change your mood. C2BF invites you to visit our Reset Room, which is opening on Monday, December 4th. Each day from 9:30-10:30 am, the ABL lab will be transformed into a relaxing oasis, complete with dimmed lighting, tranquil sounds, and calming images projected onto the wall. Grab a bean bag chair and take a moment to let go of your stress in this immersive, peaceful environment. Additionally, we encourage you to bring in any students who may benefit from this experience as well.

Teachers- feel free to email us (c2bf@rappahannockschools) if you would like for us to cover class for a few minutes. We would be happy to come in and lead a classroom mindfulness activity while you enjoy a quick reset.

The winners of this week's FREE salad bar coupon goes to Temple Murray (RCES) and Sallie Shackelford (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.