Commit to Be Fit Newsletter
April 18th, 2022
9 February 2024/ Issue No. 274
Movement-Based Literacy Activities
The new movement-based literacy activities continue to be a hit in the BrainSTAR ABL lab. Students have been combining fundamental movements with reviewing letters, sight words, and rhyming words. Pictured (top): Following a movement activity to find hidden words around the lab, Kayla reviewed rhyming words that the students had found and appropriately sorted into groups.
Pictured (bottom): Students enjoyed creating spelling words during a locomotor movement team relay.
Walking Group
Lace up your shoes and join us for Walking Group on Mondays! This group meets at 3:45 pm at the RCES flag pole. Whether you are competing in one of our physical activity challenges or you would like to get a few extra steps in, we would love for you to come out and walk with us! This group is open to the entire community. Tell your friends or bring them with you!
Now that we are in winter, there may be times that school is closed due to weather. Walking Group will not meet when school is not in session. We will email our newsletter subscribers if there is a cancellation. School closures will be announced on the RCPS website as well.
Reawaken Motivation
Not feeling motivated? Yea, me too! Reawakening motivation is difficult. Even more challenging is finding discipline to realize achievements from our motivation. First, we must set clear, achievable goals to provide direction. Know what you want and why you want it. Then, break these goals into smaller tasks for a sense of accomplishment.
Identify the reasons behind your lack of motivation. Addressing any underlying issues such as fear of failure or boredom will help overcome barriers. Of course, always cultivate a positive mindset by focusing on successes and learning from setbacks. Find inspiration through others’ success stories. Be accountable and honest with yourself.
Motivation fluctuates, but its discipline that helps you persist through challenges. Reassess and adjust your strategies as needed. Reviving motivation and discipline is an ongoing process requiring adaptability and commitment. Dig deep and most importantly of all, stay consistent. Remember, if it was easy, everyone would do it!
Probiotics and Prebiotics
Healthy Valentine's Dessert: Maple & Almond Panna Cotta
With Valentine's Day just days away, here is a healthier alternative to holiday treats. To view the recipe from Fiercely Marie, CLICK HERE.
Staff Shout-outs
RCPS Staff- February 14th kicks off Random Acts of Kindness Week. To help spread kindness, we are bringing back the Staff Shout-outs. From now until Tuesday, February 20th, write as many messages as you like for colleagues. They may be signed or anonymous; it's up to you. All the kind messages received by Thursday, Feb. 8th will be published in the Feb. 16th C2BF newsletter. Messages received on Feb. 16th- 20th will appear in the Feb. 23rd edition.
Check your inboxes for the link to spread kindness and smiles!
Mindful Minute Push-ins
RCES Teachers-- Commit to Be Fit is excited to offer mindful minute push-ins to our classrooms this year! Practicing mindfulness can help students and teachers understand/cope with emotions and better manage stress. Push-ins will be 5-10 minutes and will focus on breathing, movement and focusing exercises. You can take the time to practice mindfulness with us or take a few minutes for a quick break (or visit our reset room!).
If you see one of us from the team with our Mindful Minute sign at your door, just give us a thumbs up or down if its a good time to come in an do an activity with your class. You can also reach out to us if there is a time you would like us to come to your room. We hope this helps create an environment of calmness and kindness for everyone in our school community!
RCES Reset Room
RCES Staff- Do you ever feel you could use a quick reset? It's amazing what a few minutes of relaxation and deep breathing can do to change your mood. C2BF invites you to visit our Reset Room. Each day from 9:30-10:30 am, the ABL lab will be transformed into a relaxing oasis, complete with dimmed lighting, tranquil sounds, and calming images projected onto the wall. Grab a bean bag chair and take a moment to let go of your stress in this immersive, peaceful environment. Additionally, we encourage you to bring in any students who may benefit from this experience as well.
Teachers- feel free to email us (c2bf@rappahannockschools) if you would like for us to cover class for a few minutes. We would be happy to come in and lead a classroom mindfulness activity while you enjoy a quick reset.
The winners of this week's FREE salad bar coupon goes to Wynee Jenkins (RCES) and Tim Stockdale (RCHS).
Teacher Resources
RCPS Teachers-- As a friendly reminder, we have a massive database of brain breaks (PreK-12) and movement games/activities with SOL and content integration ideas (PK-5). CLICK HERE to view the Teacher Resource page. If you prefer, the C2BF team would be happy to come to your classroom and lead a brain break, activity, or even a mindful minute. Email c2bf@rappahannockschools.us to schedule a push-in.
Commit to Be Fit is a school sponsored, grant funded program in Rappahannock County, Virginia. Through the generosity of the PATH Foundation, Commit to Be Fit was created to promote a culture of wellness in Rappahannock County Public Schools and the Rappahannock community.