September/October Wellness Star
10/12/2020 8:39 pm
Welcome to the 2020-2021 School Year!
Whether you find yourself in the school setting, in the home setting or a combination of both, we welcome the beginning of the school year with an eagerness to learn and grow with the experiences and knowledge that this year offers.
We are also entering this school year with knowing how things can change at any time. We’ve learned how to accept the fact that we may not be able to plan as much as we did last year or count on events occurring and we’ve learned how to go with plan B, C, or Z. We’ve grown with how we’ve adapted and experienced resilience and acceptance of change.
Our students, their teachers and the school staff are continuing to amaze us with their creativity, hard work and resilience. For that, we THANK YOU and we know we can get through this together and come out stronger than ever before.
This year, we will be featuring a Wellness Star newsletter every other month. September/October is our first edition for 2020-2021 and continuing with November/December, January/February, March/April and May/June. Past Wellness Stars can always be accessed through the PTO Website under Resources (News/Blog.) Happy reading!
This edition of the Wellness Star: The 3Rs of Promoting Resilience, Star Questions, Mood-Boosting Tips for families during these times, Star Shout Out, seasonal recipes, book picks, upcoming events, Green Thumb gardening news, and more! Enjoy!
The 3 Rs of Promoting RESILIENCE:
Reassurance, Routine, Regulation Skills
The Covid-19 pandemic and the stressors that have come along with it certainly have made us think outside the box on ways to adapt to change, bounce back, take care of ourselves, help others and stay connected. There are things that have occurred during the last few months that we did not think we would ever do, yet we look back on those days and are thankful for what we took away from them and how we responded.
The ability to show resilience during this time is especially present in our children. Here are some ways that we can help promote resilience in our children and others.
Reassurance: Reassure children about their safety and the safety of loved ones
- Find creative ways to reach out to others through cards, FaceTime, phone calls, etc. reassuring your children that loved ones are safe and cared for.
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Emphasize the positive by sharing stories of hope and resilience (people helping each other or animals) and provide an important counterbalance to negativity and fear.
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Create family emergency plans that are simple to understand and follow.
Routine: Maintain predictable routines
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Try to maintain consistent sleeping times and length of sleep. The following guidelines are for total amount of sleep in a 24 hour period:
Infants 4-12 months = 12-16 hours
Toddlers 1-2 years = 11-14 hours
Preschoolers 3-5 years = 10-13 hours
Grade schoolers 6-12 years = 9-12 hours
Teens 13-18 years = 8-10 hours -
Designate specific times for learning, playing, fun activities, breaks, etc.
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Try to have regular family meal times that are free of electronics and full of enjoyable conversation.
Regulation Skills: Support children’s regulation skills by helping them manage difficult feelings
- Practice deep breathing, movement or quiet time to manage arising feelings.
- Make time for emotional “check-ins” by offering opportunities for children to ask questions, talk about their feelings, and get age-appropriate information and support.
- Let them know that it is a sign of strength and resourcefulness to ask questions or to ask for help.
Check out these helpful resources on resilience:
Websites
Books
- Perfect Square ~ Michael Hall
- After the Fall (How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again) ~ Dan Santat
- A Perfectly Messed-Up Story ~ Patrick McDonnell
- The Hugging Tree: A Story About Resilience ~ Jill Neimark
- My Strong Mind: A Story About Developing Mental Strength (Positive Midset series) ~ Neils van Hove
- Building Resilience in Children and Teens: Giving Kids Roots and Wings ~ Kenneth R. Ginsburg MD FAAP
Star Question
How do you incorporate wellness into your day or what is your favorite way to relax?
Greg Lange, Principal ~ My favorite way to relax is to cruise the lake on my boat, “Seas the Day”.
Elise Ryan, Mayor ~ I make sure I get some sort of exercise every day. It’s a time for me to focus on my health and well-being; helps me to refocus so that I am energized to take on the day; and it just makes me feel good both physically and mentally.
As a family, we try our best to have healthy dinners together. Sitting around the dinner table when time allows with a BUSY schedule, gives our family a chance to connect, laugh, and share the stories of the day.
