San Leandro Unified
Employee Wellness
Newsletter
Opening Up Optimistic October!
When things are feeling a bit tough, it can help to set some goals. It doesn't matter if your goal for the day is something really small, the important thing is to give yourself the opportunity to feel like you've achieved something and to celebrate that! This month's calendar is full of ideas to help you think about how you can put this into practice.

When was the last time you fully reviewed your insurance benefits to make sure you and your family have the coverage you need? Taking this time is important for your overall financial wellness. An American Fidelity account manager can review your current coverage and help you plan for the future.

Please note this is separate from open enrollment for Medical, Dental and Vision. American Fidelity can help you with setting up your medical, dental, and vision benefits on a pretax basis, setting up a flexible spending account (medical or child care), setting up a 403b, and/or enrolling in disability insurance with American Fidelity.  

Enrollment begins October 18, 2021
for plan year 1/1/2022 - 12/31/2022.
  
Schedule your appointment by clicking the button below
or call 800-365-8306, Option 7 for assistance

 
If you have any additional questions please feel free to contact Veronica Sanchez at (510) 667-0537 or vsanchez@slusd.us
How Noticing Emotions at Work Can Build Trust


Recognizing your coworkers' feelings is a way to show that you care.

Emotional acknowledgment is the simple act of noticing a nonverbal emotional cue—like a frown or grin—and mentioning it. This mention can be a question or a statement, such as “You look upset” or “You seem excited.”
Financial Planning Reminder
It's never too soon to start saving!

We have professionals who can help you enroll in life insurance, disability insurance, cancer/accident plan, and plan the retirement savings that is best for you, a 403(b), 457(b), or Roth 403(b).

Our district has had a long relationship with two representatives from financial firms. While we do not promote or endorse any representative or company, these two contacts frequently make presentations at our new employee orientations. You can also choose from the list of authorized investment providers from the link below.

Jim Adgar, PlanMember Services

Allen Perry, American Fidelity



Electronic Employee Educational Materials

For any additional questions please contact, Veronica Sanchez at
510-667-0537 or at vsanchez@slusd.us
Connection to Humanity Quiz

Some people feel a strong sense of kinship with all members of humankind, no matter what differences or distances might exist between them; others have a tendency to keep those feelings closer to home. Who are you?
SLUSD's Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is More than Just Counseling
As a SLUSD employee, you have full access to the world of resources available through the Claremont Employee Assistance Program (EAP), including stress tools, financial and legal advice, recipes, fitness and health assessments, emotional wellbeing training, and so much more. Peruse their resource section below, and don't forget that free personal counseling is also included for you and your family members.

SLUSD Pet of the Month
Bubba Shadic

Our friend Bubba shares a home with Doris Castillo, our Assistant Director of Teaching, Learning, and Educational Equity, and her beautiful family. Bubba is about 10 years old and came from the Labs and Friends shelter in Los Angeles in 2016. He enjoys sniffing bushes, long walks, small squeaky toys, fluffy blankets, and bite-size carrots!

Bubba is so chill that it has been reported that he actually calms the other dogs at doggie daycare. In times of stress, it is so important to have one of those kinds of people or pets in your life!

We want to see your pets and hear their stories! Send your photos to communications@slusd.us and get our tails wagging!
New Urban Family Camping Option!

The bay area just got its first new camping area in decades, and it's right in our backyard! Have you been longing for smores and the crackle of a campfire? Then you need to check out the Dumbarton Quarry campground in Fremont. You may not see stars, but couldn't we all use a little more peace, quiet, and immersion in nature?
Customized Resources to Learn About Breast Cancer

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month - a perfect time to learn more about this disease that affects so many of the people we love. Take a brief quiz and have personalized resources sent to your email to get the information you need.

Special shoutout to the San Leandro High School Pirate Football Team led by head coach Brad Bowers (aka Coach Boom) who are raising money throughout the month of October for the BE THE CHANGE campaign.
What Is the Best Way to Deliver a Thank-You?

New research compares the benefits of expressing gratitude by text, video, and face-to-face.

Even though we may believe that it’s important to say thank you, sometimes expressing gratitude is easier said than done. We might find ourselves getting hung up on the details of what to say or the best way to deliver the message. Find out more about best practices in expressing gratitude here.
2nd Place Salsa
This recipe is an original creation from our own Bond Director Aaron Kerrigan, who got second place in a Fairfield Salsa Showdown. Thanks, Aaron!


Ingredients
  • 1 pineapple
  • 2 mangos
  • 3 baskets of strawberries 
  • 3-4 jalapeño (depending on heat tolerance
  • 2-4 tbs of honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Juice of three limes
  • Lime zest

Chocolate sauce
  • 1 cup Guittard dark chocolate chips
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions
  • Cut triangles of flour tortillas and deep fry them.
  • The minute they come out coat them with cinnamon and sugar.
  • Melt the chocolate in a saucepan and add the other ingredients to the sauce.
  • Lay the chips out and cover with the salsa then drizzle with the chocolate sauce. 
Second place Salsa Showdown winner (and 1st place SLUSD Bond Director!) Aaron Kerrigan
Vegan Pumpkin Lentil Curry with Spinach

This easy vegan pumpkin lentil curry will nourish your body and warm your soul. Made with coconut milk for a luscious texture and perfect over rice, this meal is ready in 30 minutes! 

Ingredients
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or sesame oil
  • 1 small sweet onion, diced
  • 2 large cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp red curry paste
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 can coconut milk
  • 1 cup pureed pumpkin
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 cup red lentils (dry)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups baby spinach
  • ¼ - ½ cup toasted salted cashews (optional)
  • fresh cilantro (optional)

Instructions
  • Heat oil in a deep skillet or large pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook for about 2 minutes, just until it starts to turn golden. Stir in the garlic and curry paste and cook for about 1 minute, until the curry paste is fully incorporated.
  • Stir in the broth, coconut milk, pumpkin, tomato paste, and lentils. Cover and cook on medium-low heat for about 15 minutes, until the lentils are cooked but not too soft. Stir occasionally. Taste and add salt and pepper to taste.
  • During the last 3-5 minutes of cooking, add 2 cups of baby spinach – allowing it to wilt into the curry.
  • Serve over rice, quinoa, cauliflower or your favorite base. If desired, add chopped roasted cashews and cilantro to the top for color, flavor, and crunch.
San Leandro Unified School District | communications@slusd.us | www.slusd.us