Commit to Be Fit Newsletter

February 2025/Issue No. 295

Mrs. Day has been diligently working in the ABL lab on a research project for her master's degree, focusing on the benefits of movement and literacy. Her work has centered on kindergarten students, recognizing the importance of early literacy development through engaging, hands-on activities. She has put great effort into designing and implementing interactive experiences that combine movement with learning, making literacy more accessible and enjoyable for young learners. To further support their progress, Mrs. Day thoughtfully prepared take-home activity bags for each kindergarten student, filled with materials to encourage continued skill-building with their parents. Her dedication and hard work have provided valuable resources for both students and families, promoting a love for literacy in a dynamic and meaningful way.

RCHS students had the opportunity to taste test a delicious butternut squash mac and cheese recipe as part of February's harvest of the month program (recipe featured below). Joseph Peralta, Food Systems Specialist at the Rappahannock-Rapidan Regional Commission, brought in fresh butternut squash and served the dish, highlighting the vegetable's natural creaminess and subtle sweetness. Packed with vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants, butternut squash supports immune health, eye health, and digestion, making it a nutritious addition to any meal. The students enjoyed the flavorful twist on a classic comfort food while learning the benefits of seasonal eating.

C2BF recently worked with Headwaters for an exciting afternoon of hands-on learning as students explored the art of sushi-making. Led by Mrs. Lacy Jenkins, Headwater's after school enrichment program director, students gathered in the ABL lab, where they used the mobile kitchenette to roll their own sushi. With a delicious recipe featuring imitation crab, rice, seaweed, carrots, and cucumbers, students had the freedom to customize their rolls, making the experience both fun and creative. For many, this was their first time trying sushi. Some had never even heard of it before. The event was a flavorful and engaging way to introduce students to new foods and cultures while building confidence in the kitchen.

Stay tuned for an exciting yoga session after school- a great way to relax and unwind! Also, be on the lookout for our upcoming cooking workshop for school staff, where we'll explore delicious pesto recipes for both meat and pasta, along with a variety of flavorful pasta sauces. Dates to be determined.

In honor of National Random Acts of Kindness Month, there are powerful benefits of giving to others—not just for their well-being, but for your own, too! Research shows that performing acts of kindness, no matter how small, can boost your mood, reduce stress, and even improve your heart health(February is also Heart Health Month). Whether paying for someone's coffee, complimenting a colleague, or simply lending a helping hand to a neighbor, these simple gestures can profoundly impact your mental and physical health.

Try incorporating at least one random act of kindness into your day. You'll feel the positive energy flow back to you, fostering a healthier, more connected life. Not only will you brighten someone else's day, but you'll also experience the feel-good effects of compassion and gratitude. Stay kind, stay healthy!

Remember a few weeks ago when you thought you’d wake up at 5 a.m., chug a kale shake, exercise, and become your best self? Adorable. I’d say this February in particular probably put a damper on those plans. Let’s be real though. February is about survival, not perfection. This February may have felt like the longest short month ever, but it’s not too late to unglue yourself from the couch and shake off the winter blues! Exercise boosts your mood, fights off seasonal blahs, and helps you prepare for the moment you shed those oversized, uncomfortable winter clothes. You don’t necessarily need a fancy gym or personal trainer yelling motivational quotes at you. Just find something active you enjoy doing. Make reasonable diet goals. Something you can be consistent with. So, let’s defrost, stretch, and finish winter strong. Future you and your summer wardrobe will thank you!

February is National Random Acts of Kindness Month! As the month comes to a close, it is good to be reminded that incorporating small acts of kindness into your daily life can have a big impact. Engaging in acts of kindness releases oxytocin, the "feel-good" hormone, which helps reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. Whether it’s complimenting a coworker, offering a helping hand to a neighbor, or simply sending a thoughtful message to a loved one, these acts can boost your mood and create a ripple effect of positivity. Also remember to be kind to yourself! I always think of the phrase, "you can't pour from an empty cup". You can't take care of others until you take care of yourself first.

C2BF has a massive database of brain breaks and movement-based learning activities available to all RCPS teachers that cater to PreK-12th grade levels. These teacher resources can be found HERE on our website. As always, the C2BF team is more than happy to come into your classroom and lead these activities, while giving you an opportunity to a quick break. Email c2bf@rappahannockschools.us to schedule a time with the team!