November Wellness Newsletter

📅 Kick things off with the Sleep Basics Webinar
Thursday, November 5, 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Learn the fundamentals of healthy sleep habits before the challenge begins with Support Link Health Coach Chris Rich. Register for the webinar here

You don’t need a perfect sleep routine to take part, just a willingness to try small changes. Let’s rest, recharge, and feel well together!

ITS SOUP SZN!!!!! Join a registered dietitian from Kaiser Permanente for a hands-on crockpot cooking class to learn how to make some easy and healthy crockpot meals to keep you going this winter. You’ll get to taste simple, nutritious recipes and will be provided with practical tips for planning meals ahead of time.

📅November 12, 5:00-6:00 pm

📍 Lonetree Elementary Learning Kitchen

Shout out to all of our incredible staff who started off Walktober strong by participating in the Hot Chocolate Run at Wash Park! Whether you ran, walked, or jogged you should be incredibly proud!

Join us for the SupportLinc Expert Speaker Series, a collection of engaging educational webinars featuring subject matter experts who share insights, practical tools, and strategies to support your overall well-being. Each session explores a different topic, from improving sleep and navigating menopause to strengthening mental health, practicing mindfulness, and building healthy nutrition habits. These sessions feature subject matter experts + health/life coaches Chris Rich and Hyo North, who bring their knowledge and perspectives to a variety of well-being topics. We look forward to having you join us!

Beyond Hot Flashes

• November 16 | 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Mountain Time

  • Register here

• November 18 | 5:30–6:30 p.m. Mountain Time

  • Register here

Benefits of Mindfulness

• December 1 | 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Mountain Time

  • Register here

• December 4 | 5:30–6:30 p.m. Mountain Time

  • Register here

Building Better Mental Health

• December 7 | 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Mountain Time

  • Register here

• December 9 | 5:30–6:30 p.m. Mountain Time

  • Register here

Nutrition and Your Health

• December 14 | 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Mountain Time

  • Register here

• December 16 | 5:30–6:30 p.m. Mountain Time

  • Register here

When: November 10, 4:30-6:30 PM

🔗 Link: Sign Up to Reserve Your Spot Here (Space is limited to first 30 sign ups!)

Our in-house Diamond Art expert Connie Buechler will lead us through this activity where we will make holiday inspired diamond art coasters!

Diamond painting is a simple and addictive hobby that has taken the crafting world by storm. Creating a sparkling masterpiece is as easy as affixing vibrantly colored resin rhinestones to a self-adhesive canvas with a diamond art kit. The canvas is printed with the design as well as symbols to let you know exactly which color to place in each spot.

📅 Tuesday, November 17, 2026, 4:30-6:00 PM
📍 Legacy Campus, Room 249

🔗 Link: Sign Up to Reserve Your Spot Here

If not, this is the year to become one! And we’re here to help you make it happen.

Join Denver’s Greatest Thanksgiving Day Tradition!

📅 Thursday, November 26, 2026
📍 Washington Park, Denver

The Mile High United Way Turkey Trot is back! This beloved Denver tradition brings families, friends, and community members together for a Thanksgiving morning filled with movement, fun, and giving back. Whether you’re ready to race, prefer a leisurely walk, or want to join in the family fun run, there’s a way for everyone to be part of the tradition!

Use promo code DCSD26 at checkout to receive 50% off registration.

But don’t wait! We have only 100 discounted registrations available, so grab yours before they’re gone!

Make it a family tradition, bring your friends, and kick off Thanksgiving with a little movement and a lot of fun! Gobble, gobble! We hope to see you there! 🦃🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️

What’s better than running 26.2 miles through the Mile High City? Sharing the miles with friends! Colfax Marathon Relay is being held again Sunday, May 16, 2027. Grab a team of 5 individuals (at least three members must be current DCSD staff), choose a team captain, and have your team captain use THIS FORM to pre-register. Relay teams will receive 50% OFF (thanks to our DCSD Staff Wellness Kaiser Fund), making each participant's portion only about $35. We have a forty-team limit. Find more information about the Marathon Relay here.

Find out why everyone needs some type of estate plan.

It’s a common misconception that estate planning is only for the wealthy. Find out why everyone needs an estate plan from determining who will take care of your children and make medical decisions on your behalf to keeping track of digital assets and avoiding probate.

We also offer valuable real-time insights to help you understand current economic conditions.

When: November 10, 2026, 5:00-6:00 pm

🔗 Link: Sign Up to Reserve Your Spot Here

Did you know tobacco use is the single largest cause of preventable death and disease in the United States? Cigarette smoking may cause many health problems including cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung diseases, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Specifically, more than 16 million Americans are living with a disease caused by smoking, in which it is responsible for more than 480,000 deaths per year in the United States alone. No tobacco product is safe. This includes cigarettes, cigars, pipes, hookah, e-cigarettes, and smokeless tobacco products such as chewing tobacco. While the nicotine in tobacco products is highly addictive, the benefits of quitting outweigh tobacco use altogether. In fact, health benefits occur only 20 minutes after quitting and continue to improve over a matter of weeks. There are approximately 600 ingredients in cigarettes. When burned, cigarettes create more than 7,000 chemicals. At least 69 of these chemicals are known to cause cancer, and many are toxic.There is a long list of serious health risks associated with smoking, and knowing these may help motivate you to quit.