Ann Wyman, Building Secretary ~ Gratitude recognition - It is gratifying to know that I have been a part of so many students lives and have made an impression on them. When students come back and say, “do you remember me?” you would be surprised how many I can call by name, not because they were difficult students, but something about them still after seven years or more has grown to be a part of me. Thank you to everyone for making me feel welcome and I hope I do the same to them.
Julie Leonard, Principal’s Secretary ~ As a family, we do a lot of outdoor activities. We love going to our cabin up North, where we do a lot of fishing (summer and winter), swimming, hiking, remodeling, and hanging out with family. Nothing better😊 At home, my golden, Bella, brings me a lot of joy. She is the best cuddler, and always wants to go for a walk!
Jon Kison, Administrative Dean ~ I'm active in a recent church startup in the community of Chanhassen (Lakeside Covenant), I enjoy spending time petting the animals in our house (2 cats and a dog), and the occasional mindful moment of positive reflection.
Katy Anderson, K-5 Music Educator Director ~ Feeling good during my day is a MUST because my job is very physically demanding. There are some days I wish I could say, “hold my calls!” and close my office door. In order to be there for my students, staff and myself I need to get a good nights sleep, drink lots of water to maintain my vocal health since I sing all day as well as LAUGH! Laughter and joy gives me energy and makes me feel good inside which is important to stay emotionally healthy.
*This month we featured answers collected from previous Wellness Star Spotlights.
Want a chance to win a Chanhassen Elementary hat?
Each edition of the Wellness Star this year will feature a Star Question that you will have the opportunity to answer and be featured in the next edition. All those who respond to the question will be entered in a drawing for a chance to win a Chanhassen Elementary hat!
Star Question for November/December:
What is something that you’ve done during the pandemic that you wouldn’t have done otherwise?
Please respond to the Star Question by sending an email to the Wellness Committee at wellnesschanhassenpto@gmail.com. We look forward to hearing from you and announcing the winner of the drawing! (Please only one response/entry per person.)
Deadline for entries is November 15th.
Garden Updates
First of all, a green thumbs up to Carrie Schafer, reading teacher and garden volunteer extraordinaire, for all her hard work this summer in the school garden. Thanks to Carrie, our garden was beautifully kept up this summer and produced a variety of vegetables and flowers throughout the season.
Along with Carrie, we were so lucky to have Jessica Annis, Master Gardener, on hand with us for another season with the school garden. Thanks to Jessica’s knowledge about gardens and plant variety our school garden will continue to grow in ways we can all enjoy.
THANK YOU CARRIE AND JESSICA!
Gardening is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, safely be amongst others, get in some physical activity and relief stress. As we prepare for the season ahead, garden clean-up is a necessary step to properly prepare the garden for the colder temperatures and future growing season.
We plan on having the school garden clean up on Friday, October 23rd at 9am. Donuts, muffins, bananas and yard bags will be provided. BYOB, gloves, utensils and mask.
A little dirt never hurt! We need all the help we can get! Thank you for your help maintaining our school garden!
If you’re planning on putting your own garden to bed for the season, here are some things to keep in mind:
1) Cutting back – Most perennials can be cut back in the fall, but make sure to check a reliable source as to which ones may prefer to remain standing to act as winter mulch.
2) Cleaning up – Pull dead or declining annuals and harvest everything above ground in the vegetable garden.
3) Plant – Plant your flowering bulbs, garlic, and rhubarb in the ground before it freezes.
4) Protect – Shield plants that animals might eat. Make sure all tender bulbs are stored for the winter.
5) Prep for Spring – Weed your garden now when conditions are poor for them to fill back in. This may help cut down problems in the following season.
For more info: https://extension.umn.
Star Shout Out
Students, Teachers, Staff and Parents
Way to show resilience, strength and adapting to change! Make sure to give yourself credit for doing your best!
Chanhassen Elementary Custodian Team: Kyle Johnson, Head Custodian and Henry Swaray, Night Lead Custodian
Thank you for all your hard work and dedication to keeping our school clean! We appreciate all that you do every day.
