Welcome to Mindful March!

This month, we invite you to slow down and embrace mindfulness in everyday moments. By pausing, breathing, and noticing, we create space to respond with intention rather than react out of habit. Let’s take small steps each day toward greater awareness, kindness, and presence.

Click here to download and print the calendar.

Important Health Coverage Tax Documents

SLUSD continually strives to offer and educate staff about our unique and advantageous benefits. One such benefit is our elective retirement savings plan(s) that employees can utilize to help provide financial security at retirement. In order to ensure you receive information about this benefit, we are pleased to provide you with a newsletter that has been prepared by the compliance administrator for our plan(s), U.S. OMNI & TSACG Compliance Services (OMNI/TSACG). In addition to providing information about our plan(s), OMNI/TSACG also offers a Financial Wellness website that covers areas such as managing personal finances, college funding options, and how to navigate Social Security when the time comes. You will find calculators, videos, and informative content on various topics to help guide you in your planning process.

The newsletter will be sent seasonally, and we encourage you to take advantage of this excellent resource. English and Spanish versions of the Employee newsletter can be downloaded here:

https://www.tsacg.com/about-us/newsletters/ 

Please contact Maria David at mdavid@slusd.us or (510) 667-0537 with any questions.

24/7 Confidential Mental Health & Substance Use Support Available 

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

Get Ready to Spring Forward on Sunday!

You can prepare to “spring forward” with the upcoming time change by gradually shifting your schedule in the week leading up to the time change. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine advises trying to adjust your schedule slowly by going to bed around 15-20 minutes earlier each day.

The timing of other daily activities, such as meals and exercise, can also be gradually adjusted forward. By making these changes gradually over the week before the time change, you begin daylight saving time by already starting to acclimate to the new time on the clock. Read more suggestions here.

Protect Your Vision During Save Your Vision Week (March 3–9, 2025)

Your eyesight is essential to overall well-being, and small habits can make a big difference in maintaining eye health. Save Your Vision Week is a great reminder to schedule an eye exam, take regular screen breaks, and practice good eye care. Learn more about ways to protect your vision and reduce eye strain.

Seven Ways to Shift Your Difficult Emotions

A new book gives guidance on research-based ways to manage our emotions more effectively without suppressing them. Read more here.

Chronic Stress and Women's Health

Chronic stress can take a serious toll on both mental and physical health, affecting 1 in 5 women each year. Unmanaged stress can contribute to depression, anxiety, and unhealthy habits like overeating and inactivity. This infographic highlights the impact of stress and offers simple, healthy ways to cope—because taking care of your well-being is essential.

Improve your Mobility in March

Daily movement breaks are key to feeling your best. This quick, no-equipment routine is designed to improve flexibility, ease stiffness, and help you move more freely—whether you’re starting your day or taking a break from work. Just 10 minutes can make a difference! See how here.

SLUSD Pet of the Month: Meet Eugene Caraher!

When Eva Caraher, SLUSD Behavior Specialist, welcomed Eugene into her life in May 2023, she knew he had a long road ahead. Fostered by a caring couple in Alameda, Eugene had already made strides, but he was still a cautious soul, wary of touch, loud noises, and even eating in front of others.

At first, Eva wasn’t sure if Eugene would adjust—especially to her active lifestyle. But with patience and love, he slowly found his confidence. Now, he greets her with joyful zoomies, plays peekaboo after work, and has even learned to hop into the car for adventures. While sudden noises still startle him (trash trucks remain the ultimate villain), he’s embracing new experiences, from tug-of-war to making cautious but playful connections with other dogs.

Eugene may have started his journey with fear, but today, he’s thriving in his forever home—proving that trust, time, and a little bit of sunshine can make all the difference. He is, without a doubt, the “bestest good boy.”

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

No-Bake Vegan Peanut Butter & Jelly Bars

These no-bake bars taste just like a classic PB&J sandwich—only better! Made with just six simple ingredients, they’re naturally vegan, gluten-free, oil-free, and soy-free, making them a perfect snack or breakfast treat.

Ingredients (Makes 8-16 bars)

• 1 packed cup soft Medjool dates, pitted
• 2 ¾ cups rolled oats
• ½ cup smooth, drippy peanut butter (no sugar added)
• 3 tbsp pure maple syrup
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• ½ tsp fine sea salt
• 4-6 oz raspberry or strawberry jam

Instructions

1. If dates are not soft, soak them in hot water for 5 minutes, then drain and pat dry.
2. In a food processor, blend oats into a fine flour.
3. Add dates, peanut butter, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt. Pulse until a sticky dough forms. If too dry, add a small splash of plant-based milk or extra maple syrup.
4. If the dough is too sticky to handle, chill in the fridge for 20 minutes.
5. Line a loaf pan (8x4 or 9x5 inches) with parchment paper, leaving extra on the sides for easy removal. Press the dough evenly into the pan, smoothing the top with your fingers or a flat-bottomed glass. Freeze for at least 30 minutes.
6. Warm the jam in a saucepan over medium-low heat until slightly runny, then spread evenly over the chilled dough.
7. Return to the freezer to set, then slice into bars or squares. Serve immediately and store leftovers in the freezer.

One-Pot Vegan Chili Mac

Looking for a hearty, protein-packed meal that’s easy, budget-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights? This One-Pot Vegan Chili Mac combines the bold flavors of chili with comforting pasta—all in one pot for easy cleanup. Plus, it’s simple to make gluten-free, soy-free, or oil-free.

Ingredients (Serves 6)

• 1 tbsp olive oil (or 1/3 cup water for oil-free)
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 6 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 8 oz cremini mushrooms, chopped
• 1 (8 oz) block tempeh, grated or crumbled
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp oregano
• 2 tsp cumin
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for spice)
• 1 ½ tsp kosher salt
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 (15 oz) can pinto, kidney, or black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (28 oz) can fire-roasted crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 (15 oz) can sweet corn, drained and rinsed
• 12 oz elbow or cavatappi pasta
• 2-3 tsp agave, maple syrup, or coconut/brown sugar

Toppings (Optional, but Recommended!)

• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Lime juice
• Shredded vegan cheese
• Vegan sour cream
• Pickled red onions

Instructions

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat oil (or water) over medium heat. Add onions with a pinch of salt and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in garlic, mushrooms, and tempeh, cooking for 5 more minutes.
2. Add the chili powder, paprika, oregano, cumin, cayenne, and salt. Stir and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in vegetable broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pot.
4. Add beans, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, corn, and pasta. Stir to combine.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 12-15 minutes, or until pasta is tender but not soggy. Add extra broth if needed.
6. Stir in sweetener and adjust seasoning to taste. If using vegan cheese, sprinkle on top, cover, and let it melt for a few minutes.
7. Let the chili mac rest for 15 minutes before serving. Top with fresh cilantro, lime juice, or any of your favorite toppings.