SPS Monthly Wellness Tips: Three Goals for 2024-2025

Throughout the year, we will be sharing information and resources on sleep (physical wellness), play (social wellness), and presence (emotional wellness). Here are some helpful strategies for you!

• Sleep: Encouraging good sleep starts well before the lights go out. 

  • Exercising can improve the quality of your sleep. Exercise is a strong circadian marker, meaning it heightens your body’s sense of what is day and what is night – helping you feel drowsy at bedtime. 

  • Skipping your afternoon latte can help you feel sleepier at night. Caffeine sticks around in your body for a while; it has a half-life of about six hours. That means if you have a coffee, tea or an energy drink at 5 p.m., around half of that caffeine may still be in your body at 11 p.m. 

  • Don't eat a big meal before bed. Eating right before bed can disrupt your sleep; digestion slows at night and lying flat after eating can lead to physical discomforts like heartburn and reflux.

• Play: Thanksgiving week is the perfect time to do something playful… Board games? Puzzles? Cooking a new recipe? Baking? A nature walk? There is no right or wrong way, but incorporate fun into a portion of your days. Prioritizing play boosts creativity, lowers stress, and helps us connect with those we care about. Give yourself permission to play this break and return to school feeling refreshed and inspired!

• Presence: November is an easy month to become wrapped up in holiday preparations and forget to embrace the joyful moments that happen each and every day. We want to equip you with ways and reasons to enjoy this busy month to the fullest and take care of yourself along the way. Where is the joy in the holiday season if we don’t take a moment to sit back, be mindful and appreciate the things that truly matter? 

Quinn’s (Wellness) Wins A literary wellness piece contributed by Quinn Baldwin

Erin was stressed.  It seemed like every day in her new middle school language arts teaching job brought a new horror: a kid in her first hour projectile vomiting, angry parents that PUT EVERY MISSPELLED WORD IN ALL CAPS, giving up her plan to cover a math class (she was lucky to add the tip correctly on her margarita-for-one) and students that wanted to do TikTok dances in class more than they wanted to learn about her very exciting lesson on adverbs.

And now, the annoying librarian was inviting her to the after-school monthly mixer for the middle school staff.  It would be nice to meet some of her co-workers and actually make some friends, but she had so many papers to grade (why did she assign an essay?!), Bridgerton Season 2 episodes to watch, and why stand herself and her margarita-for-one up when she had such a streak going.  But, she found herself driving to the volleyball courts where they were meeting, replaying an actual conversation she'd had that day explaining to a student why he couldn't snort Germ-X.

She sat in the car, paralyzed.  What was she doing here?  She was a bookworm, an introvert, a loner.  But then, her favorite hype song came on the radio...(Don't You) Forget About Me from that old 80's movie.  Almost as if on their own, her feet carried her out of her car and into the sand.  And, to her utter surprise, she had fun.  She even scored a few points, helping her team win.  Their shared laughter in the wind carried her stress away, and she realized she hadn't worried about school in over 20 minutes, a new record.

They sat in a circle and Erin's margarita tasted so much better with these new people than it ever had alone.  She found out details about their lives that she never would have in the frenzy of passing time hall duty.  Despite the fact that these teachers were all so different from her—there was an athlete, a musician, a cook, an artist and an actress—they answered the questions Erin had been asking herself her whole life.  How do I fit it?  How do I find fulfillment?  How can I be happy?  Little did she know she'd find the answers in the most unlikely of places: on a volleyball court with the Monthly Mixer Club.

Voting for Wellness! 

Early voting is underway at the Stillwater Public Library! Voting is a great way to support wellness and education, with many candidates and measures directly impacting our school community’s health. Every vote is a chance to express your views and help shape a stronger, healthier community. Your voice matters—let it be heard! 

Early Voting October 30th-November 2nd: Stillwater Public Library & Cushing Chamber of Commerce 

• Wednesday, Thursday, Friday- 8am - 6pm

• Saturday - 8am - 2pm

• General Election - November 5th 

• Polls open 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Introducing…. Amon LeRoy

Welcome to our newest team member, a DHS School-Based Specialist named Amon LeRoy. Amon was born and raised in Pawnee, Oklahoma; his Native American heritage is Pawnee/Ponca tribes of Oklahoma. With a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice from Bacone College, he has a rich background in fields including the medical field, law enforcement, and social work. He joins us with extensive experience in child welfare, having served as both a Child Welfare Specialist and the Director of Indian Child Welfare for tribal programs across Oklahoma. Now based at Lincoln Academy, he is excited to share his experiences and support students. Please join us in welcoming him to SPS!

What is a DHS School Based Specialist you might be asking? The School-Based Services Program is a partnership between Oklahoma Human Services and school districts like SPS. School-Based Specialists are able to help resolve issues prior to Child Welfare involvement and provide support for a variety of issues that can hinder student success, such as attendance issues, food insecurities, basic needs, behavioral and emotional support intervention, health and personal hygiene, home life situations, transportation issues and more. To get in touch with Amon, please email him at aleroy@stillwaterschools.com and refer students using this online link.

Research-Backed Mood Boosters: How to Snap Out of a Funk!

Here are several mood boosters you can do in 15 minutes or less.  

• Watch cute animal videos. This is not a joke. A recent study showed decreased blood pressure, heart rate, and lower anxiety after watching! 

• Think of happy memories… It sounds rather basic, but when you are feeling down, looking at old photos, looking at happy childhood photos, reading a book you loved when you were younger; these things can help. 

• Go for a Walk. This is one of my go-tos when working with folks who are experiencing overwhelming emotions… just get up and walk for a few minutes. Walk around the school, walk in a figure-8 pattern, walk around the block... just walk. 

• Get Creative. Make art or create something. Creating something (a poem, painting, pottery, etc.) activates the reward pathway, creating a pleasurable experience that can also lower stress. Go grab some art supplies and make something!

• Cold Shock! Take an ice-cold shower or dip yourself in cold water. If it is your first time trying this, get a bowl of ice water or take a cold shower for about 30 seconds. Scientists say doing this activates the cold shock response which causes your body to release endorphins and boosts your mood. Don’t try this one at school…. ;) 

• Shake (or Jump) it Off! Shaking or jumping up and down can be surprisingly effective in easing anxiety or panic. These movements help you to move from a tense, “fight-or-flight” state to a more relaxed state. These simple, rhythmic movements also promote blood flow and can trigger endorphin release, naturally soothing the nervous system and offering immediate relief. For those feeling overwhelmed, taking even a few minutes to shake or bounce can help reconnect the body and mind, providing grounding and a quick sense of relief.

While these tips alone can’t treat serious mental health conditions, they can supplement your wellness routine. Don’t hesitate to reach out to mental health professionals if feelings of anxiety become overwhelming. Use the SPS Employee Assistance Plan (EAP); they provide text therapy, in-person therapy, group therapy, and more. Visit www.supportlinc.com and use group code: stillwaterschools or call 1-800-475-3327

The Dietitians Dish: Super Quick Meals! Contributed by SPS Nutrition Director Krista Neal, MS, RD/LD, SNS 

Busy weeknights usually call for quick, easy dinners. But too often, convenience gets put before nutrition. Fast food and frozen pizza are fine every once in a while, but not great most of the time as there is little (if any) nutritional value. Instead, fill half your plate with fruits and veggies using these simple, speedy dinner recipes. They’re healthy, unique and filled with flavor… and they can all be ready in just 20 minutes or less! 

Prevention Grant Updates Christina Bibbs, SPS Prevention and Wellness Grant Coordinator 

• We purchased supplies for October’s two-day seventh-grade prevention event which was a huge success! These supplies help the district’s substance abuse counselor Rachel May teach about the dangers of vaping and smoking tobacco. 

• In October we continued with MadScience presentations with our 5th graders. This 1-hour workshop is hands-on, inquiry-based learning that is fun! We study the respiratory and circulatory systems, see a real lung in action, and learn the dangers of vaping and smoking.

• Red Ribbon Week activities have been going on this month. The Red Ribbon Campaign is the largest drug abuse prevention campaign in the United States. 

• We will be at the OSU Homecoming Parade on November 2nd to bring awareness to the community about our Family Support and Student Support services at Stillwater Public Schools.

• We have created “Grief Kits” for students in our schools experiencing grief. Please reach out to your school counselor to request a grief kit for a student.

• We had a blast at the OSU Hispanic Heritage event, where we got printed supplies in Spanish about substance abuse prevention, wellness, attendance, and more. 