Did You Know?
4th graders can apply for a FREE National Parks Pass and Ski Pass? How awesome is that?! For more information, check out the links. GET OUTSIDE!
National Parks Pass: https://everykidoutdoors.gov/index.htm
Ski Pass (applicant needs to complete the registration and pay a processing fee):
https://www.skiandboardmn.com/4th-grade-passport-program-20-21
Mood-Boosting Tips for Families During COVID-19
With all the changes that are occurring and not feeling connected to the people and world around us we may need some ways to help lift our spirits these days. Don’t worry, you’re not alone with how you may be feeling.
- Lighten up ~ Sunshine can help brighten your mood. Try to spend 30-60 minutes outdoors whenever possible. Just being outside can help your brain switch to a lighter mood also.
- Get plenty of sleep ~ Stick to bedtime routines to allow plenty of rest each night. Need ways to promote relaxation at bedtime? Try a shower or bath before bed, relaxing music or reading, a cool and dark room, a back or foot massage, eliminating screens in the bedroom. Check out this website for bedtime yoga for kids: https://1000-petals.com/move-mindfully-sleep-routine/
(For more information on sleep, check out the Wellness Star November 2019) - Talk it out ~ Take time to talk with your children, friends, family members regularly. Be a good listener also. If conversation cannot be in person then connect by phone or virtual connections.
- Help your family eat wisely ~ Include protein-rich foods to fuel your brain and include foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids also. Don’t forget to eat your veggies, fruits and whole grains! Find ways to incorporate healthy foods in new recipes or have each family member help with cooking throughout the week.
- Go for gratitude ~ Focus on the positive. Regularly expressing gratitude helps boost happiness and reduces stress and depression. Start a gratitude jar the family can all read together after it fills up.
(See the Wellness Star November 2019 for more info) - Step it up ~ When we exercise our bodies release chemicals that help us feel good. Choose activities that are safe during this time and that can be fun for the whole family. (For more information read The Joy of Movement by Kelly McGonigal, PhD.)
- Lend a hand ~ Helping others makes us feel better about ourselves. Find simple ways that show others you care and keep a journal of the ways you’ve shown kindness. Look back on that to know the difference you made in someone else’s day. Find creative ways that you can come together as a family or neighborhood to help others.
- Manage screen time ~ Find the balance that works for each member of the family between work, school and entertainment. Try to eliminate or limit exposure to negative ads, news, or anything that may create unhappy thoughts.
- Address stress ~ Find ways to relax: deep breathing, yoga, meditation, music, apps that promote relaxation or being out in nature are all great ways to reduce stress.
- To read the full article or for more information, go to: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/COVID-19/Pages/Mood-Boosting-Tips-for-Families-COVID-19.aspx
Words of encouragement to our Chanhassen Elementary families from Mayor Elise Ryan!
Even though times can seem challenging, find a way to be an “energy-giver.” Stay positive, find time to laugh, and know that we are proud of you and grateful for all that you do!
Seasonal Recipes
Pumpkin Pancakes
https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/17036/pumpkin-pancakes/
Butternut Squash Chickpea Chili
https://www.theroastedroot.net/butternut-squash-and-chickpea-chili/
Easy Pumpkin Brownies
https://cookiesandcups.com/2-ingredient-pumpkin-brownies/
Mandarin Pumpkins
https://fabulesslyfrugal.com/recipes/pumpkin-cuties/
Spicy Pumpkin Soup (From October 2019's Wellness Star, under our interview with Chanhassen Mayor Elise Ryan)
https://chanhassenpto.membershiptoolkit.com/wellness-star-october-2019
Book Picks
- Bella’s Fall Coat ~ Lynn Plourde
- Rosie Revere, Engineer ~ Andrea Beaty
- Love Twelve Miles Long ~ Glenda Armand
- I Am Human – Susan Verde
- Because ~ Mo Willems
- Because I Had a Teacher ~ Kobi Yamada
- The Legend of Spookley the Square Pumpkin ~ Joe Troiano
- No Truth Without Ruth: The Life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg ~ Kathleen Krull
- Ghost – Jason Reynolds
- The Joy of Movement ~ Kelly McGonigal, PhD.
