Welcome to Optimistic October!

This month’s calendar is filled with simple, uplifting actions designed to help us slow down, connect, and cultivate more joy in our daily lives. Each small step can spark kindness, gratitude, and a stronger sense of community. Let’s embrace October as a chance to focus on what truly matters—our well-being and the well-being of those around us.

Click here to download and print the calendar.

Staff Spotlight: SLUSD's Lorena Reyes

Lorena has been a trusted part of SLUSD for many years, guiding us through busy hiring seasons and helping thousands of employees start their journey in our district.

When the department was short-staffed, Lorena really stepped up. She kept everything moving with her calm and organized approach, and made sure that no one felt left behind. Her colleagues say she’s the kind of teammate you can always count on — whether it’s keeping the process on track, answering questions, or just bringing a sense of calm when things get hectic.

Thank you, Lorena, for your commitment and for the care and professionalism you bring to SLUSD every day. We are so grateful for you!

We love celebrating the people who make SLUSD shine—and we need your help! Do you know a staff member who consistently goes above and beyond, bringing 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!

Claremont Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Can Help Answer Your Questions

SLUSD employees and their families have free, confidential access to counseling and practical resources through the Claremont EAP. From emotional support to legal, financial, and work/life guidance, the program connects you with specialists who can help you navigate life’s challenges.

EAP offers:

• Counseling: Stress, anxiety, relationships, and more
• Practical help: Legal and financial advice
• Work/life support: Childcare, eldercare, career challenges

Get started: Call 800-834-3773 anytime to connect with a counselor, or visit Claremont EAP online.

October 10 is World Mental Health Day

More than one in five U.S. adults experience a mental illness each year. World Mental Health Day is a reminder that mental health matters for all of us—and that support is available.

Through our partnership with Care Solace, every SLUSD student, staff member, and family has free, confidential access to help finding mental health care, 24/7/365. Whether you’re looking for counseling, therapy, or substance use treatment—for yourself or a loved one—Care Solace can match you with providers who fit your needs.



How to connect with Care Solace:

• Call: 888-515-0595 (multilingual support available anytime)
• Online: www.caresolace.com/slusdfamilies

Caring for our mental health is just as important as caring for our physical health. Please take advantage of this resource whenever you or your family need it.

Free Flu/COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic for SLUSD Staff

SLUSD, in partnership with the Alameda County Immunization Program, is hosting a free vaccine clinic for students (ages 5 and older), parents, and staff. Flu and COVID-19 vaccines will be available.

Location: Barbara Lee Health & Wellness Center

2251 Bancroft Avenue, San Leandro, CA 94578

Time: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Register today at https://bit.ly/SLVIP-SLUSD25 or by scanning the QR code on the flyer. Registration is available in multiple languages.

For questions, contact the Alameda County Immunization Program:

Email: Immunize@acgov.org | Phone: (510) 267-3230

The Research-Backed Benefits of Calling Friends and Family

A quick phone call can do more than catch you up — it can boost your mood, ease stress, and strengthen your relationships. Research shows that hearing a loved one’s voice has powerful benefits that texts and emails just can’t match. Read more here.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the U.S. (after skin cancer) and the second-leading cause of cancer death. Knowing the risk factors, recognizing symptoms, and getting regular screenings can save lives.

Check out this Breast Cancer Fact Sheet for clear, reliable information on prevention, screening, treatment, and support.

Leverage Micro-Movements at Work: Small Actions to Keep You Active All Day

You can’t spend all day sitting and expect to be healthy. Get up and move.

If your body aches, your brain’s in a fog, and you’ve forgotten what it feels like to not be on Zoom, you’re not alone. For ambitious professionals, movement often becomes a casualty of a calendar stuffed with back-to-back meetings, relentless deadlines, and screen time that creeps well into the night. Read more here.

How to stay positive at work: 18 tips to train your mind

Discover how to maintain a positive attitude at work and effectively influence others. Plus, 18 tips to train your mind to be positive and examples of positive attitudes and behaviors at work. Read more here.