• We also purchased Wellness Posters from CareerTech Printing to spread awareness of mental health resources for staff, students, and families. If you would like some more posters at your building, please contact cbibbs@stillwaterschools.com 

Upcoming Events

• November 1: Bloom Full Show with SHS Band  

  • 7 pm at Pioneer Stadium 

• November 5: Go Vote!

• November 10: Homegrown Harmonies: A Day of Music Benefitting SPS! 

  • 1-7 pm at Stonecloud Brewing

• November 23: Downtown Stillwater Annual Holiday Street Vendors Market

  • Downtown Stillwater all day 

• November 28: Thanksgiving!! 

• Saturday Mornings: Stillwater Farmers Market 

SPS Monthly Wellness Tips: Three Goals for 2024-2025

Throughout the year, we will be sharing information and resources on sleep (physical wellness), play (social wellness), and presence (emotional wellness). Here are some helpful strategies for you!

• Sleep: The general guidance is clear: put down your phone before bed. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends getting off screens at least 30 minutes to an hour before bed to reduce digital disruptions and get better sleep. This can be hard! Use these recommendations from NPR’s Life Kit to learn how to create better boundaries with your electronic devices at bedtime.

• Play: Take advantage of the fall weather and engage in outdoor activities such as hiking, apple picking, or visiting a pumpkin patch.

• Presence: Explore local community events or festivals happening in your area. Many towns host fall-themed events, which can be a great opportunity to socialize and have fun.

  

Walktober 2024

It is almost time for Walktober 2024! Registration for Walktober is open and closes on September 30th. Walktober will begin on October 1st and will end on October 31st. Compete for bragging rights, prizes, and increase your daily steps! As with previous years, you can compete as an individual or create a team with up to 5 people per team. Each person will need to register through the chamber whether you are competing as an individual or on a team.

We hope you can join us and happy walking! Click this link to register.

Election Anxiety

The lead-up to election day can be a challenging time, filled with heightened emotions. Constant media coverage and debates in the home and on social platforms all have the potential to make a negative impact on our mental health. Our concerns about how the results of the election will affect our lives and society also become much more real, which can be scary. When it comes down to it, election anxiety is rooted in our need for safety and security; and a feeling that our future is in good hands. Here are a few suggestions to help:

• Unplug when you can: Being constantly faced with loads of digital information, particularly on political issues, can lead to increased stress levels. Studies show that frequent social media users report higher stress due to political discussions.

• Engage in Creative Outlets: Spend time on hobbies or creative activities to distract from election stress.

• Seek Professional Support: Don’t hesitate to reach out to mental health professionals if feelings of anxiety become overwhelming. Use the new SPS Employee Assistance Plan (EAP); they provide text therapy, in person therapy, group therapy, and more. Visit www.supportlinc.com and use group code: stillwaterschools or call 1-800-475-3327  

• Focus on the Positive: Celebrate small victories and engage in community activities that foster connection and optimism.

• Vote! Remember that participating in the voting process can empower you and foster a sense of agency, contributing positively to your overall well-being!

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Finding breast cancer early is key to successful treatment. This month aims to encourage regular screenings, educate others on signs and symptoms, and share resources on preventing and navigating breast cancer. For more information on National Breast Cancer Awareness Month or breast cancer, visit nationalbreastcancer.org. 

Important: Breast cancer screening can help find breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat. The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends that women who are 40 to 74 years old and are at average risk for breast cancer get a mammogram every 2 years. 

National Domestic Violence Awareness Month

We use this month as a time to raise awareness of domestic violence and its impact on individuals and families. The National Domestic Violence Hotline gives our community access to 24/7 tools and support.

Healthy Habits and SPS Flu Shots

Get your FREE flu shot! Foster Corner Drug is planning to hold a Vaccination Clinic at SPS on October 1-3. Refer to the email from Jacklyn Ahrens for more information. 

Core prevention strategies are important steps you can take to protect yourself and others from respiratory viruses. To stay informed, visit this site for the latest updates on influenza, RSV, and COVID-19 surveillance data obtained from the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) respiratory surveillance system. Weekly reports will be published by 10 am every Thursday throughout the influenza season. Weekly reporting resumes on October 12, 2023, for the 2023-2024 season.

The Dietitians Dish: Better For You Monte Cristo Sandwich Contributed by SPS Nutrition Director Krista Neal, MS, RD/LD, SNS

A traditional Monte Cristo is turkey, ham, swiss cheese on a sandwich that is then dipped in batter, deep fried, sprinkled with powdered sugar, and served with jam. Maybe not the best for us, and really, who wants to deep fry at home? 

This sandwich is better than the sum of its parts. The sturdy bread, paired with the smokey cheese, and tartness and crunchy apple paired with the eggy crust make a perfect sandwich. Adapted from Rachel Ray’s original 30-Minute Meals cookbook. 

• Eggs

• Dash of nutmeg

• Dash of pepper

• Dash of milk or cream

• English toasting bread (Strong sourdough bread will work almost as well) 

• Sliced ham, turkey or both -packaged lunch meat or thick sliced deli meat work. 

• Smoked cheddar - the smokiness really makes a difference 

• Granny smith apples - You want a bright green, tart apple

For each sandwich scramble one egg in a large bowl or shallow pan such as a cake or pie pan. Add a couple of shakes of nutmeg and pepper. Mix in a dash of milk, cream, or half and half. Don’t cook the eggs. (Ask why I know this step needs to be clearly stated.)

Slice the apple as thin as you can. Make a sandwich by layering bread, cheese, apple, ham/turkey, cheese, bread. It will hold together best this way. 

Heat a pan with non-stick cooking spray, or butter. 

Dip the sandwich in the egg mix. You’re basically making sandwich French toast. Cook the sandwich until the egg is cooked on all sides.  

Slice diagonally. Trust me, it tastes better on the diagonal. 

Prevention Grant Updates Christina Bibbs, SPS Prevention and Wellness Grant Coordinator

In August, Stillwater Public Schools purchased digital licenses from The Responsive Counselor for all of our elementary counselors to access teaching resources. The district also purchased Bal-A-Vis-X for several counselors to use with students. Find out more about Bal-A-Vis-X here.

Stillwater Public Schools purchased supplies for October’s two-day seventh-grade prevention event in September. These supplies will help the district’s substance abuse counselor teach about the dangers of vaping and smoking tobacco. 

The district collaborated again this year with MadScience to orchestrate Anti-Vape and Tobacco Presentations for all fifth-grade classes. This 1-hour workshop is hands-on, inquiry-based learning that is fun! We study the respiratory and circulatory systems, see a real lung in action, and learn the dangers of vaping and smoking. Thank you to the SPS Substance Abuse Counselor (Rachel May), as well as the SPS school counselors for all of their work on these important prevention efforts!

The Red Ribbon Campaign is the largest drug abuse prevention campaign in the United States. To prepare for Red Ribbon Week in October, the district purchased items to give to students at all school sites. 

We also purchased various wellness posters from CareerTech Printing to spread awareness of mental health resources for staff, students, and families. If you would like posters at your building, please contact cbibbs@stillwaterschools.com

Upcoming Events

• Ongoing Fall Wellness Events

  • Open Play Pickleball: Wednesdays 7-9 PM. Learn more and register here.

  • FREE Yoga in the Plaza: Mondays through October 14 at The McKnight Center 

  • FREE Fall Yoga at the OSU Botanical Garden. This free yoga class occurs on Mondays in September and October. All levels of yoga practice are welcome. Just bring water and a mat (or towel) to practice on and get ready to relax in nature.

• October 12: Eskimo Joe's Juke Joint Jog

  • Learn more here. 

• October 12: SPS Hispanic Heritage Event 

• Fall Break: Go on a day trip!! Check out the Day Trips from Travel Oklahoma

• October 20: Stillwater FFA 7th Annual Cans 4 Community 5K Race

• October 26: Orange Dirt-Trail Series Race at Lake McMurtry 

  • Learn more and register here. 

• October 29: Downtown Stillwater Halloween Events, 5-8 pm

• Pumpkin Painting at the OSU Botanic Garden

  • Bring your little ones for a great day of pumpkin painting and walk around the beautiful Botanic Garden. 3-5 pm; learn more here. 

SPS Monthly Wellness Tips: Three Goals for 2024-2025

Wellness encompasses several dimensions: physical, intellectual, emotional, social, spiritual, and so forth. People often think about wellness in terms of physical health (nutrition, exercise, weight management, etc.), but it is so much more. 

