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Wellness
news & updates
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March Wellness - Thrive with Kind Communication | |
Relationships are an essential component of our lives as educators and as human beings. When our relationships are healthy, they provide the foundation for our well-being and an added layer of joy and meaning that we are not likely to find alone. | |
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Kind communication is the key to creating trusted and collaborative relationships. For this reason, learning to listen and express ourselves in a kind and connecting way has immense benefits.
At the January All-Staff meeting, we learned about a model of communication called nonviolent communication (video, 5:22 mins.). Practicing nonviolent communication does not mean that we do not experience concerns or conflicts but it provides a framework to move through conflicts and concerns with positive outcomes for all parties. Learning new communication techniques takes practice and a lot of patience but practicing nonviolent communication will transform you, your well-being, and the way you relate to students, colleagues, and others at work. Kind communication is the foundation of a thriving community.
Question: Can you think of one or two people who have excellent communication skills? What makes them good communicators? How can you incorporate some of these qualities into your daily communication?
More resources on kind (nonviolent) communication:
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Wellness activities are designed to support the physical, social, and emotional well-being of all staff.
Upcoming Staff Wellness Center Events:
Weekly Offerings
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Gentle Yoga: Tuesdays, 3:45 to 4:15 p.m. Practice mindful movement woven with themes to strengthen relationships. Sign up
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Take 10: Wednesdays,11:50 a.m. to noon. Includes mindfulness and guided reflection on themes related to communication and positive interactions. Drop in or RSVP through Google Calendar.
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Programs and Events
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Kind Conversations in Action: Thursdays, March 16, 23, and 30, and April 6, 11:50 a.m. to 12:10 p.m. Engage in exercises and role play using nonviolent communication. RSVP through the Google calendar invite or drop in.
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MetroED Hikes at Communications Hill: Thursday, March 30 at 4:05 p.m. Sign up for more details.
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MetroED Hikes at Villa Montalvo: Saturday, April 15 at 8:30 a.m. Sign up for more details.
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MetroED Walks: Beginning April 19 and 20, meet at the Staff Wellness Center, weekly on Wednesdays at 10:45 a.m. and Thursdays at 2:00 p.m., for some fresh air and a mild walk with colleagues. Sign up to get a calendar invite.
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10th Annual Lam Research Heart & Soles Event - Saturday, May 6, 8:00 am, Santa Clara University. Register to walk or run with MetroED. The $50 fee includes a T-shirt, medal, and refreshments.
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Kind Conversations in Action: Thursdays, March 16 to April 6 | |
In this four-part series, participants will practice using nonviolent communication tools with a variety of scenarios. Come learn in a safe and accepting environment.
RSVP through the Google calendar invite.
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Set Boundaries to Protect Your Well-being | |
Boundaries are the limits you put in place to prioritize your well-being. It is about identifying what you need to feel safe, secure, and content. Having boundaries is one way to create the conditions for you to thrive.
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Get The Headspace App - Free For All Staff | |
Headspace offers free access to K-12 teachers and supporting staff in educational environments. Whether you're looking for ways to create more calm for yourself or in the classroom, Headspace can help build healthy habits. Better focus, less stress, and happier thoughts are just a few minutes away.
To get your free subscription:
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Go to www.headspace.com/educators
- Click on “Get your free subscription”
- Create an account using your metroed.net email account.
For assistance, contact Tricia Zamora.
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Employee Assistance Program: Caring for the Caregiver Free Resources | |
In addition to providing cost-free counseling services for you and your household members, your Employee Assistance Program highlights a monthly health topic on the website.This month’s health topic is Caring for the Caregiver.
To access informational webinars and resources for caregivers:
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Join us on Saturday, May 6 for a community 5K/10K walk/run and celebrate 10 years of giving back to local youth health and wellness programs. The $50 entry fee includes a race shirt, race bib, refreshments, and a finisher medal!
All proceeds will be donated to local youth health & wellness programs provided by the YMCA of Silicon Valley, the Boys and Girls Club of Silicon Valley, and the Santa Clara County Office of Education.
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Celebrate National Nutrition Month this March | |
National Nutrition Month® is an annual campaign created 50 years ago in 1973 by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. This year's theme, "Fuel for the Future", reminds us that eating with sustainability in mind is a tasty way to nourish ourselves while protecting the environment.
In the article “Eat with the Environment in Mind,” Harvard’s School of Public Health suggests these five tips:
- Prioritize plants
- Minimize meats
- Select new seafood
- Look local
- Eat mindfully
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Health Talk: Sleep Apnea, Thurs. March 23, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. | |
Kaiser Permanente hosts free monthly health talks available to all staff, whether or not you are a Kaiser member.
This month, Thomas M. Dailey, MD, FCCP, Medical Director of the Sleep Apnea Management Program, will share the causes of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea, its effects on your health, and effective treatments.
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Mindful March with Action for Happiness | |
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Action for Happiness is a movement of people taking action to create a happier and kinder world together. Monthly themes are based on “Ten Keys” to a happier and more fulfilling life. This month we are encouraged to find new ways to create happiness.
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March is Women’s History Month | |
Women’s History Month pays homage to the women who changed history through advocacy, civic engagement, and by being upstanders. Women continue to inspire future generations with actions that can change history for the better. When girls and women are supported, nurtured, and empowered, they become leaders.
The resources below provide information about trailblazers who created paths for current and future generations of women:
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The Governing Board is committed to providing equal opportunity for all individuals in education. District programs, activities, and practices shall be free from unlawful discrimination, including discrimination against an individual or group based on race, color, ancestry, nationality, national origin, ethnic group identification, age, religion, marital, pregnancy, or parental status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, or genetic information; a perception of one or more of such characteristics; or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. | | | | |
