Employee Wellness

Newsletter

Welcome to Do Good December!

This month is a chance to notice the good, nurture connection, and close out 2025 with compassion at the center. Whether it’s picking up litter, sharing a laugh, or offering heartfelt appreciation, every small act helps create a kinder, more joyful world. Let’s embrace these daily prompts and finish the year happier, kinder, together. Click here to download and print the calendar.

Staff Spotlight: Lincoln High School's Sophia Ruelas

This month, we’re shining the spotlight on a friendly face in the Lincoln High School kitchen: Ms. Sophia Ruelas!

Nominated by her colleagues, Sophia is celebrated for her positivity, flexibility, and unwavering dedication. She brings a bright spirit to every task—whether she’s supporting preschoolers and adult learners from the San Leandro Adult School or connecting with Lincoln students on campus. She meets everyone where they are, always with patience and a smile.

Her team notes that Sophia consistently goes above and beyond, stepping in wherever she’s needed without hesitation. Her adaptability, strong work ethic, and genuine care for others make her an invaluable member of our community and a true joy to work with.

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!

December is National Stress-Free Holidays Month

The holidays are upon us—a time for joy, connection, and creating meaningful memories with loved ones. It’s also a season that can bring its own pressures, like planning visits, managing gift budgets, and organizing events. With everything on your plate, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

While traditions and celebrations are meaningful, it’s just as important to care for your mental well-being. National Stress-Free Family Holidays Month reminds us to be mindful of stress and take steps toward self-care. Here are a few tips to help make your holidays more manageable and joyful:

Modify traditions if needed. It’s okay to adjust traditions if they feel overwhelming. Your mental health takes priority.
Learn the power of saying "no." If a commitment feels too much, give yourself permission to decline.
Plan ahead. Use a calendar to stay organized and avoid last-minute tasks that can create unnecessary stress.
Share your feelings. Talk to someone you trust if you're feeling anxious or missing a loved one. You are not alone.
Take time for self-care. Make sure to rest and recharge, even as you care for others.

If you’d like professional support, Care Solace is available to help connect you or your loved ones to mental health services. This is a complimentary, confidential service provided by San Leandro Unified School District.

Access Support:

Call: 888-515-0595 (Multilingual support 24/7/365)
Visit: caresolace.com/slusdfamilies, search for a provider or click “Book Appointment” for assistance via video chat, phone, or email.

For immediate support:

Call 911 and request a Crisis Intervention Trained (C.I.T.) response.
Text “Hello” or “Home” to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor.
Call or chat with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988: suicidepreventionlifeline.org
Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ+ support): www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help

Wishing you a peaceful and stress-free holiday season filled with joy and meaningful moments.

Take Care This Season: Free Support Through Claremont EAP

As the year winds down, it’s a great moment to check in with yourself. SLUSD employees and their households have free, confidential access to Claremont EAP, which offers counseling, coaching, legal and financial guidance, and everyday life resources.

To access digital tools on the go, download the Claremont EAP app from the App Store or Google Play. When prompted, enter access code SLUSD to unlock all services.

Prefer using a computer? Visit claremonteap.com/digital-eap to explore the same resources online. Support is here whenever you need it — 24/7, completely confidential.

The Science of Forgiveness: Why Letting Go Heals Your Brain

We all carry emotional baggage. But what if holding on to that pain is hurting you more than the person who caused it? Take 2:27 minutes to watch the video below to see how forgiveness can improve your health.

How to Laugh More Every Single Day — and Why It’s So Good for You

Laughter may not be on your self-care to-do list, but it’s good for your mood, mental health, heart health, and more. Do you need another reason to chuckle right now? Read more here.

What Do We Know About Healthy Aging?

Many factors influence healthy aging. Some of these, such as genetics, are not in our control. Others — like exercise, a healthy diet, going to the doctor regularly, and taking care of our mental health — are within our reach. Read more here.

How to Be Open-Minded and Why It Matters

Curiosity, flexibility, and a willingness to see beyond our own perspectives make our communities stronger. This quick read offers simple, practical ways to build a more open mind — helpful for work, relationships, and everyday life. Read more here.

East Bay Park Happenings for December

Bundle up and explore the East Bay Regional Parks this December with winter hikes, nature walks, and wildlife viewing. The Park District is offering seasonal programs and holiday events for all ages.

Ardenwood Holiday Tours

Tour the historic Patterson House, decorated for a Victorian-style holiday. Friday–Sunday; tours included with farm admission. Call (510) 791-4196 or email pattersonhouse@fremont.gov for details.

Tilden Merry-Go-Round Winter Wonderland

Enjoy a classic East Bay holiday tradition with carousel rides, festive lights, Santa visits, and treats. Schedule at Tildenmerrygoround.org.

Winter Birding Programs

Discover the region’s birdlife with guided walks and family-friendly programs across the parks. Visit ebparks.org/calendar and search for:

• Pelican-Palooza

• Bird Exploration at Shadow Cliffs

• Family Bird Search

• Winter Bird Walks

• Birdwalk at Crown Beach

• Christmas Bird Count

• Wonder of Birds at Ardenwood

• Bay Bird Mornings at Oyster Bay

• Benefits of Birding

Seasonal Celebrations

Welcome the winter solstice or ring in the new year with walks and celebrations at Big Break and Coyote Hills. Search “Solstice” or “New Year” at ebparks.org/calendar for details.

SLUSD Pet of the Month: Sam Chivers

Meet Sam Chivers, the 1½-year-old Husky–Goldendoodle–Borzoi mix who keeps Madison Elementary first-grade teacher Julia Chivers on her toes! Sam is the ultimate combo of snuggle buddy and adventure partner — part couch potato, part trailblazer. He loves curling up next to Julia during story time and greets every person and pup he meets like an old friend. When he’s not out exploring, you’ll find him hard at work as the family softball team’s proud “dugout dog,” cheering from the sidelines and stealing the spotlight (and maybe a few snacks).

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!

Creamy Garlicky Pistachio Pasta

Loaded with garlic, this dish brings not only rich flavor but natural immune-boosting benefits.

Ingredients

1 (16-ounce) package pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup raw unsalted pistachios, soaked 12+ hours
¼ cup unsweetened vegan milk
3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Juice of 1 lemon
½ cup fresh basil
1 tablespoon arrowroot or cornstarch

Instructions

Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water.
Warm oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions for 5 minutes, then add garlic and cook 5 more minutes.
In a high-powered blender, combine onion mixture, pistachios, pasta water, milk, nutritional yeast, seasonings, lemon juice, basil, and starch. Blend until smooth.
Toss sauce with cooked pasta and serve.

Healthy Caramel Chia Seed Pudding

Packed with fiber, omega-3s, and long-lasting energy from nutrient-rich chia seeds.

Ingredients

1/4 cup chia seeds
3/4 cup unsweetened non-dairy milk
1 Tbsp maple syrup (more to taste)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Caramel Topping:

2 Tbsp maple syrup
1 Tbsp almond butter
Pinch of salt

Instructions

In a jar or bowl, whisk together chia seeds, milk, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt.
Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight to thicken.
In a separate bowl, mix all caramel topping ingredients until smooth.
Stir the pudding, divide into cups, and spoon caramel over the top.
Enjoy chilled!