Throughout this school year, we will be sharing information and resources on sleep (physical wellness), play (social wellness), and presence (emotional wellness). Here are some helpful strategies for you!

• Sleep: Here are some tips for a better nighttime routine:

  • Consider activities such as reading a book, journaling, or meditating to help unwind. 

  • Set appropriate alarms to lie down and wake up.

  • Refrain from using your phone while in bed.

• Play: Here are some tips for families of all ages to play together in the warm weather:

  • Plan a family camping trip and enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and fishing.

  • Organize a friendly sports tournament in your yard or a nearby park.

  • Explore local trails for bike rides or relaxing walks. Research Stillwater Trail Crew‘s Facebook page for trail ideas.

• Presence: Here are some tips on how to be fully present and in the moment:

  • Put away electronic devices during quality time

  • When having conversations, make an effort to listen

  • Acknowledge and appreciate the special moments

TSET Grants

The TSET Healthy Incentive Grants encourage schools and communities to adopt and implement best and promising practices to improve the health and quality of life for their residents and students. Grant funds can be used for a variety of projects that support healthy and active living such as walking trails, farmers market venues, splasH pads, basketball courts, and outdoor playground and exercise equipment. 

Healthy Incentive Grants for Schools: Fall application September 3 - September 30. If you are interested in applying for a grant, consider talking to your principal, PE teacher, or counselor. Click here to learn more and apply!

Fall Fit City Challenge 

Sign up today for a minute-tracking fitness challenge as a Stillwater Public Schools team player! This free and friendly Oklahoma competition will allow SPS  employees to track their fitness minutes and goals. After signing up, you can visit here to track your minutes or download their app to track minutes on your mobile device. The challenge officially kicks off on Sep

tember 1st! Join the SPS team today and recruit your coworkers!

All types of activities count - walks with the dog, family bike rides, a yoga session, roller skating, gardening - if you’re active, you’re in. If you need more info, download the Fit City Challenge Toolkit today. Follow them on Facebook for fun giveaways and Fall Fit City Challenge highlights!

Stillwater’s New Prevention and Wellness Grant Coordinator

Crissy Bibbs was hired last Spring, but officially started in late July. Crissy comes to SPS with a strong background in elementary education, including experience as a 504 coordinator, school counselor, classroom teacher, and state testing coordinator. She will oversee both of our large grants focused on substance abuse prevention and mental health.

Her goal is to implement an evidence-based curriculum or program for substance abuse prevention/mental health for students district-wide to ensure equitable and consistent delivery across all schools. 

If you have questions about how grant money is supporting our district, or if you would like to meet with her to discuss involvement in the prevention and wellness grant committee, please feel free to reach out to her through email at cbibbs@stillwaterschools.com

EAP + Care Solace

We are pleased to introduce two new wellness programs to support your well-being. First, our new Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers confidential counseling and resources to help you navigate life's challenges. Additionally, we recently launched Care Solace, a service that connects SPS students and families with mental health care providers. Both programs are here to ensure our entire SPS community has the support we need to thrive, both personally and professionally. 

• Employee Assistance Program (For Staff)

  • Everyone faces problems or situations that are difficult to resolve. We know there are times when everyone needs a little extra help. For employees who may need assistance to overcome issues interfering with their ability to function in the workplace, SPS offers up to five visits through SupportLinc, our EAP provider. SupportLinc offers expert guidance to help you and your family address and resolve everyday issues. 

  • To learn more about the Employee Assistance Plan (EAP), please visit www.supportlinc.com and use group code: stillwaterschools or call 1-800-475-3327

• Care Solace (For Students and Families) 

  • Our students, staff, and their families can use Care Solace to connect quickly with our community's verified mental health and substance use treatment providers. 

  • To access Care Solace, Call: 888-515-0595

  • Their multilingual helpline is staffed 24/7/365.

  • Visit www.caresolace.com/stillwater to explore mental health providers independently, or click "Book Appointment" for personalized assistance.

Mental Health-focused Apps for Educators

We talked about this last spring, but we just want to remind staff about these apps for educators…

The Headspace App is free for educators; sign up here. Headspace offers free access to K-12 teachers and support staff. Whether you’re feeling inspired to connect more with your students or looking for a new way to bring calm to your classroom, Headspace can help students build healthy habits that last a lifetime. Better focus, less stress, and happier thoughts are just a few minutes away. Headspace is proven to reduce stress by 14% in just 10 days. It can also help you relax your mind in minutes, improve focus, and get the best sleep ever.

Simple Habit knows life can be challenging sometimes. That’s why it offers simple five-minute meditations to help ease your mind. The app lets you personalize your experience and choose interests that matter to you—whether it’s increased focus, productivity, fitness, or more—and then allows you to choose from various short meditation practices. The app is perfect for busy people on the go, who, at a moment's notice, can pop in their earbuds and find respite, relaxation, advice, or healing.  

Calm is one of the most popular apps for meditation, relaxation, and getting some much-needed sleep. It’s also now free for educators. Teachers in K-12 classrooms can now get free access to Calm’s paid subscription service and a library chock-full of guided meditations, mindfulness exercises, and soothing tunes to keep you feeling present and blissful or put you to bed. Through the Calm Students Initiative, teachers can also opt-in to receive best practices for introducing mindfulness to the classroom.

Upcoming Events

• Wednesdays 7-9 PM: Open Play Pickleball

  • Stillwater Indoor Pickleball Club: learn more and register here. 

• Saturdays: Stillwater Farmers Market

  • 8AM -12PM

• Thursdays: Troubadour Thursdays 

  • 7:30 PM: Open to anyone interested in sharing their music or just listening. This local singer-songwriter showcase takes place at 7:30 pm on the first Thursday of every month in room 121 (just south of the auditorium) of the Stillwater Community Center. 1st Thursday every month, Singer/Songwriters get mic time, free and open to the public!

• September 5: Free Computer Basics Workshop at the Stillwater Public Library

  • 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

• September 9-October 14: FREE Fall Yoga in the Garden 

  • 5:45 PM at the Botanic Garden at OSU

• September 10: Free Tuesday Gardening Series: Winterize Your Garden

  • 6:00 PM at the Botanic Garden at OSU

• 

  September 17: National Voter Registration Day!!

• September 19: Let’s Talk About It Free Book Reading and Discussion 

  • 6:30 PM at the Stillwater History Museum at the Sheerar; find out more here. 

• September 20: Deadline to register for the Stillwater FFA 7th Annual Cans 4 Community 5K Race

  • Visit this website to find additional event information and register - https://www.stillwaterschools.com/Page/516

• September 28: Free StillWonder Learn through Play Popup

  • 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Botanic Garden at OSU in the new Horticulture Education Center

SPS Monthly Wellness Tips: Three Wellness Goals for 2023-2024

Can you believe it? We are in the last month of the 23-24 school year, and this means it is our last month of this year's focus on movement, connections, and work-life balance. This doesn't mean that we will be placing any less of a focus on these three issues next school year, but we certainly might have some new goals to focus on (of course, while still being intentional about these very important goals). Here are the recommendations for this month! 

Movement: Take part in “Walk This May!” This month, whether you participate in the official challenge or not (read more below), follow these tips to get your steps in.

• Grab a co-worker and take a walk before or after school, or on a quick break in your day.
• Find a pretty, peaceful location near you to explore during the weekends. This might be a lake, mountain trail, a park, public garden, etc.
• Walk to the farthest printer, park far away, take the stairs, etc.
• March in place during your favorite show.
• Stand up: turn phone calls into an opportunity to stretch your legs.
• Put some pep in your steps and dance while you walk! Follow along with this 12 Minute Pop Walk or a Walk at Home option for inspiration.

Connections: Looking for something to do with others? Whether you want to meet someone new, plan something with a colleague, or go somewhere with a friend or family, check out this list of *all* of the things. From live music, to art exhibits, to the *check’s notes* the 4th Annual Oklahoma Mini-Silky Fainting Goat Show or the *check’s notes again* “Rabbit Posse of Oklahoma Show”... you can find it all at VisitStillwater.org 

Work-Life Balance: As the school year winds down, the month of May is extremely busy with banquets, class parties, sports, concerts, and all the end-of-year celebrations. Sometimes it seems like there is a never ending list of things to do and places to be. Remember to take some downtime for yourself so you do not crash and burn at the end of the year. It can often be difficult to decompress at the end of a school year when the day-to-day responsibilities of the classroom are not present. This is completely normal, and it can take some time to settle into a new routine. Whatever your plans are for this summer, try to take some time to rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul.

