Welcome to Mindful March!

Consider this your simple invitation to slow down and live with greater awareness and kindness. Each day offers one small, practical action — from pausing to breathe before responding to appreciating nature, listening deeply, or noticing what’s going well — that helps us reconnect with ourselves and one another. These daily prompts remind us that mindfulness isn’t complicated; it’s found in ordinary moments when we choose to be present, gentle, and attentive. Click here to download and print the calendar.

Staff Spotlight: John Muir's Rebecca Gonzalez

We are happy to highlight John Muir Middle School's Rebecca Gonzalez, who was nominated for the extraordinary care and professionalism she brings to her work every day. As a paraprofessional in the Special Education program, she takes on one of the most challenging and important roles on campus with steady patience, skill, and heart.

Colleagues share that Rebecca is the kind of teammate you hope to have by your side. She approaches complex situations with calm confidence, keeps students at the center of every decision, and brings consistency to moments that require both flexibility and resilience. Her ability to balance high expectations with deep compassion makes a meaningful difference for students and staff alike.

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 it in an upcoming newsletter. It’s time to give our everyday stars the spotlight they deserve!

Claremont EAP: Simple Steps to Get Support

Through the Employee Assistance Program, you can get help with stress, anxiety, and emotional well-being; relationship and family concerns; work-life balance; financial or legal questions; and referrals to counseling or community resources. Submitting a help request is quick, confidential, and straightforward. Simply enter your contact information, choose how you’d like to be reached, and share what kind of support you’re looking for. Support is available before challenges become overwhelming.

Click here to get started: https://www.claremonteap.com/help-request-form/

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.

Find the Best Workout for Your Personality

Not all workouts are created equal, and the key to sticking with one might be understanding how you’re wired. This interactive quiz helps you discover which type of movement best matches your personality, whether you thrive on structure, social energy, solo focus, or variety. When exercise fits who you are, it feels more natural and sustainable.

Take the quiz here!

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 2-6, 2026)

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.

SLUSD Pet of the Month: Pinto Kerrigan

Please join us in welcoming Pinto (Bean) Kerrigan, the newest member of Assistant Superintendent Aaron Kerrigan’s family. This pocket pit bull is a true bundle of energy with a big personality packed into a small frame. Pinto has already started training classes to help channel that enthusiasm into good manners and impressive new skills. When not practicing “sit” and “stay,” Pinto enjoys zooming around the yard and keeping the Kerrigan household on its toes in the very best way.

Do you know an adorable SLUSD pet that deserves some virtual ear scratches and tail wags? Send to communications@slusd.us and share the love!

Asparagus Broccoli Soup

This soup makes the most of fresh spring produce, and it's cosy yet light, perfect for lunch.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ white onion diced
• 1-2 garlic cloves, minced or finely diced
• 2 cups asparagus, trimmed and diced
• 4 cups broccoli florets, diced
• ½ zucchini diced
• 3 cups vegetable stock
• ½ cup non-dairy milk
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• pinch salt
• pinch black pepper, optional

Instructions

• Fry onion in olive oil in a large pot on a low heat until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for a further 2 minutes.
• Add in the broccoli, asparagus and zucchini, as well as the bay leaf and thyme. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Pour in the vegetable stock and bring to a boil. Then reduce the heat to a very light simmer and pour in the non-dairy milk and season with salt and black pepper. Cook for 30 minutes.
• Remove the bay leaf from the pot. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup, and then ladle into your bowls. Swirl on some olive oil and fresh mint leaves to garnish and serve immediately.

Vegan Irish Soda Bread

This yeast-free rustic bread is made with simple ingredients. After a quick bake, the slices are ready to be slathered in vegan butter and served next to vegan Irish stew and other soups and stews!

Ingredients

Vegan Buttermilk

• 2 cups unsweetened soy milk
• 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar

The Rest

• 4-4 1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 4 tablespoons vegan butter, cold and cut into cubes
• 1 cup raisins, optional

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
• Make the vegan buttermilk by mixing the milk and vinegar in a bowl. Set aside to curdle.
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 4 cups of flour, sugar, baking soda and salt.
• Using clean fingers, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Add the raisins in now, if using.
• Pour in the vegan buttermilk and stir with a large wooden spoon until it's mostly together.
• Knead the dough a little bit so it comes together. It won't be a perfectly round ball of dough. Add flour to the dough and your hands as needed if it's too sticky.
• Transfer to a lightly floured surface and shape into a round loaf. Again, it won't look perfect! Now place the loaf onto a baking pan or better yet a cast iron pan.
• Score the bread with an x using a serrated knife, about an inch to two inches deep.
• Bake for 40-50 minutes, until golden. Cool for 10 minutes, then slice and enjoy.