Welcome to Friendlier February!

This month, we’re celebrating Friendlier February—a time to focus on kindness, connection, and small acts that make a big difference. Every gesture matters, whether it’s offering a helping hand, sharing a smile, or simply taking a moment to check in with a friend. Let’s make February a month filled with warmth and positivity in our schools and community. Need inspiration? Try a daily act of kindness, write a note of appreciation, or invite someone new to join an activity. Together, we can make the world a little brighter—one friendly act at a time!

Click here to download and print the calendar.

Important Health Coverage Tax Documents

Active employees of SLUSD may request a copy of their 1095-C Health Coverage form by contacting Maria David. If you would like to receive a copy of your 2024 1095-C, please contact Maria David at mdavid@slusd.us or (510) 667-0537, and a copy will be mailed to your home address.

Valentine's Day & Random Acts of Kindness Week

As we all work to create a kinder world, we can start with ourselves and our community. We invite you to celebrate Valentine’s Day (February 14th) and Random Acts of Kindness Week (February 9-15) by spreading kindness.

There is no limit on the amount of goodness we can put into the world. Every ounce of kindness matters and inspires kindness in others. Ready to participate in the Kindness Challenge? Here are ideas to get started:

1. Join the #MakeKindnessTheNorm challenge and share your acts of kindness on social media.
2. Practice kindness and self-compassion with these guided practices and exercises: Self-Compassion Practices
3. Some of us are already taking steps to find professional help with our well-being and perhaps you or a loved one should too. If you or a family member would like help finding a mental health care provider, use Care Solace, a complimentary and confidential coordination service provided by San Leandro Unified School District:

• Call 888-515-0595. Support is available 24/7/365 in any language.
• Visit caresolace.com/slusdfamilies and either search on your own OR click “Book Appointment” for assistance by video chat, email, or phone.

Spreading kindness improves our well-being and fosters a caring community. What will you do to spread kindness?

Can We Build a World Where We All Belong?

john a. powell explains why we distance ourselves from groups of people and how we can all find the connection that we crave. Read more here.

How to Help Your Loved Ones Stick to Their Goals

Want to help friends and family follow through on their New Year resolutions? Christine Carter has seven tips for you. Read more here.

SLUSD Pet of the Month: Rita Gutay

Meet Rita, a spirited two-year-old American Cocker Spaniel—though her owner, Angela Gutay, SLUSD Personnel Services Specialist, suspects there’s some Cavalier in the mix. One of her most striking features is her heterochromia, meaning her right eye is blue, and her left eye is brown.

Rita was rescued from Las Vegas when puppy stores shut down due to a new law. Angela’s sister was actually the one looking for a puppy, but in an unexpected twist, Angela found her perfect match instead. As a proud Beatles fan, Angela named her after a certain song—if you know, you know.

This spunky pup loves her walks and has a habit of collecting sticks along the way, earning her the nickname "Branch Manager." But when the day winds down, she enjoys curling up on a lap or next to her feline friend, Timothy.

This photo was taken when Rita graduated from her intermediate puppy class—and it even made it onto the We Rate Dogs website. A well-earned recognition for a one-of-a-kind pup.

Do you know an adorable SLUSD pet that deserves some virtual tummy kisses? Send to communications@slusd.us and share the joy!

Quick & Delicious: General Tso’s Tofu

Enjoy a spicy-sweet, takeout-style meal in just 30 minutes with this healthier twist on a classic!

Ingredients:

• Tofu: 10 oz firm tofu, cubed
• Marinade: 2 tbsp tamari (or soy sauce), 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• Coating: 6 tbsp cornstarch, oil for frying
• Sauce: 3 tbsp tamari, 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 3 tbsp vegetable stock/water, 3 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp cornstarch, ⅛ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Extras: 2 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions:

1. Marinate tofu in tamari and vinegar for 5+ minutes. Drain.
2. Coat tofu in cornstarch and pan-fry until golden brown. Set aside.
3. Sauté garlic in the same pan until golden.
4. Mix sauce ingredients and cook in the skillet until thickened.
5. Combine tofu with the sauce, cook for 1-2 minutes, and serve over rice.

Tips: Bake tofu instead of frying for an oil-free version, or swap tofu for cauliflower! Leftovers? Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Vegan Chocolate Protein Pudding – Two Ways!

Indulge in rich, chocolaty vegan pudding made with just 6 simple ingredients! Choose from cashews for a creamy texture or black beans for extra protein.

Ingredients:

• Base: 1 scant cup raw cashews (or 1 cup cooked black beans)
• Liquid: 3-4 tbsp unsweetened almond or coconut milk
• Flavor: ¼ cup cocoa/cacao powder, 1-2 tbsp maple syrup, 2 pitted Medjool dates
• Extras: 1 pinch sea salt, 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional), 1 tbsp melted coconut oil (optional)

Instructions:

1. Black Bean Pudding: Blend rinsed beans with remaining ingredients until smooth. Strain for a silky finish.
2. Cashew Pudding: Soak cashews in hot water for 1 hour, drain, and blend with ingredients until thick and creamy.
3. Chill in the fridge for 2-3 hours to thicken.

Serving Ideas: Top with coconut whipped cream, fresh fruit, or peanut butter.

Storage: Keeps 3-4 days in the fridge or up to 1 month in the freezer.