Teacher Appreciation Week

We appreciate all you do for Stillwater Public Schools and for our students. Be on the lookout for information about TAW freebies and discounts in the Stillwater community!

Walk This May

It's that time of year again and Walk This May is here! This is a community-wide step challenge that will take place throughout the month of May. This is a great opportunity to not just add more movement into our days, but also to work together as a team and build social connections. Walking has been proven to improve cardiovascular health, improve cognitive function, and even reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety.

To register for this challenge, visit ChallengeRunner: https://www.challengerunner.com/enroll/8e34mp-4k1c

Any questions regarding the event can be directed to Sarah Gold at sarah.weiss@okstate.edu. 

Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Mental health has consistently been at the forefront of wellness conversations for the past few years, and 2024 is no exception. This month allows us the opportunity to increase awareness about the vital role mental health plays in our overall health and well-being and provide resources and information to support individuals and communities who may need mental health support. This May, let’s work together to make our schools, homes, and communities better spaces for improved mental health. 

SPS has several exciting things in store for Mental Health Awareness Month, and we hope you participate. Check out this site for more information. Please use the May Mental Health Calendar in your classroom, at home, or solo! 

Finally, check out the free resources from Headspace for school staff and mental health month. Here is a message from Headspace: This Mental Health Awareness Month, we're focusing on ways people can prioritize their workplace well-being. Because when we strengthen our ability to manage stress, well-being, and boundaries on the job, we end up feeling happier everywhere else. Explore our Mental Health Matters collection for tips on outsmarting burnout, communicating your boundaries, and creating a more compassionate world to live and work in. Access the collection here. 

Employee Health & Fitness Day

May 15th is Employee Health and Fitness Day and serves as an opportunity to raise awareness on the necessity and benefits of physical activity for employees. Over 80% of all U.S. jobs are sedentary, and sedentary lifestyles increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and osteoporosis. Lack of time and opportunity for movement, fresh air, and mindfulness practices also contribute to the development of mental health conditions like depression and anxiety and worsens symptoms of existing conditions. This May, let’s set the example of prioritizing employee health in intentional, consistent, and meaningful ways. Not sure where to start? Visit the OSU Employee Wellness Resource Library for more ideas. Get up, get out, and MOVE!

Farmer's Market

Embracing Creativity: Celebrating the Seasonal Bounty at Stillwater Farmers Market, retrieved from the Stillwater Farmers Market

As we step into the vibrant month of May, we anticipate the colorful bounty that our beloved market will soon showcase. Picture-perfect arrays of vegetables, jams, jellies, meats, and more are soon to grace our stalls, painting our community with the hues of freshness and flavor. But until then, let's celebrate the beauty of simplicity and creativity with the seasonal treasures we currently have at hand. Let's embrace the essence of now by incorporating the treasures we have into our meals, transforming them into culinary masterpieces. Imagine the magic we can create by infusing locally sourced ingredients into our dishes, utilizing the diversity of flavors and textures available to us. From hearty stews to refreshing salads, the possibilities are endless. Let's explore the art of being creative with our culinary endeavors, experimenting with new combinations and techniques to craft dishes that truly reflect the spirit of the season. As we eagerly await the abundance of colors and flavors that will soon grace our market, let's revel in the joy of creating something extraordinary out of the ordinary. Join us every Saturday at the Stillwater Farmers Market, where community spirit meets culinary delight.  Below is a recipe that would be sure to be a nice change to a classic side dish! For more recipes you can check out the Stillwater Farmers Market website page! Reminder!!!! You can shop with us every Wednesday and Saturday in front of the Prairie Arts Center from 8 AM to 1 PM. We hope to see everyone there!!!!!

Goat Cheese Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients:

• 3 pounds large Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut in 3/4-inch chunks

• 5 large garlic cloves

• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

• 7 to 8 ounces garlic-and-herb goat cheese, at room temperature, such as Montrachet

• 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature 

• 1 1/2 cups sour cream

• 1/2 cup half-and-half or milk

• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Place the potatoes, garlic and 1 tablespoon salt in a large pot with enough water to cover the potatoes. Bring to a boil over high heat, reduce to a simmer and cook for 20 to 25 minutes, until very tender.

Drain the potatoes and garlic and process them together through a food mill fitted with the coarsest blade set on top of a bowl. While the potatoes are still hot, stir in the goat cheese, butter, sour cream, half-and-half, 4 teaspoons salt and 2 teaspoons pepper until smooth.

Pour the mixture into a 9-by-12-by-2-inch oval baking dish, smoothing the top. Sprinkle the Parmesan on top and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, until lightly browned. Serve hot.

Cook’s Note

Make it ahead: Assemble the dish, including the parmesan, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Bake before serving.

Mental Health Apps for Educators 

The Headspace App is free for educators; sign up here. Headspace offers free access to K-12 (primary-secondary) teachers and support staff. Whether you’re feeling inspired to connect more with your students or you’re looking for a new way to bring calm to your classroom, Headspace can help students build healthy habits that last a lifetime. Better focus, less stress, and happier thoughts are just a few minutes away. Headspace is proven to reduce stress by 14% in just 10 days. It can also help you relax your mind in minutes, improve focus, and get the best sleep ever.

Simple Habit knows life can be challenging sometimes. That’s why it offers simple five-minute meditations to help ease your mind. The app lets you personalize your experience and choose interests that matter to you--whether it’s increased focus, productivity, fitness, and more--and then allows you to choose from various short meditation practices. The app is perfect for busy people on the go, who, at a moment's notice, can pop in their earbuds and find respite, relaxation, advice, or healing.  

The Calm App is of the most popular apps for meditation, relaxation, and getting some much-needed shut-eye. It’s also now free for educators. Teachers in K-12 classrooms can now get free access to Calm’s paid subscription service and access a library chock-full of guided meditations, mindfulness exercises, and soothing tunes to keep you feeling present, blissful, or put you to bed. Through the Calm Students Initiative, teachers can also opt in to receive best practices to introduce mindfulness to the classroom as well.

Simple, effective, and free, Breathing Zone, helps guide you to a calmer state. Through using your phone's microphone, the app detects your breathing rate and automatically sets your target breathing rate and works with you to gradually reduce it. The Breathing Zone is a great option for those looking to lower blood pressure or quickly manage moments of stress and anxiety in minutes. 

Upcoming Events:

• May 4: Cinco de Mayo Pepper Run 
  • This is a 1 mile, 5k, 10k, 15k and half-marathon run at Boomer Lake. For more information, click here. 
• May 6, 13, 20, 27: Yoga in the Plaza at the McKnight Center
  • This free class is open to all levels of yoga experience. More info here. 
• May 8: National Bike and Roll to School Day!
  • To learn more, click here. 
• May 10: Concert in the Garden at the Botanic Garden at OSU. 5:45-7:30
• May 18: Stillwater Farmers Market Super Saturday, Nature’s Vein
  • Nature's Vein is a wildlife rescue who strives to create a bond between man and nature. They will be at the market from 9 AM to 11AM, May 18th for our second Super Saturday of the Year!
• May 24: All Stillwater area Splash Pads Open! 
• June 6-9: Dancing Turtle Festival 
  • Whether your passion is the visual arts, music, dancing, theater, film or the industrial arts, this festival has something for you! Dancing Turtle is a gathering that immerses its guests in the arts; it is a gathering that honors and highlights the breadth, depth and history of regional and global cultures. There are several free opportunities to learn more about music, film, the arts, and more. Learn more here.

Support Employees of the Year

Congratulations to our Support Employees of the Year. 

• Brooke Brunken - High Needs Counselor (District Wide) - Special Services
• Misty Horne - Principal's Secretary (SHS) - Office / Clerical 
• Elsie Hockensmith - Custodian (Highland Park) - Custodial
• Marie Brown - Cafeteria Manager (Will Rogers) - Child Nutrition
• Gary Moffitt - Bus Driver - Transportation
• Dillon Henry - Computer Specialist I - District Support (Facilities / Technology)
• Tracy Wright - Library Media Assistant (SJHS) - Educational Support

The District Support Employee of the Year will be selected by a District Selection Committee. All seven employees will be recognized and the District Support Employee of the Year will be announced at the May 14 Stillwater Board of Education meeting.

