A Note From the Team - by Dr. Valerie Paine
Joy abounds in our schools this time of year from the tree gala and festival of lights to winter concerts, and hot chocolate & pajama parties in our elementary classrooms. It is a special time of year. Then comes January when many of us make ambitious resolutions to start new habits or give up bad ones.
Holding onto things that no longer serve you can create unnecessary stress, discomfort, and chaos in your life. Many of us hold onto objects that we don’t need, filling our lives with clutter. As we step into January, perhaps you can find more simplicity in your life. One way to begin is to look around your home, classroom, or office and take stock of things you may be holding on to. Find one thing you can get rid of right away - a well-used coffee mug, article of clothing, or an old memento.Take a moment to honor the object and then remove it from your space. Releasing things that are not directly supporting your health and happiness opens up more space and opportunity in your life - ultimately bringing you more joy! Resolve to let go of what no longer serves you and embrace simplicity, joy and positivity in the New Year.
In mindfulness,
~Val
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Listening to My BodyA guide to helping kids understand the connection between their sensations and feelings so that they can get better at figuring out what they need. Paperback – July 23, 2017 Listening To My Body by Gabi Garcia | The Other Side of the FenceThe Other Side of the Fence follows the journey of a happy dog named Ollie. When his collar breaks loose, Ollie goes exploring and comes across a neighbor who appears to have the perfect life. Suddenly discontented, Ollie yearns for all that his neighbor has. However, appearances can be deceiving. As this story beautifully unfolds, readers of all ages will enjoy the subtle messages of gratitude and an appreciation for what truly matters. The Other Side of the Fence by Andrew McCormack McCormack is a retired GCSD teacher | The Art of LivingIn troubled times, there is an urgency to understand ourselves and our world. We have so many questions, and they tug at us night and day, consciously and unconsciously. In this important volume, Thich Nhat Hanh reveals an art of living in mindfulness that helps us answer life’s deepest questions and experience the happiness and freedom we desire. THE ART OF LIVING By Thich Nhat Hanh |
Listening to My Body
A guide to helping kids understand the connection between their sensations and feelings so that they can get better at figuring out what they need. Paperback – July 23, 2017
Listening To My Body by Gabi Garcia
The Other Side of the Fence
The Other Side of the Fence follows the journey of a happy dog named Ollie. When his collar breaks loose, Ollie goes exploring and comes across a neighbor who appears to have the perfect life. Suddenly discontented, Ollie yearns for all that his neighbor has. However, appearances can be deceiving. As this story beautifully unfolds, readers of all ages will enjoy the subtle messages of gratitude and an appreciation for what truly matters.
The Other Side of the Fence by Andrew McCormack
McCormack is a retired GCSD teacher
The Art of Living
In troubled times, there is an urgency to understand ourselves and our world. We have so many questions, and they tug at us night and day, consciously and unconsciously. In this important volume, Thich Nhat Hanh reveals an art of living in mindfulness that helps us answer life’s deepest questions and experience the happiness and freedom we desire.
THE ART OF LIVING By Thich Nhat Hanh
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Community Schools Family Festival | Family Nature Scavenger Hunt | KidsCare Nature Scavenger Hunt |
Community Schools Family Festival
Family Nature Scavenger Hunt
KidsCare Nature Scavenger Hunt
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Mindful Movement Club at Arcadia High Arcadia Students practice mindful movement during "CAT" time. | GCSD Swim Team Olympia swim team works on focus and concentration in preparation for sectional and state meets. | Autumn Lane Elementary School Students at Autumn Lane explore in nature and send well-wishes to people they are grateful for during PE Class. |
Mindful Movement Club at Arcadia High
GCSD Swim Team
Autumn Lane Elementary School
Resources for Mindful Breathing
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Mindful Movement for Students at Paddy Hill | Wellness day at Brookside | Mindful Movement for Athletes with Heidi Aberi |
Mindful Movement for Students at Paddy Hill
Wellness day at Brookside
Mindful Movement for Athletes with Heidi Aberi
Stress Relief Set
Gift includes anxiety relief exercises, positive affirmations & empowering questions for mindfulness & relaxation.
Yoga with Adriene
Designed for whole body mental health, this 30 Day Journey is yoga for the here and now. This series is suitable for all levels, and offers modifications and enhancements for individuals far and wide to practice in a way that invites transformation and strength from the inside out.
* Newsletter Raffle! *
Congratulations to Karen Reise from Lakeshore for winning the raffle prize for fall newsletter.
Our Mindfulness Team
Heidi Aberi - Physical Education - Odyssey
Andrea Antonetty - TOSA for Mindfulness
Shanna Calvasina - Inclusive Education - Olympia
Julie Parsons - Assistant Director of Early Childhood Education
Michelle Potter - District Math Interventionist
Lori Quinn - TOSA for SEL and Equity