Nurturing Wellness

Showcasing CPS leaders and champions who personally model healthy behaviors and truly believe in creating opportunities for school employees to take better care of themselves!

Stacey Throckmorton, Hickman, PE/Health Department Chair

"Stacey is the Department Chair for PE/Health and teaches classes at Wilson's Fitness. Stacey was apart of the implementation of the yoga & mindfulness movement in the HS curriculum and has sense received her 200+ hours as a certified yoga instructor through Yoga Fit. Not only does she does teach yoga to her HHS students and Wilson's Fitness yogi's - Stacey has been pivotal to creating and training District Wide Adapted Physical Educators, Physical Therapists, and Occupational Therapists in chair yoga. Stacey teamed up with other fellow HS CPS yoga & mindfulness teachers to prep for our content driven Professional Development day in September. Stacey created a pose breakdown and a "Flow Your Own Way" with both modified and accelerated seated and standing poses to help provide inclusive poses for all learners in our yoga & mindfulness practices. Thank you for spreading your wisdom and knowledge to so many that are affected by your radiant positivity!"

If you want to nominate an employee to be spotlighted for their wellness efforts, fill out this short Google Survey.

Community service supports emotional wellness by fostering a sense of purpose, connection, and belonging. Acts of service can reduce stress, improve mood, and increase feelings of empathy and gratitude, all of which contribute to improved mental well-being. During Kindness Month, community service reminds us that even small acts of giving can have a powerful impact on both others and ourselves. I encourage you to go out into the community and serve in any capacity. Something as simple as cleaning up a park, create care kids for people in need, or even volunteering a short amount of time a local organization makes a world of a difference!

The Hallway Hustle Staff Step Challenge is coming in March! For 14 days, staff are invited to join a fun and motivating step challenge focused on building energy and momentum heading into spring break. The goal is to reach 8,000 steps per day for 12 days during the challenge window. Steps can come from anywhere (work, home or a quick hallway lap!) Each day will include a simple "mini challenge" to keep things fresh and fun. Let's move more, feel better, and hustle into spring break strong! Click here to join the challenge.

Throughout the month of February, staff are invited to practice simple heart-healthy nutrition habits by "blacking out" a bingo card (finish all squares). Each square includes an easy action step like adding more fruits and veggies, choosing whole grains, reading nutrition labels, and making healthy swaps. Staff who complete the full blackout card and turn it in by the deadline will be entered into a raffle to win a small prize. Let's support our heart one healthy habit at a time-join the fun! download the image above or the pdf below, complete all habits, then submit your card by either mailing to Bridget Lolli at Aslin in interoffice mail or email me at blolli@cpsk12.org

Our health insurance, UMR, has partnered with Hinge Health to offer digital exercise therapy at not additional cost! No copays! No surprise costs!

If you're struggling with joint of muscle pain, Hinge can get you relief. Our benefit includes a personalized program you can do from home, exercises designed by a licensed physical therapist, and 1-on-1 support from a certified health coach. If this free benefit sounds like something you need, scan the QR code below!

Building trust in the workplace isn’t just a “nice-to-have”, it’s a cornerstone of a thriving culture. When people trust one another, communication flows more freely, collaboration becomes easier, and employees feel psychologically safe to take smart risks and share ideas. High-trust environments significantly reduce stress, strengthen engagement, and foster mutual respect, helping teams work better together and stay connected even in remote or hybrid settings. Trust also impacts performance: organizations with strong trust cultures see better productivity, lower turnover, and stronger overall results. In short, trust helps shape a culture where people feel valued, supported, and committed to shared goals, making it one of the most important investments leaders can make in their workplace.

If you have an event or resource you want shared, please email me at blolli@cpsk12.org!

All of February! Heart Healthy Blackout Bingo Throughout the month of February, staff are invited to practice simple heart-healthy nutrition habits by "blacking out" a bingo card (finish all squares). Each square includes an easy action step like adding more fruits and veggies, choosing whole grains, reading nutrition labels, and making healthy swaps. Staff who complete the full blackout card and turn it in by the deadline will be entered into a raffle to win a small prize. Let's support our heart one healthy habit at a time-join the fun! Submit your card by either mailing to Bridget Lolli at Aslin in interoffice mail or email me at blolli@cpsk12.org

January 30-February 8 COMO Restaurant Week Get ready to explore the vibrant flavors our city has to offer. From January 30 to February 8, 2026, participating table service restaurants will feature special prix fixe menus, offering multi-course meals at a set price – perfect for a delicious day or night out! And for those seeking a quicker bite or a caffeine boost, our local coffee shops and counter service eateries will be serving up unique coffee flights and creative quick food options, all at special COMO Restaurant Week prices. Join us in supporting Columbia’s diverse food scene and discover your new favorite spot!