Why Work Should Be Fun

Is having fun at work important? According to this article (Nelson, B. 2022, May 2nd, Why Work Should Be Fun, Harvard Business Review), the answer is an obvious “Yes”! 

Job Fair Successes

Many thanks to the staff and administrators who worked to make our recent attendance and hosting of job fairs a success. 

Expiring Teacher Certificates

Please remember to update any expiring teaching certificates. The Department of Education is no longer mailing a physical copy, you must print or download from Single Sign On. Please email or inter-school a copy of your new certificate to Gale Henry, Administrative Assistant. This will notify HR that it has been taken care of.

Paraprofessionals

• Congratulations to all of our Paraprofessionals who earned their Para certification through the Oklahoma State Department of Education! This achievement requires many hours of workbooks, videos, studying, and tests, and you should all be commended for your hard work.  If you are a Paraprofessional and have not earned your Para certification, call the HR or SPED office, and we’ll be happy to help you.

Thank you

• Thank you for all your patience as we rolled out Frontline Time and Attendance and switched a large group of our employees over to Frontline Absence Management. If you have any questions or concerns please reach out to Jacklyn Ahrens, our Benefits Specialist.

  “Many thanks for clocking in each morning and continuing to serve the students and be a part of the Stillwater Public Schools Family! Please keep on keeping on! 

        - Dr. Trent J. Swanson, Chief Human Resources Officer

HR U aware? 

• The WorkKeys Test can now be administered by SPS! If you plan to move to a TA or Para position this next school year and need to take the test, call the Administration building, and we can get you scheduled.
• American Fidelity finished up school site visits last week. Thank you to those who were able to have your annual visit. For those who weren’t able to fit it in, we will be scheduling make-up days and sending out sign-up links very shortly. Please keep a look-out for that email. 

• Retiring from the district this year? Please make sure and check on your insurance paperwork! Your insurance paperwork is due 30 days before your Retirement date. If you have any questions please reach out to Jacklyn Ahrens, our Benefits Specialist. 

• Onboarding this summer for new SPS employees will be on June 25, 2024, July 16, 2024, July 31, 2024 - This is done over the summer to allow new employees to focus on their classroom/training/teaching as the start of school approaches.

• Know a future sub? We currently have 329 substitutes working for SPS. This has allowed us to be better staffed than in previous years. If you know anyone who is interested, please have them apply at stillwaterschools.com/subapply. Job applications will be accepted until May 1, 2024, and will reopen on July 1.
  

We're Hiring

Whether you are looking to change things up in your employment with us or to recruit a friend or relative to join us, please be aware that we're hiring teachers and support staff. A few of our available positions include:

• Teachers of many types
• Assistant Director of Transportation
• Bus Drivers and Aides
• Noon Monitors
• Occupational Therapist
• Special Education Teachers and Paraprofessionals
• Mechanic
• Warehouse Assistant

Upcoming calendar events:

SPS Work Calendars

• April 19 - No School for Students - Teacher Workday
• May 1 - Support Staff evals should be completed.
• May 3 - No School for Students - Professional Development Day
• May 17 - Last Day of School for Students & SHS Graduation Ceremony

SPS Monthly Wellness Tips: Three Goals for 2023-2024

• Movement: It is not too late to sign up for the Free SPS Staff Tai Chi classes meeting this 9 weeks! This session meets on Thursdays at 4:30 at the Payne County Health Department in their Education Room. The class consists of 30 minutes of tai chi, flexibility, and strength training. You can still register here! 

• 

  Connections: (AND movement AND relaxation…) There are two free options for yoga going on right now! Each option meets weekly. 

  • Yoga in the Plaza: Mondays at the McKnight Center Outdoor Plaza at 5:30 

  • Yoga in the Garden: Wednesdays at The Botanic Garden at OSU at 5:45 

Work-Life Balance: As much as possible, try to establish clear boundaries between work time and personal time. Consider setting specific hours and sticking to them when you can. As we have said a lot this year… this isn’t always possible, but when you can, do it! Equally important is being intentional about dedicating time for relaxation, hobbies, and spending time with friends/family. One more idea: delegate tasks when you can!! This could involve distributing responsibilities, utilizing available resources, or seeking support from your administrators. By sharing the workload, school staff can free up time for personal activities and maintain a healthier work-life balance.

Monthly Wellness Challenge

By participating in the monthly challenges, SPS Staff have the opportunity to win various “Wellness Kits.” Each kit focuses on different dimensions of wellness. Each month you have the opportunity to win one of the following prizes: 

• Self-Care Kit (coffee/tea gift cards, wellness books and activities, massage)

• Nature Kit (terrarium, plants, gardening tools, etc.)

• Fitness Kit (gym towels, weights, gym bag, insulated water bottle, massage balls)  

• Movement Kit (Fitbit, weights, water bottle, etc.)

• Hiking Kit (Lake McMurtry annual pass, hiking equipment, hammock, and more)

In addition to these Wellness Kits, there are also smaller prizes such as weights, hammocks, insulated water bottles and much more! 

This is open to ALL SPS staff. The challenge question this month focuses on gratitude. To participate in this month's challenge, simply fill out this form. 

Tips for Reducing Unhealthy Stress

Knowing how to manage stress can improve both your physical and mental well-being. It’s critical to recognize what stress and anxiety look like, take steps to build resilience, and know where to go for help. Some types of stress are positive, but chronic stress can lead to problems. Here are a few tips:

• Watch what you eat: Did you know that some foods can help combat the effects of stress? Certain foods such as fatty fish, fermented foods, green leafy vegetables, and many spices are examples. Consider adding these foods to your diet, and read more about this here. 

• Watch what you think: Consider limiting the amount of time you spend on news, social media, etc. Also, try prayer,  mindfulness and/or meditation, all which can help. 

• Watch what you allow: Basically… it is okay to say no. It is helpful to set boundaries. Prioritizing managing your time more effectively is crucial when it comes to stress. 

• Watch how you breathe: Breath is our primary connection to life. When you’re calm, you breathe deeply and slowly. When you’re stressed, you tend to breathe fast and shallow. Watch this helpful video from Dr. Andrew Weil on a few very helpful breathing techniques. 

• Watch your movement: Regular movement and exercise is important for all aspects of your health. Set a step goal, gym goal, stand more, etc. 

• Watch who is around you: When you are feeling stressed, it is important to have a positive support system. However, if you find it hard to open up to the people in your life about your bad stress, it might be more beneficial to seek the help of a professional mental health counselor. Try the EAP, look at these mental health resources on our website, or check out this list. 

FREE Healthy Classroom Decor from TSET

Help your students discover the joy of being active with their favorite animals, learn the importance of hydration, master the art of mealtime and more! Choose your favorite poster — or collect them all — before the semester’s first bell rings! Download copies here.

April: National Child Abuse Prevention Month

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time for our community to come together to celebrate the small actions each of us can take that make a big impact on the well-being of our children. Thousands of cases of child abuse and neglect are reported each year. But there’s good news! Child Abuse is 100% preventable! Preventing child abuse and building strong, safe, and healthy children and families will benefit the entire community — setting up future generations to succeed! 

Currently, the Child Abuse Prevention Coloring Challenge is going on. Here is a link to the coloring page. It is called “My Happiest Day” and asks children to create a drawing of one of their favorite times. 

Finally, in Stillwater, for the second year in a row, there will be an event called the Kaleidoscope Festival & Block Party. The goal of this event is to raise awareness for Child Abuse Prevention Month. There will be an abundance of activities, food, and music to enjoy, so don't miss out on the Best Annual Festival in Stillwater! The first 200 families will get a free swag bag! 

Upcoming Events

• April 2: VOTE!! &Taste of Stillwater 

  • Highlighting food showcased & donated by Stillwater area restaurants, Taste of Stillwater gives ticket holders a chance to sample and discover the best of Stillwater cuisine. The family-oriented event features an all-you-can-eat buffet that is sure to please everyone. More than 30 restaurants traditionally participate in the event and over 1,000 people usually attend! Proceeds help fund SPEF programs.

• April 3, 10, 17 & 24: Yoga in the Garden At The Botanic Garden at OSU

  • Bring your mat or towel and join Yoga on Wednesdays for Yoga in the Garden! You will learn to breathe deeply and relax while surrounded by the gentle sounds of the garden. Thank you to the OSU Department of Wellness for leading this class!

