Welcome to Self-Care September!

Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential. Taking time to rest, recharge, and care for your well-being helps you show up stronger for yourself and those around you. This month, make space for small daily practices that bring you balance, peace, and energy.

Click here to download and print the calendar.

Staff Spotlight: SLUSD's Joanne Clark

This month, we’re celebrating our own Joanne Clark, whose energy and leadership make a lasting difference across SLUSD. From the words of her peers:

“Joanne’s hockey-like hustle and boundless positivity lift the entire team. She brings energy that makes even the hardest days feel possible.”

“As Senior Director for SLUSD Educational Services, Joanne has shaped programs that make a real difference for students and families across our district.”

“What stands out about Joanne is her selflessness. She puts others first and always finds a way to bring people together to do what is best for kids.”

We love celebrating the people who make SLUSD shine—and we need your help! Know a staff member who goes above and beyond or brings positivity to their school or department? Submit a shoutout here and we’ll feature them in an upcoming newsletter. It’s time to give our everyday stars the spotlight they deserve!

Free, Confidential Help for You and Your Family

Through SLUSD’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP), you and your family can get free, confidential support anytime. Services include counseling, financial coaching, legal help, peer support groups, and resources for parenting, eldercare, and more. Access help 24/7 at claremonteap.com or call 1-800-834-3773.

24/7 Confidential Support: Mental Health Help for San Leandro Unified Staff and Families

San Leandro Unified School District students, staff, and families looking for help with mental health or substance use can call Care Solace at 888-515-0595 for 24/7/365 personalized and confidential help finding a therapist, or they can search on their own at www.caresolace.com/slusdfamilies.

Don’t hesitate to ask for help, use the resources around you, and never give up hope.

Are You Financially Prepared?

It’s never too early—or too late—to plan for retirement or the unexpected. SLUSD’s authorized providers can help with pre-tax medical savings, life and disability insurance, accident coverage, and retirement options like 403(b), 457(b), and Roth 403(b).

SLUSD staff often connect with:

• Jim Adgar, PlanMember Services — jadgar@planmembersec.com
• Allen Perry, American Fidelity — Allen.Perry@americanfidelity.com

See the full list of authorized providers here: SLUSD Authorized Investment Providers

Questions? Contact Maria David, SLUSD Employee Benefits Specialist, at 510-667-0537 or mdavid@slusd.us.

September is National Preparedness Month

Whether natural disasters, power outages, or other unexpected events, preparedness is critical to keeping our families and community safe. Throughout the month, take simple steps like creating an emergency plan, building a supply kit, and staying informed about potential risks. Get prepared to face any challenge that comes our way.

Celebrate National Yoga Awareness Month with Down Dog!

As part of their commitment to providing affordable fitness and wellness content, Down Dog has made all apps free for students and teachers at primary and secondary schools! This only works if you have a school-issued email address, which everyone in SLUSD does!

You can apply for free access by filling out the form here.

The Six Points of Connection We All Need

Research indicates that a variety of different social behaviors help prevent loneliness and foster a sense of community and belonging. Read more here.

Healthy Aging Month 2025: Redefine Your Next Chapter

September is Healthy Aging Month, a time to focus on staying active, engaged, and inspired at every stage of life. This year’s theme, “Never Too Late to Reinvent Yourself,” encourages us to explore new hobbies, set fresh goals, and embrace positive changes for our physical, mental, and social well-being. Read the full article here.

How to Start a Self-Care Routine You’ll Follow

Self-care is about building simple routines that support your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Start small—choose one habit like moving daily, eating nourishing meals, or getting better sleep—and build from there. Pick activities you enjoy, like listening to music or connecting with friends, so your routine feels natural. The key is consistency and paying attention to what helps you feel your best. Read more here.

SLUSD Pet of the Month: Lord Yardley Simon

Every cat deserves a forever family, and Lord Yardley has officially found his. This sweet, mellow boy was recently adopted by our very own Assistant Superintendent of Business Services, Larry Simon, along with his wife, Gabi, and their daughter, Adriana.