Five Timeless Habits for Better Health

Quick fixes and fads may do little for our health, and some even prove harmful. Try to work healthy habits into your daily routines. If you’re a parent, sharing and modeling them can help children and teens embrace wellness, too. Read more here.

SLUSD Pet of the Month: Luna Cavallaro

Meet Luna, a 5-year-old pup who brings joy to the Cavallaro family! She’s the beloved companion of Dr. Sharon Cavallaro, SLUSD Special Education Director, her husband Bill, and their young adult kids Megan, Brandon, and Andrew.



Luna’s Favorites:

• Game: Find It! (hunting down a peanut butter-filled toy)
• Activity: Car rides — especially when they lead to camping trips!
• Days: When the “kids” come home to visit
• Food: Trader Joe’s Cheese Puffs (her guilty pleasure)

Special Skill: Luna has mastered the art of opening the child-proof lock on the green waste bin — nothing gets past her!

With her love of adventure (and Cheese Puffs), Luna keeps everyone smiling — making her a paw-fect member of the SLUSD family. 

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

White Bean & Pumpkin Soup

A cozy, 30-minute soup packed with creamy pumpkin, hearty beans, and warming spices.

Ingredients

(Serves 6)

• 1 tbsp coconut oil or olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 medium carrots, sliced
• 2–3 celery stalks, sliced
• 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
• 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin purée
• 2 (15 oz) cans white beans (or 3 cups cooked beans), drained
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp curry powder
• ¼ tsp cumin
• ½ cup canned coconut cream
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt & black pepper, to taste
• Toasted pumpkin seeds (optional, for topping)

Instructions (Stovetop)

1. Heat oil in a large pot. Add onion, carrots, and celery; sauté until softened.
2. Add garlic and ginger; cook 1 minute.
3. Stir in pumpkin, beans, broth, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 15–20 minutes.
4. Stir in curry, cumin, coconut cream, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper. Cook 5 more minutes.
5. For a thicker texture, mash some of the beans with a spoon.
6. Remove bay leaf. Serve hot, topped with pumpkin seeds if desired.

The Best Vegan Pumpkin Bread You’ll Ever Eat

Moist, tender, and full of warm pumpkin spice — perfect for fall! Enjoy plain, or dress it up with cream cheese icing or maple tahini drizzle.

Ingredients

(Makes 1 loaf, about 10 slices)

Wet Ingredients

• ¼ cup + 2 tbsp aquafaba (90g; liquid from canned chickpeas)
• ¼ cup oat milk (or any unsweetened plant milk)
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• ⅓ cup sunflower oil (or neutral oil)
• 1 cup + 2 tbsp organic brown sugar (loosely packed)
• 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin purée
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp fine sea salt

Pumpkin Spice Mix

• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp cloves
• ¾ tsp ginger
• ¼ tsp allspice
• ½ tsp freshly grated nutmeg

Optional Topping

• Handful of pepitas (pumpkin seeds)

Frosting Options (Optional)

Cream Cheese Icing

• 4 tbsp vegan butter, softened
• 2 oz vegan cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup + 2 tbsp powdered sugar, sifted
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of sea salt
• ½ tbsp lemon juice

Maple Tahini Icing

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp tahini
• 3 tbsp oat (or plant) milk
• 1 tsp maple syrup

Instructions

1. Prep the oven & pan
2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper.
3. Whisk wet ingredients
4. In a large bowl, whisk aquafaba until frothy. Add oat milk, vinegar, oil, brown sugar, pumpkin, maple syrup, and vanilla. Mix well.
5. Mix dry ingredients
6. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices.
7. Combine
8. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined (don’t overmix).
9. Bake
10. Pour batter into loaf pan. Sprinkle pepitas on top if using. Bake 55–60 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
11. Cool & finish
12. Let bread cool in pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
13. Add frosting or drizzle if desired.