• April 8, 15, 22 & 29 at 5:30 pm: Yoga in the Plaza at the McKnight Center 

  • Certified Yoga Instructor Laurielle Prema will lead this Vinyasa-Style yoga class.  This event is free and open to the public. Go enjoy free yoga in the peaceful MCPA Outdoor Plaza and reset your mind!

• April 13: Lake McMurtry Run 

  • Oklahoma’s oldest train run! A variety of distances to choose from with offerings of 100 k, 50k, 25 k, 12k, and 5 k on a single track winding through the pines along the shores of Lake McMurtry. Read more and register here. 

• April 20: Remember the 10 Run

  • Learn more about this wonderful opportunity to walk or run and register here. 

• April 28: Kaleidoscope Festival and Block Party

  • Kaleidoscope is a festival & block party to raise awareness for Child Abuse Prevention Month and was named Best Annual Festival by the Stillwater News Press! Gather with the community while raising awareness. There will be an abundance of activities, food, and music to enjoy, so don't miss out on the Best Annual Festival in Stillwater! The first 200 families will get a free swag bag!

SPS Wellness Goals

SPS Monthly Wellness Tips: Three Goals for 2023-2024
We are still over here in our wellness era; are you? March is a perfect time to keep your focus on those three goals we have been harping on all year: Movement, connections, and work-life balance. 

• Movement: In February, The Payne County Health Department offered their first free exercise class to SPS employees that focuses on Tai Chi, Flexibility, and Strength. Although this first session is for elementary folks and staff that get off earlier in the day, the new session will begin later in the day! Mark your calendar for March 28 at 4:30. A new FREE session of Tai Chi will begin for SPS staff. Thursday sessions will be held at the Payne County Health Department in their Education Room. We will meet weekly until the week after school gets out! 

• Connections:  Springtime in Stillwater offers lots of opportunities to connect with friends and the larger community. There are bike races, arts festivals, and sporting events - these are a few of the ways that people can come together in the coming weeks. Sometimes life can be so busy in the spring, it can be hard to keep up with it all!  Making sure that you focus on intentional connections is a way to  make sure that you do not become overwhelmed with all that life throws at us.

• Work-Life Balance: Spring Break beckons with promises of relaxation and adventure, offering a much-needed respite from the day to day.  For students and staff, spring break offers a chance to recharge outside the classroom, fostering personal growth and creativity. Integrating moments of relaxation into daily routines is key to sustaining balance year-round and spring break is the perfect time to start habits that will sustain us through the rest of the school year.

Monthly Wellness Challenges 

By participating in the monthly challenges, SPS Staff have the opportunity to win various “Wellness Kits.” Each kit focuses on different dimensions of wellness. Each month you have the opportunity to win one of the following prizes: 

• Self-Care Kit (coffee/tea gift cards, wellness books and activities, massage)

• Nature Kit (terrarium, plants, gardening tools, etc)

• Fitness Kit (gym towels, weights, gym bag, insulated water bottle, massage balls) 

• Movement Kit (Fitbit, weights, water bottle, etc)

• Hiking Kit (Lake McMurtry annual pass, hiking equipment, hammock, and more)

In addition to these Wellness Kits, there are also smaller prizes such as weights, hammocks, insulated water bottles and much more! 

This is open to ALL SPS staff. To participate in this month's challenge, simply fill out this form. 

Staff Connections + Movement for the Win!

Stillwater Public Schools has some amazing folks going above and beyond to find ways to connect with our colleagues and get moving. Here are some highlights.

SPS Staff Volleyball League: Suzanne Tackett started the SPS Staff Volleyball League which had some great involvement from several schools. There have been several matches, and there were teams at Westwood, SMS, and Sangre. Sarah Ehrlich had this to say about SPS Staff Volleyball:

“The staff volleyball league was amazing! It was so fun to see the talent across the district as well as spend time in friendly but competitive game play with both my colleagues at my school and from other sites! The laughs we shared were so great for the soul! We have some amazingly talented volleyball players in our district! I encourage every school to get involved the next time we have a volleyball league or another game or sport!  It was just the best time! Kudos to Suzanne for putting this together!”

To learn more about SPS Volleyball, and to help out or be involved in the future, please email stackett@stillwaterschools.com.  

SPS Staff Tai Chi: We also have been enjoying a free Tai Chi class offered at no cost by the Payne County Health Department. As of now, there is one session that meets on Tuesdays at Highland Park Elementary at 3:30, and beginning in March there will also be a class on Thursdays at 4:30. This class will be held at the Payne County Health Department in their Education Room. The class consists of 30 minutes of tai chi, flexibility, and strength training. This is what the PCHD Health Educator has to say about this class: "School staff work so hard every day and our goal is to help support and take care of them in their physical and mental health." We will send an update about the March Tai-Chi and registration link soon! 

Will Rogers Yoga Day: On one of our recent PD Days, Will Rogers had a local yoga teacher and parent come do yoga with their staff. The yoga teacher guided staff through basic forms of yoga, as well as guided meditation, breathing exercises, and stretching. According to Dane Sallaska Will Rogers principal Dane Sallaska: “IT WAS AMAZING.”

Guitar Club at Lincoln Academy: Wellness isn’t just physical…it encompasses several different dimensions. Music and connections with others can be incredibly beneficial to our overall health. Lincoln students and staff recently were awarded a SPEF grant and they have used it to purchase guitars and start a guitar club. Former SPS parent and local musician Walter Kelley came to help them get started. Way to go Lincoln!

Pre-K Wellness at Highland Park: Tammy Moffat, a Pre-K teacher, is another wellness innovator. Mrs. Moffett and the others on the Pre-K team usually get their step goal in by about… oh, 9 am. (If you know, you know). Anyhow, she gave some great suggestions on how she incorporates movement into her day. 

• To get our day started as a class, we do breathing and stretching exercises. 

• When our students are at recess, I take advantage of the time to get some steps in by walking around the playground with classmates and doing standing heel/toe rises.

• In the classroom, we do lots of music and movement brain breaks by Danny Go!

Family Engagement Night

We had a great turnout at Stillwater Public Library for our first Family Engagement Night! Over 13 agencies were represented from the Stillwater community, and they had lots of fun giveaways. Great conversations with speakers from the community highlighted the importance of positive mental health, connections, and the awareness of drug use and abuse. We hope to build off of these important topics and have plans for events in the future.  

The Dietitians Dish: Contributed by SPS Nutrition Director Krista Neal, MS, RD/LD, SNS

It’s National Nutrition Month, so here are recipes to help you get more vegetables in your diet. It may not be soup weather, but I always like soup. All year. Even in the summer. Just like I like ice cream in summer and winter. Here are two recipes that are on repeat at our house

Instant Pot Lentil Soup from Rainbow Plant Life. I follow this recipe. I never follow the recipe, but I follow this one exactly as written. I suggest getting lentils at Himalaya Market, just because they’re nice people. It's a fun store, and it will give you an excuse to visit if you haven’t been in before. I like using rainbow potatoes because they’re fun. This is a great start if you are considering adding more vegetarian or vegan recipes to your life. 

I’ve never had a bad Pioneer Woman recipe, and this  Dumpling Soup is no exception. Of course, I add more vegetables, because that’s what I do. I like extra carrots and green onions. I add mushrooms and any other random half-bags of vegetables I have in the freezer. This is a good recipe to use up leftovers. The recipe calls for Miso Paste, which we get at CM Market. Again, use this as an excuse to visit. They’re also nice people and the store is fun. My family has dumpling opinions. We like  bibigo Korean Style Mini Wontons. Although, CM Market has so many great dumplings and wontons, that we haven’t tried them all. 

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Events:

• March 7: Stillwater Public Library Presents “Kids Leap and Parents Learn” 

  • 6-7:30; This is a great opportunity for adults to learn about child health and processed foods from Dr. Ashlea Braun! Kids between the grades of 3-5 are welcome to jump free.  Register and learn more here. 

• March 9: OSU Museum of Art Second Saturday 

  • 11-2; Experience FREE hands-on art activities designed to be inclusive of visitors of all ages and abilities. Learn more here. 

• March 14-17: Mid South Endurance Festival 

  • Even if you aren’t racing in Mid-South, there is still so much to do as a part of this festival! Check out the full schedule of events here. 

• March 23-24: Lake McMurtry Beginners Backpack Clinic 

  • 9-5, This beginners backpacking clinic will teach you all the basics you need to know for your next backpacking adventure! Hosted by Another Mile or So backpacking group, this clinic will take you through the trails of Lake McMurtry while you make friends and connections. Don't miss this amazing adventure!