Though shy at first, Lord Yardley quickly showed the Simons his true personality by serenading them at mealtime with his charming melodies and showing off his expert biscuit-making skills. With patience and care, he has settled right in, bringing warmth and joy to their home.

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

One-Pot Vegan Hamburger Helper

A hearty, high-protein vegan pasta that’s creamy, comforting, and easy to make in just one pot.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 12 ounces vegan Italian sausage (such as Beyond Hot Italian), crumbled
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon chipotle chili powder
• Pinch of cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup shredded vegan cheese (mozzarella or cheddar style)
• 2 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
• 12 ounces short pasta (penne, rigatoni, or similar)
• 2 cups water (enough to just cover pasta)
• ½ cup crispy fried onions (store-bought or homemade)
• ¼ cup shredded vegan parmesan

Instructions

Sauté the onions

• Preheat oven to 350°F.
• In a large Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
• Add onions, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring often, until golden brown with slightly dark edges.

Cook the sausage and spices

• Reduce heat to medium.
• Add crumbled vegan sausage and garlic. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring often, until browned.
• Stir in paprika, chipotle chili powder, cayenne, onion powder, garlic powder, nutritional yeast, thyme, sage, and oregano. Cook 2–3 minutes more to toast the spices.

Add tomatoes and pasta

• Stir in crushed tomatoes, vegan cheese, tamari, and sea salt. Cook for 7–8 minutes, stirring often, until mixture comes to a light simmer.
• Add pasta and 2 cups of water—just enough to barely cover the noodles. Stir well, cover with a lid, and transfer to the oven.
• Bake for 30 minutes.

Finish baking

• Remove from oven and stir well. Taste and adjust seasoning.
• Top with crispy fried onions and vegan parmesan.
• Return to oven uncovered and bake for another 15 minutes, until the top is crunchy and bubbly and pasta is fully cooked.

Notes

• Because the pasta cooks in the sauce, only a small amount of water is added. Too much will make the noodles mushy.
• Fresh herbs (basil, oregano, thyme, sage) can be used instead of dried—add them with the seasonings.
• The dish freezes well and can also be baked in individual ramekins for easy reheating.

Quinoa Breakfast Cookies

These hearty vegan cookies are packed with quinoa, oats, and carrots for a high-protein, naturally sweetened breakfast or snack. They’re gluten-free, wholesome, and perfect for grab-and-go mornings.

Ingredients (makes 12 large cookies)

• 1 cup oat flour (see note)
• 1 cup whole rolled oats*
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ½ cup cooked quinoa
• 1 cup finely shredded carrots
• 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed + 5 tablespoons warm water
• ½ cup almond butter
• ¼ cup melted coconut oil
• ½ cup maple syrup
• ½ cup chopped nuts and/or seeds (e.g., walnuts, pepitas)
• ½ cup dried cranberries

Instructions

Prep

• Preheat oven to 350°F.
• Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Mix dry ingredients

• In a large bowl, stir together oat flour, rolled oats, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and sea salt.
• Fold in the quinoa and shredded carrots until carrots are coated with flour.

Make flax egg

• In a small bowl, stir ground flaxseed with warm water. Let thicken for 5 minutes.

Mix wet ingredients

• In another bowl, stir almond butter, coconut oil, and maple syrup until smooth.
• Add the flax mixture and stir to combine.

Combine

• Add wet mixture to dry ingredients. Stir until just combined.
• Fold in nuts/seeds and cranberries.

Bake

• Scoop about ¼ cup of dough per cookie onto baking sheet.
• Bake 15–18 minutes, until lightly browned.
• Cool 5 minutes on the pan, then transfer to a wire rack.

Store

• Once cooled, store in an airtight container or freeze.

Notes

• To make oat flour: blend or process rolled oats into a fine flour, then measure out 1 cup.
• Use certified gluten-free oats if necessary.