Welcome to Self-Care September!

Find time for self-care. It's not selfish, it's essential.

Click here to download and print the calendar.

Beginning September 19 through October 14, all eligible employees can participate in the annual Open Enrollment period. During this time, you can enroll in or change health plans, add eligible dependents, delete dependents, or cancel coverage. Take a moment to examine your rates and decide if you need to change your medical, dental, or vision coverage. 

Any increase or decrease in your premium amounts will be reflected on your December pay warrant. All new health enrollments or changes in coverage made during open enrollment will be effective on January 1, 2023.

For more employee benefits information, go to our website.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) FAQ

What is EAP?

Employee Assistance Programs can help you and your family with practically any personal challenge or concern. You can receive confidential counseling at no cost. The EAP also provides access to no-cost legal, financial, and work/life resources.

Who provides the EAP?

Claremont EAP is a company of experienced professionals who can help you with life’s challenges. You will be referred to a conveniently located counselor or resource with expertise in your area of concern.

What's the first step?

Call 800-834-3773 to discuss your question or issue with an experienced counselor who will refer you to the resources most appropriate for your needs.

Click here for more details or watch the helpful intro video below.

How To Stay Safe When You Work Out In The Heat

So, what's an exerciser to do in this heat? Yeah, yeah, get up earlier — thanks for the advice, early birds. For some of us, that just isn't going to happen. Work, kids, and our desperate cling to sleep — all get in the way. Read more here.

SLED Gala is coming up!

The San Leandro Education Foundation (SLED) Fall Gala is Friday, September 16 from 5:30 to 9:30 pm at the San Leandro Boys & Girls Club! Come enjoy the health benefits of social connections and laughter!

Read more and get tickets here!

What is Smile Therapy? 

Can something as simple as a smile make you feel happier? Try a smile experiment for yourself and see the results!  Read more here.

Happiness Break: A Meditation to Connect to Your Roots

When was the last time you thought about your ancestors? This guided meditation by Indigenous scholar Yuria Celidwen will help you connect to your heritage and reap the potent benefits of remembering your roots.

Listen to the podcast here.

SLUSD Pets of the Month: The Guzman Group

SLUSD got a new Principal on Special Assignment and an adorable bonus menagerie of furry friends!

Our new Principal on Special Assignment, Monica Guzman, brought a wealth of TK-12 educational experience to our district AND an obvious love of animals! At one point the Guzman family had 12 rabbits, three dogs, and three cats! Whew! Currently, the crew consists of cats Freddy (siamese) & Tiago (black), dogs Jojo (big) and Jackie (small brown and 18 years old!), and bunnies Sister, Barry, and Michelle. Welcome to the team, Guzmans! 

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

Best Broccoli Salad

This broccoli salad recipe is the perfect easy cookout side dish and was featured at our Welcome Back BBQ!

Ingredients

• 1 pound broccoli crowns
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons mayo, I like Sir Kensington's or vegan mayo
• 1½ tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt, more to taste
• ⅓ cup diced red onions
• ⅓ cup dried cranberries
• Smoky tamari almonds
• ½ cup almonds
• ½ cup pepitas
• 1 tablespoon tamari
• ½ teaspoon maple syrup
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika, more to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Chop the broccoli florets into ½-inch pieces and any remaining stems into ¼-inch dice. Peel any woody parts from the stem first.
3. In the bottom of a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, mayo, apple cider vinegar, mustard, maple syrup, garlic, and salt. Add the broccoli, onions, and cranberries and toss to coat.
4. Place the almonds and pepitas on the baking sheet, toss with the tamari, maple syrup, and smoked paprika, and spread into a thin layer. Bake 10 to 14 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes (they’ll get crispier as they sit).
5. Toss the almonds and pepitas into the salad, reserving a few to sprinkle on top. Season to taste and serve.

(Credit: Love & Lemons)

3-Ingredient No-Bake Peanut Butter Cookies

Insanely delicious, tender, perfectly sweet peanut butter cookies made with just 3 ingredients! No baking is required!

Ingredients

COOKIES

• 1 cup gluten-free rolled oats
• 1 Pinch of sea salt (optional)
• 3/4 cup Medjool dates (pitted)
• 1/2 cup natural salted peanut butter (creamy or crunchy - ingredients should just be peanuts + salt)
• 
  

CHOCOLATE GLAZE (optional)

• 3 Tbsp coconut oil (melted)
• 3 Tbsp cacao powder (sifted or sub unsweetened cocoa powder)
• 1-2 tsp maple syrup (plus more to taste)
• 1 Pinch of sea salt (optional)

Instructions

• Add oats and salt (optional) to a food processor and blend into flour. Add dates and blend for 30 seconds more or until finely chopped. Add peanut butter and blend until a dough forms.
• Scoop out 2-Tbsp amounts of dough and carefully form them into mounds. Place on a parchment-lined pan or tray. Optional: Use the back of a fork to create a cross-hatch on the top of the cookies.
• Enjoy as is, or prepare the chocolate glaze (optional) by mixing ingredients in a bowl and whisking until smooth. Dip the cookies in (about halfway), let excess drip off, and place back on a parchment-lined pan or tray. Freeze for 10 minutes. Then dip again for an extra thick shell. Chill again.