• March 25: Yoga in the Plaza 

  • 5:30 pm; Certified Yoga Instructor Laurielle Prema will lead this Vinyasa-Style yoga class.  This event is free and open to the public. Go enjoy free yoga in the peaceful MCPA Outdoor Plaza and reset your mind!

SPS Monthly Wellness Tips: Three Goals for 2023-2024

Yep... still over here talking about the importance of movement (physical wellness), connections (social wellness), and work-life balance (emotional wellness). Consider these ideas:

• Movement: As we know, regular physical activity helps reduce stress, lower blood pressure, boost mental health, improve sleep, prevent illness and disease, and increase academic performance. Although it can be hard to think of activities to do in the winter, there are ways to stay active! We have a few fun ways to get more physical activity that are being offered to all staff members. SPS Staff volleyball league, to learn more, reach out to Suzanne Tackett (stackett@stillwaterschools.com); games start soon! The Payne County Health Department has offered a FREE exercise class to SPS employees that includes Tai Chi, Flexibility, and Strength. Classes will begin in February; stay tuned for additional details. Or, check out the list of staff discounts at local gyms and consider joining!

• Connections: The New Year is a great time to reconnect with others, maybe in ways you haven’t before or in a long time. Bridge? Book Club? Walking with a friend? Try something with a new friend or reconnect with someone who you haven’t talked to in a while. I'm trying music trivia next week at EM! Singo.... (you might not want to go, I'm planning on total domination...) 

• Work-Life Balance: January happens to be national hobby month. Hobbies are an important factor in work-life balance and can provide an excellent outlet for improving mental, physical, social, and spiritual health. From plucking strings on a guitar to taking photos on a nature walk, any hobby that brings you joy is worth celebrating. Join us this month as we celebrate some of our own or even pick up a few new hobbies on the side!

SPS Parent Engagement Night

Stillwater Public Schools is hosting an information and resource night at Stillwater Public Library. This evening will consist of educational sessions that aim to inform parents and caregivers about the realities of substance misuse, mental health issues, prepare them to talk with their kids about these issues, and motivate them to start these important conversations. Date: February 5 from 5:30-7:30 pm at Stillwater Public Library. Food, snacks, and prizes! 

This evening is designed to help parents and caregivers: 

• Get Informed. 

  • Increase awareness about important topics such as substance abuse and mental health.

• Be Prepared. 

  • Introduce skill-building techniques, and share available resources and tools. 

  • Learn about protective factors and the importance of connections. 

• Take Action. 

  • Increase actions to help prevent substance abuse and mental health issues. 

  • Learn where to go in the community for extra support. 

There will also be a teen session, with Oklahoma State University Athletes providing entertainment, team building games and activities. Childcare Provided! 

Who Do I Go For…

January is a good time to remind SPS staff about resources within the district, as well as within the community. Here is where to go for all of the things… 

Where to go when….

• I need counseling for myself or a colleague: The Employee Assistance Plan (EAP). Feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or need someone to talk to? This is a reminder that Stillwater Public Schools provides an EAP for employees. Find more information, including how to make a referral, here.

• A student needs glasses: If a student needs glasses, contact the Elementary or Secondary School nurse or the Family & Student Resource Specialist. They can help a student with the Noon Lions Club glasses application. The Noon Lions Club provides exams and eyeglasses to local residents with limited resources. 

• A student needs health/medical care: When you are concerned that a student needs help accessing medical or dental care, talk to your counselor and the Family & Student Support Specialist. They can coordinate with the Payne County Health Department Community Health Worker if needed. They can work with families to connect them with community services, help them with SoonerCare applications, SNAP applications, and more. As a reminder, when you need to refer students to Family Support Services, email them directly or use this link. Natalie Brown: nbrown@stillwaterschools.com or Rose Ngirasob, DHS School Based Social Services Specialist and Homeless Liaison, rngirasob@stillwaterschools.com 

• A student needs food: First and foremost, connect the student with SPS Nutrition Services. They can assist the student or their family with Free/Reduced Meal Applications. You can also work with your social worker or school counselor to connect students to Our Daily Bread. 

• A student needs clothing, a coat, shoes, etc. If a student needs hygiene products, a coat, or basic pantry items, reach out to the Pioneer Pantry housed out of SHS; they provide items to students at ANY school. E-mail rojohnson@stillwaterschools.com to request items.

Upcoming Events:

• January 27 & February 8: Early Birds Program

  • Learn how children develop, how to make everyday moments fun and educational, how to prepare your child for school, how to parent with purpose, how to balance work and life, and how to keep your child healthy and safe. Receive a FREE kit of toys, books, and learning activities to support early learning at home after each class. Register here. 

• January 31: The Power of Conscious Connection: Four Habits to Transform How You Live. 11-12

  • Join OSU in this exceptional webinar with Talia Fox, visionary leader and author, as she unveils profound insights from her groundbreaking book, The Power of Conscious Connection. Free; learn more here. 

• February 4: Lake McMurtry Chili Bike 2024

  • Choose your own adventure and ride one trail or complete all 35 miles of trails for the ultimate Chili Bike challenge.  Learn more here. 

• February 5: SPS Parent Night Date: 5:30-7:30 pm at Stillwater Public Library 

• February 17: Random Acts of Kindness Day

  • Random acts of kindness help to spread joy throughout the world, but can also have positive benefits on your own and others’ mental health. Random acts of kindness require no cost and there are a variety of ways to offer them. They can involve anything from helping someone with a chore, to donating items to a shelter, or even leaving encouraging notes for coworkers. For more ideas on acts of kindness, visit randomactsofkindness.org.

Job Fairs (Your input needed)

Dr. Trent J. Swanson, Chief Human Resources Officer, and Barry Fuxa, PR & Communications Coordinator, attended an Educator Job Fair at the University of Central Oklahoma. They had a great time visiting with potential employees, and enjoyed bragging about Stillwater Public Schools and our town. As we look to attend more job fairs and visit with more recruits, we'd love your help!

Please fill out this very short form to share some quick talking points on what you love about SPS and living in Stillwater!   

Staff Discounts for Holiday Shopping

Please take time to review the Teacher and SPS Employee Discounts as you get ready to fill up the stockings. Teacher & SPS Employee Discounts

Community Resources over the Holidays

• • Stillwater Community Center - Did you know that the community center has served as an elementary, middle, junior high and high school for SPS? It currently houses the Stillwater High School Alumni Center. Go Pioneers!
  • Free Community Activities & Performances - Here are some upcoming free events in the city of Stillwater.
  • Stillwater Parade of Lights
  • Stillwater Singers
  • Stillwater Community Band
  • Payne County Resources - A wide variety of resources to assist the residents of Payne County.
    
    

EAP Reminder

• Just a friendly reminder about the access for all employees to the Employee Assistance Program. Employee Assistance Program.

Thank you for continuing to clock in each day and serve SPS and our students! It is truly appreciated!
Keep on Keeping on!

Option Changes

Thank you all for getting your Option Period Forms into our office promptly! These changes will begin on January 1st, 2024 and if you are receiving any deductions from these changes, they will begin on the January 31 paycheck. If you have any questions about these changes, please contact Jacklyn Ahrens, our Benefits Specialist, jahrens@stillwatershools.com. 

Annual Total Wellness Clinics

These will be the week of February 2nd through the 6th. A signup form will go out through your school emails the week of January 8, so be looking for those. 

Class Cover, Planning Period, and Combined Class Compensation Forms

• Payment for the Fall 2023 Semester will be in January, 2024.
• Please have your Fall 2023 forms turned into the Administration Building (Jana Bradshaw, jbradshaw@stillwaterschools.com) by January 16th, 2024.

Paraprofessional Reminders

• Please make sure that you’ve completed:
  • all of the required GCN training (including First Aid),
  • your Canvas Course workbook,
  • the creation of a Single Sign-on Account (Oklahoma State Department of Education).
• The deadline for many of our newly hired employees is quickly approaching. If you have any questions, please contact Julie Thibodeau, jthibodeau@stillwaterschools.com.

Work Calendars

As the holiday season approaches, please be sure to check your Work Calendar for work dates and don’t forget about the January 4th Professional Development Day. Contact Gale Henry, ghenry@stillwaterschools.com with any questions.

Retirement

Seminars with OTRS and EGID for those wishing to retire will be held this spring. Details to come. 

