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On this very snowy day, we wanted to provide you with ideas on how to engage students during indoor recess. Remember that indoor recess doesn't mean that students can't be active. Playworks has a large bank of indoor games you can implement at your school.
Interested in creating an indoor recess policy? HERE are some additional ideas.
| | Jeffco Schools: Day of Gratitude Recap | |
We are thrilled to share that our Day of Gratitude was a massive success with 94 schools participating! A heartfelt thank you to the many participating schools whose staff and students enthusiastically embraced the challenge—filling hallways and dedicated 'gratitude spots' with vibrant expressions of thanks. By integrating gratitude as a daily practice, we're not just hosting an event; we're equipping students with a foundational life skill they'll carry with them long after the last post-it is placed.
If you have pictures you would like included in the photo collage, please send via email.
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SOURCES OF STRENGTH HIGHLIGHT:
Bear Creek K-8
Sources of Strength is not simply a club or a program, but a powerful community-wide public health initiative. Peer leaders are Agents of Change. They help facilitate, inform, and connect school communities through conversations and relationships in targeted messaging campaigns.
This month, we highlight the work done by BCK8! Students connected and informed peers about Sources and the strengths wheel in classroom presentations. They also utilize Sources of Strength's planning concept of play, share, and plan at each of their meetings. Shout out to BCK8 for helping to build a community of strength!
| | Keep the Wellness Momentum Going: New Funds are Here! | | |
We are delighted to announce that Healthy Schools has successfully secured additional grant funding to keep the momentum going! This means we still have ample opportunities to support your amazing work in transforming your school environment. Need support for increasing physical activity, fostering social-emotional learning, or enriching your nutrition education? We have the funds to assist!
A quick heads-up: To responsibly manage the funding provided, and to help us nail down future grants and district data, completing the Wellness Policy Evaluation is a required step for all applicants. Don't let the paperwork slow you down! This evaluation is a quick check-in that keeps our funding stream healthy. Get it done, and let's get you the resources!
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The Power of Morning Light
Stanford neuroscientist Dr. Andrew Huberman reminds us that one of the simplest ways to boost focus, mood, and sleep quality is to get morning sunlight within an hour of waking. When natural light enters your eyes, it triggers serotonin production, sets your body’s internal clock, and helps you feel more alert during the day and sleep better at night.
Try it: Step outside with your kids before school for 5–10 minutes. Take a short walk, breathe deeply, and soak up the light.
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Exercise: Our Most Powerful Tool for Lifelong Health
On 60 Minutes, Dr. Peter Attia explains that strength, balance, and cardio fitness aren’t just for athletes, they’re essential for everyone, including parents and kids. Staying active builds confidence and coordination early in life and preserves independence as we age.
Try it: Parents and kids can each pick one weekly challenge: like a 20-minute family walk, a 1-minute plank, or five push-ups a day. Building small habits now sets the foundation for a lifetime of health. Check out these family physical activity calendars for more ideas:
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Jeffco Public Schools partners with Hazel Health, Inc. to provide free, additional physical and mental health care services for students. This is a telehealth extension of support to Jeffco students enrolled at district-managed schools. These on-demand integrated healthcare services are evidence-based, culturally responsive and can be accessed at home with a parent or legal guardian. | |
School Cafe- School Menus and Food Promotions | REMINDER: Families can use SchoolCafe as a way to make payments online, view Jeffco menus, find nutritional information, and promotions. | |
CTC- Jeffco Teens Workgroup | |
Jeffco CTC is looking for new Jeffco Teens (aged 11-22 years) to join their Jeffco Teens Workshop!
- Youth are paid quarterly for their participation and are compensated $25 for every meeting up to 90 minutes they attend. Other opportunities for paid activities may arise.
- Work on projects to improve health, safety, and wellness in Jefferson County.
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Sic of Nic?
Jefferson County Public Health-Nicotine Cessation Program
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Ready to help the young people in your life ditch nicotine for good? Jefferson county youth ages 12-21 can access free Nicotine Replacement Therapy. Share www.jeffco.us/NRT or call (303) 239-7040 to help get them started.
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Colorado Educator Support
This free program provides mental health resources for Colorado's educational workforce, in partnership with the University of Colorado Anschutz Department of Psychiatry, including a Support Line and individual counseling sessions
Well-Being Support Line
Call or text 303-724-2500, Monday through Friday, 12 pm to 7 pm, for confidential support and resources.
Individual Sessions
Up to five, free one-hour Zoom sessions with the same counselor. To schedule, call or text 303-724-2500 or email coloradoeducatorsupport@cuanschutz.edu.
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School Garden Networking Meeting
Connect with other Jeffco School Garden enthusiasts. This will be a meeting of the garden minds to share stories, suggestions, and successes. Register HERE to receive a calendar invite.
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PBIS and Recess: An integration for success
Learn recess best practices and how to extend your school's PBIS framework out onto the playground. This session is for anyone who supervises recess. In addition to learning new recess games, you will learn how to zone your playground to increase supervision, use similar language across the school, and address minor behaviors. Register in Vector.
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