We’re pleased to offer a valuable resource to help you kick the habit. We have created a Quit Kit that supports you in preparing to quit and navigating the challenges ahead. Request your Quit Kit by clicking here.

Quitting is a process that takes time, energy, and support. Check out these other great opportunities to help you or someone you know to kick the habit. The Great American Smokeout, Tobacco-Free Colorado, or Colorado QuitLine.

After the PD day in September 4 different schools (Mountain Vista, Mountain Ridge, Silver Spruce and Coyote Creek) ended up at Tanks Park to play some Pickleball! What an awesome way to get everyone together for some team bonding.

Ingredients:

• 2.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast OR use entire Rotisserie chicken
• 14.5 oz box Barilla Protein+ Pasta
• 12 oz bag frozen mixed vegetables
• 2 Cups Reduced Fat Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• 1: 8 oz Block Reduced Fat Cream Cheese
• 1 cup chicken bone broth (bone broth is higher in protein and nutrients)
• 10.5 oz can Cream of Chicken Soup
• 2 tsp each: salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika onion powder

Instructions:

1. Add chicken, cream cheese, broth, soup, and seasonings to crockpot. Cook high 3–4 hrs or low 6–7 hrs.
2. Shred chicken, stir in mixed vegetables, and cook high 15–20 mins.
3. Cook pasta separately and drain.
4. Stir crockpot mixture until smooth, then mix in pasta and cheddar until melted (add broth if needed).
5. Divide into 8 servings. Store 4–5 days (freeze longer) and reheat before eating. Enjoy!

Makes about 8 servings

We’re excited to introduce Health Nut of the Month, a new feature in our monthly newsletter celebrating DCSD employees who inspire others through their commitment to health and wellness! Each month, we’ll spotlight an employee who leads by example, shares their healthy habits, and encourages others to prioritize their well-being. From nutritious eating and physical activity to mindfulness and other wellness practices, we want to celebrate the many ways our DCSD community makes health a priority.

1. How do you incorporate healthy eating into your lifestyle?

I make a conscious effort to choose nutritious foods whenever possible. I especially enjoy salads, which are a primary source of vegetables in my weekly diet. I also try to moderate my sugar and fat intake and prioritize staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water and sparkling water.

2. How do you fit physical activity into your routine?

Physical activity is an important part of my daily routine. I work out at Orangetheory Fitness six days a week, typically before school and later in the morning on weekends. My best friend joins me for these workouts, and we encourage one another and help keep each other accountable. Having that partnership makes fitness both motivating and an enjoyable part of our lives.

3. What other wellness practices or activities are important to you?

Sleep is one of the most important components of my overall wellness routine. I prioritize going to bed early so I can wake up for my morning workouts and feel rested and refreshed throughout the day. I also value spending time outdoors, whether I’m walking my dogs, working in the yard, or helping my husband with his work. These activities help me stay active, enjoy the outdoors, and maintain a healthy balance in my life.

4. How do you serve as a role model and inspire others?

Although I am honored to be considered a role model, I believe wellness is something we can all continue to learn about and improve. As our school’s Wellness Champion, I enjoy promoting healthy habits, encouraging participation in fitness challenges, and helping create a culture that values well-being. I also make an effort to build meaningful relationships with my colleagues and support them in whatever ways I can. I believe that leading by example, encouraging others, and being a dependable source of support can make a positive difference in our school community.

5. Are there any other personal accomplishments you’d like to share?

One of my proudest professional accomplishments was receiving the Apple Award at Mammoth Heights Elementary last year and being selected as a finalist. Being recognized by my colleagues meant so much to me because I have tremendous respect for the incredible educators and individuals I work alongside. Their recognition was especially meaningful and is something I will always treasure.

6. What advice would you give to other DCSD employees who want to prioritize their health and well-being?

My advice is to challenge yourself and take small, intentional steps toward better health. A challenge doesn't have to be about winning or competing with others; it can simply be about setting a goal, making a commitment to yourself, and recognizing the importance of your own well-being. Start small, celebrate your progress, and gradually work toward bigger goals. Just as importantly, give yourself grace along the way. Wellness is a journey, not a competition, and taking care of yourself is one of the most valuable investments you can make. Without our health, it becomes much harder to fully enjoy and participate in all the other important parts of our lives.

Know someone who inspires you? Help us celebrate their journey by nominating a fellow DCSD employee who leads with healthy habits. We will reward them with 5 days of myfitfoods lunch on us, and a highlight in the newsletter. Let’s recognize those who inspire us to be our healthiest selves! Nominate a health nut here!

You made it to the end of the newsletter, time for the monthly giveaway! 🎉 This month, we’re giving away a 20 piece Tupperware set to one person.

Click here to enter the November Staff Wellness Giveaway Drawing!

And a big congratulations to last month's winner:

Good luck, and thanks for being part of our community!

Email: knemunaitis@dcsdk12.org
Website: https://sites.google.com/view/dcsd-staff-wellness/home
Location: 620 Wilcox Street, Castle Rock, CO, USA