Commit to Be Fit Newsletter
April 18th, 2022
16 February 2024/ Issue No. 275
Sourdough Bread Workshop
Our first (of two) sourdough bread making workshop was held on Tuesday, February 13th. Participants learned the intricate steps of creating a starter kit, feeding the starter, and baking it. We would like to extend a huge thank you to Kristin DiLello for sharing her expertise and leading these workshops for staff and community!
Prize Drawing Winners
Congratulations to our two Prize Drawing winners! Kayla won the vegetable spiralizer from the Superintendent's Physical Activity Challenge for staff. In the community Transformation Challenge, Katherine won the oil sprayer. Thank you to everyone that participated in the prize week. Stay tuned for more prize drawings coming soon!
Mindfulness at the High School
Mindfulness is beneficial for all ages. On Thursday, 8th grade students completed a short mindful listening activity. Thank you, Ms. Pierce, for inviting us in for a brain break and mindfulness push-in.
Headwaters Dance Workshop
From cardio drumming (shown) to line dancing, hip hop, and freestyle contemporary, we had an absolute blast in Headwaters Dance on Thursday.
Walking Group
Walking Group will not meet on Monday, February 19th due to the holiday.
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.
Balance Training
Balance training is beneficial for all ages, but its especially important as we start to get older. Balance incorporates key sensory inputs such as proprioception (awareness of body in space), and vestibular system (inner ear), and vision. When any one of these systems is not working properly, such as an eye or inner ear problem, balance may become compromised. The good news is that with practice and repetition, balance can be improved at any age.
Personally, I like to build in balance activities into my workouts. Any exercise that involves standing on only one leg (leg swings, Bulgarian split squats, pistol squats, single leg calf raises, etc.) will challenge your balance. Other ideas include yoga poses such as a tree pose or warrior III pose and standing stretches like a quad stretch or a standing glute stretch.
For balance specific exercises , check out the tutorial video below or click HERE for a PDF Handout (scroll down to page 3 and 4 for balance activities). The handout is a generalized balance program for seniors, but truly any age can benefit from these activities. As always, please listen to your body (and your doctor). Never perform any activity beyond your comfort zone. For your safety, complete balance activities near a wall or a study chair.
Random Acts of Kindness
In February, Random Acts of Kindness Week is celebrated annually in communities and schools nationwide. Random acts of kindness are spontaneous, selfless gestures to brighten someone else's day or positively impact their life. These acts can be simple or more elaborate, but their essence lies in the intention to bring joy or help to others without expecting anything in return. Random acts of kindness can be paying for someone's coffee, offering sincere compliments to strangers or friends, holding the door open, or leaving an uplifting note for someone. Simply smiling at strangers, being polite, and spreading positivity through your interactions can create a ripple effect of kindness.
Furthermore, engaging in random acts of kindness can positively affect mental and physical health. Practicing random acts of kindness can trigger the release of endorphins, the brain's feel-good chemicals, leading to an improved mood. Performing kind gestures can boost feelings of happiness and satisfaction. It creates a sense of fulfillment and contributes to overall emotional well-being. If you need a little boost of happiness and want to bring joy to someone around you, I encourage you to commit a genuine act of kindness! Small gestures can make a big impact!
Mediterranean Tuna Salad
Looking for an easy gluten--free lunch idea? Try this Mediterranean Tuna Salad from A Couple Cooks. To view the recipe , CLICK HERE.
Staff Shout-outs
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THIS WEEK'S KINDNESS NOTES! Be sure to check it out!
February 14th kicked 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.
Check your inboxes for the link to spread kindness and smiles!
The winners of this week's FREE salad bar coupon goes to Jill Atkins (RCES) and Robin Bolt (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.