Commit to Be Fit Newsletter

24 May 2024/ Issue No. 288

During the End of School Celebration on Thursday, C2BF recognized RCPS staff for their achievements in the Superintendent's Physical Activity Award Challenges. Congratulations to all award recipients in the fall and spring challenges!

12 Week Challenge Awards (Fall 2023)

Platinum (250 mins. weekly and 2 muscle strengthening activities)- Matt Hummill, Kreighton Long, Kayla Robey, and Amy Grady

Gold (250 mins. weekly)- John Wiese and Jenny Kapsa

Silver (200 mins. weekly)- Christy Taylor

Bronze (150 mins. weekly)- Kelly Estes

Honorable Mention- Katherine Todd, Kimberly Jones, Dr. Shannon Grimsley, Elaine McCabe, and Michele Fincham

8 Week Challenge Awards (Spring 2024)

Platinum (250 mins. weekly and 2 muscle strengthening activities)- Scott Stephens, Amy Grady, Brian Volmrich, Kayla Robey, Heather Pitts, Kalia Page, Michele Fincham, Kreighton Long, and Matt Hummill

Gold (250 mins. weekly)- Robbie Fincham and Alivia Tuel

Silver (200 mins. weekly)- Katherine Todd, Cecilia Lopiano, and Jordan Hummill

Bronze (150 mins. weekly)- Barbara MacDonald, Missy Moon, and Temple Murray

Iron (30-149 mins. weekly)- Sandra Burke, Tiffany Montague, Dr. Shannon Grimsley, Carlos Seward, and Dr. Robin Bolt

The highly anticipated Spring Staff Farmer’s Market was held on May 22nd at RCHS. Excited RCPS staff arrived with big smiles as they were treated to $40 worth of tickets, courtesy of C2BF and a staff wellness grant, to shop among the local vendors: Bean Hollow Grassfed, Fair Winds Farms, Gardens of Khmet, Jackalope Ridge Bakehouse and Microfarm, Jenkins' Fruit Stand, Rucker Farm, and The Farm at Sunnyside. Everyone enjoyed shopping among the fresh produce, meat, bread, seasoned salts, and plants and engaging in conversations with the farmers.

Introducing Panther Palate! Sixth and seventh-grade farm-to-table classes, with guidance from Chef Volmrich, were given a project to create a tasty recipe that incorporated several of the herbs that the students had grown this spring. Ultimately, the students selected a ranch-based dip incorporating dill, thyme, and basil. After making their dip from the freshly harvested herbs, the 6th class served it with cucumbers to younger grade levels to see if this should be a menu item next school year. The results are in, and the younger students would like it to be served in the fall! Stay tuned! You will see even more Panther Palate activities when school is back in session.

Through a PATH Foundation grant, Commit to Be Fit is thrilled to continue the POP (Power of Produce) Bucks program to provide access to local food and support our local 2024 Farmers Market season. EVERY RCPS student has the opportunity to redeem a POP Bucks Market Bag filled with local produce, protein, and bread. Plus, each bag includes TWO $5 tokens to redeem at participating market vendors. SIGN-UP IS REQUIRED and is limited to 25 students per week (first come, first serve). To sign up, visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc41bZx2QEpJ_6ysM3r8H2FYRZZ7O6J2NIlkzximyGl7NIrIQ/viewform or on our website at https://www.rappc2bf.com/pop-bucks

Once we reach 25 bags, the sign-up collector will close. It will reopen on Monday morning for each new week.

Now that the school is out for summer, the C2BF newsletter is taking a summer break too! Stay tuned for a Summer Edition Newsletter in late June. Until then, we wish you all a fun-filled summer!

Summer is here! Well, maybe not officially, but I’m considering it official as of today. I encourage you to face your fears this summer. Facing your fears can bring significant personal growth and fulfillment. Confronting scary situations, whether it’s trying a new adventure sport, traveling solo, roughing it with a little car camping, or whatever makes you uncomfortable, builds resilience and confidence. Overcoming fear expands your comfort zone making future challenges less daunting. It nurtures a sense of accomplishment, boosting self-esteem and motivation. Engaging in these activities can also lead to discovering new passions and interests, enriching your life. Additionally, facing our fears enhances problem-solving skills and adaptability. These are valuable traits in both personal and professional settings. Embracing fear promotes a mindset of courage and openness to new experiences, ultimately leading to a more vibrant, dynamic life. So, really get out there these next couple of months! Do something that scares you! Do something with a special someone that scares you both! Face your fears, and have a wonderful, fun-filled, memory-making summer!!

Summer has officially graced us with its presence! Kids are out and teachers can finally breathe knowing they successfully made it through another school year. Parents are eagerly searching for things to do to keep their kids from bouncing off the wall. Here are some fun family activities to do at home or on a day trip on a warm summer day!

• Freeze some fruit ice cubes to go with a refreshing drink or try making some fun homemade frozen treats like THESE

• Go for a drive and picnic in Shenandoah National Park

• Check local events over the summer: Farmers Market, 4th of July Celebration, Carnival

• Have a water balloon baseball game!

• Host an outdoor movie night

• Take a family hike. Don’t forget your furry friends!

• Have a family cooking contest

I hope everyone in our community has a fun, restful summer filled with laughter and good company! We will see you before you know it, ready to tackle the next school year. :)

This week's recipe features fresh strawberries. Click HERE to view the recipe from Eating Well.