GCSD Mindfulness Newsletter

A note from the mindfulness team

Cultivating Wellness

As we embrace the beauty of autumn, the crisp air and vibrant fall foliage serve as a gentle reminder to slow down, pause, and recharge. Caring for our students begins with caring for ourselves, which is why we encourage all Greece educators to prioritize self-care this season by registering for our upcoming professional learning opportunities and restorative mindfulness retreats. Adding just a few minutes of stillness to your routine can transform your day—whether you are pressing play on Inner Explorer's audio-guided practices to foster a calm, focused environment in your classroom, or exploring their Educator Wellness series for your own personal reset. Take a deep breath, enjoy the cozy spirit of the fall season, and join us in cultivating a culture of wellness and balance throughout our entire school community!

Register in Frontline

Mindfulness Professional Learning Opportunities

Please register in Frontline

MBSR testimonial from Stephanie Rago

MBSR has taught me valuable tools to support my mental health and has made a significant difference in my interactions with my students, colleagues, friends and family. I highly recommend this experience to anyone looking to practice mindfulness in their lives.

UNLOCK THE POWER OF YOUR MIND

Email Andrea Antonetty to have a mindfulness coach work with your team

STORM Lacrosse

Arcadia Baseball

Athena Soccer

ARHS Basketball Team

Athena Basketball Team

Olympia and Odyssey Flag Football

Have you signed up for the Inner Explorer?

Mindfulness Matters: A Path to Healthier Minds and Hearts

Mindfulness — the practice of paying attention to the present moment with openness and non-judgement — offers a simple yet powerful way to nurture mental, physical and emotional well-being. Regular practice has been shown to reduce anxiety and depression, lower stress, and enhance focus, empathy, and self-regulation. It helps calm the mind, ease tension, and strengthen our ability to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively.

Inner Explorer makes mindfulness accessible for everyone through brief, audio-guided practices that fit naturally into daily routines. As highlighted in a recent public health article, schools and communities using Inner Explorer are seeing calmer, more focused environments and improved emotional resilience. (mnphy.com)

In a world that moves fast, mindfulness reminds us to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with awareness— fostering balance, kindness, and mental clarity for all.

Have your students completed the 21 day Challenge?

Felice Berends practices the mindfulness every day using the Inner Explorer and the students are engaged and they enjoy the practice.

The Calm App - Free with your NYSUT number

Gift Ideas

Good morning yoga

Calm and awake, “I can do this!”
is all I need to say.
A deep breath in, a long breath out―
I am ready for the day!
This “wake up” story is so much more than a story. It’s a practice for kids and parents to greet the morning with joy and embark on their daily adventures with intention and confidence. Turn the page and reach up to the sky, press your feet into the earth, and get ready for a great day!

The Sloth Who Slowed Us Down

When the speediest family in the world finds a sweet, slow sloth on their doorstep, they take him in. But, little do they know, their new pet has quite a bit to teach them.

For Amy’s family, there simply aren’t enough hours in the day to get everything done. Mom rushes through her work. Dad rushes through his chores. Even little Amy rushes through dinner. But Sloth does things slowly. He likes to take long, leisurely baths with lots and lots of bubbles. He plays drawn-out, imaginative games. He eats his food slowly, enjoying one small bite at a time.

Just Breathe

Just Breathe is a fun and accessible, fully illustrated go-to meditation guide written by none other than Mallika Chopra, wellness expert and the daughter of Deepak Chopra. For kids ages 8 to 12, this book is full of specific exercises to help deal with day-to-day challenges and tips to lead a healthier, happier, and more connected life. The book includes practical advice on breathing techniques and guided meditations for a number of topics and scenarios, including:

Dealing with stress
Getting to sleep
Building self-confidence
Focusing on school/tests/other work
Ridding oneself of anxiety

52 Mindfulness Cards - Daily Mindfulness, Grounding, and Self Care Practice

Cultivate Presence & Calm – Practice 52 unique mindfulness exercises to fully ground yourself and engage with the present moment, helping to reduce mental clutter, stress, and anxiety.

Mindful Families

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 100 PROMPTS FOR FAMILY MINDFULNESS Includes 98 engaging prompt cards and 2 instructions—perfect for family mealtime, road trips, or quiet evenings.
🌿 TEN THOUGHTFUL CATEGORIES Choose from Breathing, Gratitude, Nature, Creative Expression, Movement, Listening, Play & more to encourage well-rounded emotional well-being
🧠 PROMOTES EMOTIONAL HEALTH & SELF‑CARE Supports social-emotional regulation through intentional dialogue—ideal for family bonding, therapy sessions, or mindful routines.

Mindfulness Journal

Find Calm in the Chaos with Just 5 Minutes a Day

Feeling overwhelmed by endless to-dos or a racing mind? The 5-Minute Mindfulness Journal makes real change possible, no matter how busy you are. Join thousands of readers who've discovered a daily ritual for more peace, gratitude, and emotional balance in just minutes.

Mindfulness at ENL Summer School

Ms. Antonetty from Arcadia Middle School leads her students in a mindfulness practice to find calm.

Community Schools Summer Fun Camp

Mindfulness walk at summer fun camp

Mindful movement at summer fun camp

Partner poses at summer fun camp

Mindfulness at ESY with Mrs. Coyne and her students

Mindful Movement at the ELC with Mrs. Spano and her students

Mindfulness Coaches

Andrea Antonetty - World Language Teacher at Phoenix and REC

Shanna Calvasina - Inclusive Education Teacher at Athena HS

Stephanie Canale - Elementary Teacher - Longridge

Annie Garlock - Business Teacher at Olympia

Sophie Popiel - ENL Teacher at Holmes Road

Allison Weise - Assistant Principal at Pine Brook

"We strengthen our community by inspiring, building presence, and cultivating a healthy mind and body."

GCSD Mindfulness Newsletter