SPS Monthly Wellness Tips: Three Goals for 2023-2024

Continuing with our 23-24 focus on movement (physical wellness), connections (social wellness), and work-life balance (emotional wellness), consider the following: 

• Movement: The holidays are full of fun and joy, but they can also bring challenges when it comes to maintaining our fitness routines. Here are a few ways to incorporate fitness into your holiday festivities: 

  • Family nature walk 

  • Dance to holiday tunes 

  • Walk up and down Main Street and look at the Christmas lights and decorations 

• Connections: This month I want to share some of the great ideas that came from our own SPS staff regarding how they are working to maintain healthy connections with others. 

  • I am trying to maintain healthy connections by prioritizing spending time with those I care about, especially the smaller circle of people that I would call my close friends and family. This could be as little as a text or call and as much as hanging with them for a weekend. How we spend our time reflects our priorities and those people are a priority for me.

  • I have been trying to open up and not be so closed off to people. Especially the people that I work with. I am consciously trying to have longer conversation and learn more about them and who they are outside of work.

  • I turn off work email notifications, so I'm not distracted by them in the evenings and weekends. I can then focus on who I am with at the time.

  • Spending time with family and friends while participating in activities we enjoy such as exercising, yoga, sporting events, concerts and plays.

  • Intentionally planning. Connection with others takes a little effort...it doesn't just happen to you.

  • I have started working out almost every weekday with a friend from another school after work.

  • Making time to go out after work with coworkers to talk about life, not just work.

  • Being present and not on my phone. 

• Work-Life Balance: 

  • Set a time to finish each day, or even a few days a week. This could give you time to have dinner with family, exercise or meet friends. 

  • Set free time to rest properly on weekends and weeknights.

  • Sign up for a regular activity, such as a class or club. Connecting with yourself and your passions can help avoid burnout.

  • Set time to move your body. This could be vigorous exercise or something gentle like a walk, yoga or stretching.

  • Separate home and work.

Staying Merry Mental Health & Stress Management tips from SPS District Counselor, Amber Lewis, LPC

The holidays can be a wonderful time but also incredibly overwhelming. Here are some tips to manage stress during a busy holiday season. 

“Ta-Da!”  A little girl was struggling to unbuckle her seat belt in the drop-off line this morning, and when she finally got it, she said, “Ta-Da!” with a big smile of accomplishment.  What a joy to observe that tiny celebration!  Little things can be big deals, and if we honor the smaller things, gaining confidence and joy in those, the rest of our day will be brighter, and a foundation is laid for future success in bigger things.

I encourage you to consider this in the upcoming holiday season.  While the assumption is that this is a joyous season, for many of us, stress can be overwhelming. If this is you, perhaps these principles will be helpful:

1. Set realistic expectations.  Perfection is our enemy.

2. Scale back. You don’t have to go, do, and buy everything; there is joy in not overspending our energy and money; and there is also joy in giving generously to the things that matter most.

3. Be mindful of grief and loneliness; make space to remember those you have lost and seek support when you need it.

So as you go about your holiday season, take pleasure in the smallest things…. Say “no” to an event you did not want to do?  “Ta-Da!,”  Take a shower on a day you did not want to get out of bed?  “Ta-Da!,” Store-bought instead of homemade?  “Ta-Da!,” and so on.  Find joy on your terms, and watch it grow.

More Mental Health & Stress Management tips from Jennifer Barton, PsyD.

1. Say NO. Don’t feel obligated to say yes to every party invite, every dinner, every holiday activity you’re invited to. 

2. Rest. The ability to relax is important in effectively managing stress and anxiety. 

3. Delegate. Many people will need to let go of the “if I want something done right, I have to do it myself” mentality or “I don’t want to bother anybody else.” You need to take a deep breath and just let go.

4. Accept help. While it may sound simple enough, accepting help is something that is extremely challenging for many of us. Remember the goal is to thrive and not just survive.

5. Breathe. Deep breathing is essential daily. A deep breathing exercise allows us to take fuller, slower breaths that reflect a genuinely relaxed state. 

6. Laugh. A good laugh has great immediate effects on the body. When you start to laugh, it doesn’t just lighten your load mentally, it also induces physical changes in your body. 

7. Don’t eat or drink too much. When under stress, we often immediately reach for food or alcohol to soothe ourselves. But this fix is very temporary, and ultimately causes more problems. In reality, we may just need to pull back, rest more, laugh, and breathe.

8. Keep holiday expectations realistic. We set our expectations, and we can choose to set them idealistically high, unintelligibly low, or somewhere in the middle. In certain circumstances, having no expectations can be exciting, because it means you have no idea of what’s coming next. 

The Dietitians Dish: Contributed by SPS Nutrition Director Krista Neal, MS, RD/LD, SNS

Holiday Starter or Souper Supper: Creamy Butternut Soup by Rachel Ray

Ingredients

• 2 butternut squash, halved and seeded
• Softened butter, for rubbing on squash, plus 2 tablespoons
• Salt and pepper
• Freshly grated nutmeg
• 1 bulb garlic, ends cut to expose cloves
• 1 large or 2 medium onions, chopped
• 2 Honeycrisp apples, peeled and chopped
• 10 leaves sage, thinly sliced
• 6 cups chicken stock
• A pinch of espelette or cayenne, to taste
• About 1/3 cup of heavy cream
• Toppings: toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas), fried sage leaves, chorizo crumbles or crispy strips of salami

Directions

Preheat the oven to 425 °F. Arrange the squash halves on a baking sheet and rub them with softened butter; season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Dress the garlic with olive oil, salt, and pepper and wrap in foil. Roast the squash and garlic for about 1 hour, let both cool to handle. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a soup pot over medium heat. Add the onions, apples, sage, salt, and pepper; cook, partially covered until very tender, 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the stock, squash, and roasted garlic cloves squished from their skins. Purée with an immersion blender, add the cream, blend again, and season with cayenne, just a pinch to your taste. Simmer over low heat until ready to serve.

Upcoming Events:

• November 30-Dec 12: Holiday Concerts at the SHS PAC
  • Thursday, Nov 30: SMS & SHS Orchestra
  • Tues, Dec 5 - SMS & SJHS Band 
  • Thurs, Dec 7 - SMS & SJHS Orchestra
  • Fri, Dec 8 - SMS Holiday Choir 
  • Thurs, Dec 14 - SHS Band 
  • Tues, Dec 12 - SHS & SJHS Choir

• December 1-17: Lights on the Lake (Friday-Sunday only)

  • On cold winter nights, enjoy the twinkling lights at Lake McMurtry! Grab a cup of hot cocoa and head to Lake McMurtry for an evening full of holiday magic! 

• December 7: Parade of Lights 

  • 2023 Stillwater Holiday Parade of Lights and Tree Lighting, 6:30 pm on Main Street 

• December 9: Hand in Hand for the Holidays Fundraiser at Stonecloud 

  • Kid friendly event with a silent and live auction as well as Purdy Q food truck!  You won't want to miss this fun and exciting way to give back to the community. The event will benefit Habitat for Humanity. More information here. 

• December 14: Holiday Cookies and Trains at the Botanic Garden at OSU  

  • Bring the family out to the garden for an evening of holiday music, cookies and hot chocolate or coffee along with a crackling campfire. Enjoy watching the special G-scale holiday train chug along the track. This event is free and open to the public. 4-6 pm. 

• December 14: Stillwater Community Singers Holiday Concert 

  • Let the Stillwater Community Singers get you in the holiday spirit! From familiar favorites to newer renditions, this concert will offer something for every holiday enthusiast. Join us on Thursday, 12/14, at 7:30pm at the Stillwater Community Center at 8th & Duck.

• December 15: Stillwater Community Band Holiday Concert 7:00 PM at the Stillwater Community Center

• December 15: Public Safety Holiday Round-Up 

  • Visit Downtown Stillwater (615 S. Main) to hang out with the Stillwater Fire Department, Animal Welfare, Stillwater Emergency, Management Association and the Stillwater Police Department. There will be hot cocoa, a truck lighting, and swag bags for guests! 4-6 pm. December 25: Community Dinner 

• • The Stillwater Community Center will be handing out hot meals to serve the Stillwater community on Christmas Day. It will be a drive-thru event again this year due to construction at the community center. They need volunteers if you would like to join them. This is open to anyone and there will be a toy and stocking for kids in attendance. The meal provided will be turkey, ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, dressing, a roll and cake. 11-2