Welcome to Active April!

This month, let’s find ways to get moving and stay active and healthy—whether it’s taking a walk, stretching during the day, dancing to your favorite music, or just stepping outside for fresh air. Small actions can make a big difference in how we feel, both physically and emotionally. Let’s support one another in building healthy habits that keep our minds and bodies strong all month long.

Click here to download and print the calendar.

Shine a Light on Someone Amazing!

We love celebrating the incredible people who make SLUSD shine, and we need your help to do it. Do you know a staff member who goes above and beyond, brings positivity to their school or department, or helps make our district a truly special place to work and learn? Let us know by submitting a shoutout, and we’ll feature them in this newsletter. It’s time to give our everyday stars the spotlight they deserve!

April is Stress Awareness Month

With busy schedules and academic demands, it’s important for students and staff to take quick breaks to reset and practice mindfulness. Step outside, take a deep breath, or try a short mindfulness exercise—these moments can help you manage stress and stay focused.

Your mental health matters. Taking care of yourself is a sign of strength.

If you need support, Care Solace offers 24/7/365 confidential mental health care coordination:



📞 888-515-0595 (Multilingual support available)

🌐 www.caresolace.com/slusdfamilies

Multilingualism is Magic for Your Brain!

April is National Bilingual/Multilingual Learner Advocacy Month—a perfect time to celebrate the many benefits of knowing more than one language. But this month isn’t just about students; it’s also an invitation for all of us to explore new languages, even in small ways. Whether it’s picking up a few phrases, using a language app, or practicing with a friend, learning another language can boost brain function, improve memory, enhance emotional regulation, and even delay the onset of dementia. It’s a fun and powerful way to support your well-being! Get motivated here!

Bancroft Braves the Wild: Outward Bound Adventures in Action!

Check out this incredible highlight reel from Bancroft Middle School’s Outward Bound adventures—a journey filled with courage, collaboration, and sheer joy! From climbing high to cheering each other on, students and staff pushed their limits and lifted each other up every step of the way. Don’t miss a special appearance by Bancroft’s own daredevil, Deanna Slaton, showing us what fearless teaching looks like in action!

April is Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Month!

Routine screenings can mean better outcomes for your health—that means more treatment options, more healthy days ahead and more time with the people you love. Learn more here.

How to Get Good at Conflict

According to a new book, there are tools we can learn to help us sit with conflict and grow from it. By embracing discomfort, we can build stronger relationships, deepen understanding, and become more resilient in the face of challenge. Read more here.

Feel Like Something’s Missing? Try to Live an Interesting Life

A new book offers a potential alternative to aiming for a happy or a meaningful life. By embracing curiosity, novelty, and even a bit of discomfort, we might just discover a richer, more fulfilling way to live. Read more here.

SLUSD Pet of the Month: Meet Midnight Jacob!

Meet Midnight, the adventurous cat of John Muir Middle School Vice Principal Mycel Jacob! Midnight joined the family in November 2020 after being rescued by Mycel’s sister-in-law in Los Angeles. On Thanksgiving that year, the Jacobs drove down to bring this COVID kitty home—and she’s been on the move ever since!



From Tahoe to Sea Ranch, San Diego to Vegas, and even the Grand Canyon and Bryce Canyon, Midnight is a true road trip companion. With so many travel stories, Mycel is thinking of starting an Instagram to document Midnight’s adventures—or maybe even creating postcards featuring her travel snaps just to amuse (and possibly annoy) friends.

Midnight proves that curiosity doesn’t just belong to the cats—it belongs to their humans too!

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

Mind-Blowing Cauliflower Soup

Even cauliflower haters love this creamy, comforting soup!

Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 20 mins

Total Time: 35 mins

Servings: 6–8

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp grapeseed or olive oil
• 2 tsp minced garlic (about 2 cloves)
• 2 cups sliced leeks (white parts only) or diced yellow onion
• 1 tsp sea salt, plus more to taste
• 1 large head cauliflower, chopped
• 7 cups vegetable broth
• 1/4 cup blanched slivered almonds or raw cashews
• 3 tbsp chopped chives (for garnish)

Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Sauté garlic, leeks, and 1/4 tsp salt for 3 minutes until soft.
2. Add cauliflower and cook 1 minute.
3. Pour in broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20–30 minutes, until cauliflower is tender.
4. Remove from heat, stir in almonds or cashews, and let cool slightly.
5. Blend in batches until smooth and creamy.
6. Return soup to pot, reheat on low, and season with salt to taste.
7. Serve hot, topped with chopped chives or a sprinkle of nutmeg.

Damp Lemon & Almond Cake

Vegan, gluten-free, easy—and absolutely divine!

Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 45–60 mins

Servings: One 9-inch cake

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 3/4 cup maple sugar or cane sugar
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 tsp almond extract
• 4 cups blanched almond flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 1 tbsp coconut flour (for dusting)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 9x3-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
2. Blend almond milk, olive oil, applesauce, lemon juice, sugar, vinegar, and almond extract until smooth (10–20 seconds).
3. In a large bowl, mix almond flour, baking powder, and lemon zest. Gently fold in the blended mixture until thick and combined—don’t overmix.
4. Pour into prepared pan and level the top.
5. Bake for 45–60 minutes, until golden and a skewer comes out clean.
6. Cool completely, release from pan, and dust with coconut flour to mimic powdered sugar.