February 4-10 WIN & National Girls and Women in Sports Day WIN welcomes women and girls in the Columbia area to find meaning in moving their bodies and building community by enjoying FREE attendance to our partner gyms the week of February 4-10, 2026 in honor of National Girls & Women in Sports Day. Click here to learn more!

February 9 @ 5:30-7:00pm Sip, Shop, Stretch: Galentine Yoga Night at the Edgy Cowgirl Join us for a cozy, community-centered evening designed to help you unwind, connect, and enjoy the holiday season in the sweetest way. We’re bringing together a skilled yoga instructor, yummy drinks, and an exclusive shopping discount for a night that blends movement, mindfulness, and fun. This is a register-only event with very limited space — grab your ticket early!

February 13 @6pm Valentine's Puppy Yoga at Burr Oak Part yoga + part fundraiser + part puppy cuddle session = all fun! Experience the Joy of Puppy Yoga: A Unique Blend of Wellness and Compassion. Click here to get your ticket!

February 14 @ 5:30-7:00pm Valentine's Day Goat Yoga Welcome to Valentines Day Goat Yoga – Columbia, MO! Join us at Goat Yoga of MO on February 14, 2026 at 5:30 PM for a unique and fun experience. Spend quality time with your loved ones while enjoying the company of adorable goats. Let’s spread love and positive vibes together through yoga and animal therapy. Don’t miss out on this heartwarming event!

February 21 @8:00am-1:00pm Fitness for a Cure We’re raising heart rates, cancer awareness, some serious funds and supporting our community cancer survivors, caregivers, and all who battle the effects of this disease. This special 15th annual event (FFAC 2026) February 21, 2026 combines our passion for exercise with our determination to find a cure for cancer! We want to encourage a healthy lifestyle through challenging and fun workouts for not only our members, but our entire community! Join us for a 30 min workout class, a snack, shopping from some of your local favorites or browse the silent the auction. There are lots of ways to have some fun and enjoy the day. First 150 people get swag bag with goodies. Click here for more information!

February 21 @3pm CPS Day at HotWorx If you have wondered about HotWorx, been wanting to get together with colleagues to workout, or simply want to be somewhere warm on a cold day, now is your chance! HotWorx is reserving their entire studio for all CPS staff for 2 hours for free! Scan the QR code in the flyer in the Physical Wellness section to sign up!

March 2-15 Hallway Hustle Step Challenge Sign up for our last individual step challenge of the school year to be entered into a raffle for a prize! Click here to sign up.

Below are local gyms that offer educator discounts to CPS Staff. To download the PDFs, you must open this newsletter in the internet browser by clicking "view in browser" at the top.

The EAP program through Personal Assistance Services offers free and confidential life event services that help you and your dependent family members with virtually any life need. Every one of us experience demands for our time and energy, both on and off the job. While striving to be successful at work, we also want to develop as a parent, grandparent, friend, or partner; take better care of ourselves; solve legal and financial challenges, become more productive; pursue personal interests and hobbies; maintain healthy family, social and work relationships; and learn how to balance it all.

PAS provides a wide array of counseling and life coaching services to support you and your dependents through the full spectrum of life events:

• Counseling - personal, family, relationship
• Lifestyle & Wellness - weight & nutrition, nicotine cessation, life & well-being, fitness, sleep, parenting
• Legal - legal consultation, will preparation, legal document library
• Financial - identity theft, budgeting & debt, financial planning & information, financial wellness tools
• Career & Work - career, retirement, continuing education, organization & productivity
• Resource & Referral - child-care consultation & referral, education planning, elder care coordination, discount center

All services are free and confidential and there is no limit to the number of services an individual can access.

To access PAS benefits you can call 1.800.356.0845, visit the website www.mypaseap.com and use the organization code CPS, or download the myPASapp