Events
Chanhassen Great Pumpkin Decorating Contest
What: Use art supplies and other creative materials to transform your pumpkin into a literary character. No carving allowed!
When: Pick up an entry and drop off your pumpkin at the Chanhassen Library for display Oct. 12-14. Voting will be October 15-23. Age categories include Kids (7 and under), Tweens (8-12), Teens (13-18) and winners will be announced October 26.
Where: Chanhassen Library
More Info: www.carverlib.org/home
Fall Color Trail Run/Hike at the Arb
What: Runners, hikers and walkers can choose their own outdoor adventure, picking the day, time and Arboretum trail (1k, 5k, 10k) that’s right for them. In addition to enjoying the beautiful fall colors, participants will get an Arb water bottle and seamless moisture-wicking bandana. The race format is designed to encourage physical distancing.
When: October 10-17
Where: The Arboretum in Chanhassen
More Info: https://84402.blackbaudhosting.com/84402/Arb-Fall-Color-Trail-RunHike-1K5K10K
CycleHealth Resilinator Training Challenge: Get Gritty Challenge
What: A kid + kid (ages 7-17) or kid + adult buddy race to discover your toughness and grit.
When: Saturday, October 24th and Sunday, October 25th
Where: Hyland Lake Park Reserve, Bloomington
More Info: http://cyclehealth.org/events/
Chanhassen 36th Annual Halloween Party: Trick-or-Trail
What: Put on your costume and join us for some COVID-friendly trick-or-treating, presented by Chanhassen's business community! In addition to trick-or-treating, we will have socially distant activities, and Gray Duck Concession food truck.
When: Saturday, October 24th 1:00-3:00pm
Where: Chanhassen Recreation Center 2310 Coulter Blvd.
Cost: $3/child, registration is highly encouraged
More Info: https://apm.activecommunities.com/chanhassen/Home
Carver County Library Virtual Get Crafty with Maren: Swedish Woven Star
What: Use book pages to make a star that’s in the style of traditional woven Swedish starts that great for decorating or giving as gifts.
What you’ll need on hand: an old book to cut up (if you don’t have any old books to cut up, heavy paper is a good replacement), white glue, scissors, ruler, pencil
When: November 12th 6:30pm
Where: It's a virtual class, so the class can take place anywhere!
More Info: www.carverlib.org/home
Family Fall Festival
What: Hasse Farms Petting Zoo, food trucks, fall activities, and more!
When: Saturday, October 17th 3-7pm
Where: Mustard Seed Garden Center
Cost: varies
More Info: themustardseedinc.com
Chanhassen Turkey Trot Virtual 5K
What: Fly solo or with your family flock on your own course! The Chanhassen Thanksgiving tradition continues virtually in 2020 featuring The Thankful Turkey Half Marathon, 10k and 5k.
Get your commemorative event gear mailed straight to your door.
When: Run/walk the distance of your choosing between Thanksgiving Day-November 29th.
Where: Choose your own course!
More Info: mnruns.com
Thank you for taking the time to read the Wellness Star! We hope it has been a time for you to learn, to take a break and that it has been welcoming with all the news and other information coming at us these days.
I would like to thank Julie Ewasiuk, MD for contributing ideas and resources to the Wellness Star and Lindsey Gunstad for working her technology magic to give life to the Wellness Star. THANK YOU!
Do what you can to make each day one to learn, grow, and experience ways of compassion and positivity. Be well.
~ Erin Reisdorf and the Chanhassen Elementary PTO Wellness Committee
Questions? Comments. Celebrations! Contact the Wellness Committee:
wellnesschanhassenpto@gmail.com
Register your student in our School Directory!
Stay connected to other Chanhassen Elementary families by registering now.
Upcoming Events
- Thursday, May 2
- Monday, May 6
- Tuesday, May 14
- Friday, May 17
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