Nurturing Wellness

As 2025 has come to a close and we begin 2026, this is an invitation to pause—not to evaluate or judge, but to notice. These questions are meant to support reflection, self-awareness, and well-being as you transition into the new year. Take a few quiet moments, or simply sit with the ones that resonate.

1. When did I feel most balanced or energized last year, and what contributed to that?

2. What challenges helped me grow, even in small or unexpected ways?

3. What am I most proud of—at work or personally—from this past year?

4. What do I need more of (or less of) to support my well-being going forward?

5. What is one intention I want to carry into the new year?

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!

Shelli Thelen, 5th grade teacher, Paxton Keeley Elementary

Shelli led the charge to get the staff fired up for the Final Countdown Challenge. She posted motivational posters around school, had a staff sign-up in the lounge and motivated teachers on the morning announcements to join the challenge.

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

Non-Sleep Deep Rest (NSDR) is a simple guided relaxation technique that helps your mind and body recharge—especially on days when you’re short on sleep or feeling overwhelmed. Popularized by neuroscience research, NSDR gently shifts the brain into a deeply restful state using slow breathing and focused attention. Just 10–20 minutes can leave you feeling calmer, clearer, and more energized.

Unlike a nap, NSDR keeps you just awake enough to boost alertness and focus. Many people report that a short session can feel as restorative as an hour of extra sleep. Regular practice may also lower stress, support emotional balance, and improve concentration.

The best part? NSDR is easy to try anywhere—simply press play on a guided audio track, close your eyes, and breathe. Whether you need a midday reset or a moment of calm between meetings, NSDR offers a quick, accessible way to support your well-being. Click here to read more about it or click on the video below to give it a try!

A new year is a great time to check in on your health — and that includes your oral health. Regular dental visits do more than brighten your smile. They support your overall wellness by:

• Reducing inflammation that affects heart health

• Supporting blood sugar control

• Boosting immunity by removing harmful bacteria

• Catching early signs of other health conditions

New Year Challenge:

Add “Schedule a dental checkup” to your wellness goals for 2025. A quick preventive visit can set the tone for a healthier year ahead.

Not sure how to use your Delta Dental benefits?
See the section below on how to submit your own claim if your dentist doesn’t bill insurance directly.

Kick off the new year by exploring something that brings you joy. Whether it’s crafting, cooking, reading, gardening, or learning an instrument, January is the perfect time to experiment and discover a new hobby that boosts your creativity and well-being. Give yourself permission to try something new—you might find a favorite new pastime! If you need help trying something different, try one of the hobbies in the ultimate list below!

Fresh fruits and vegetables are packed with nutrients that boost energy, support immunity, and keep you feeling your best. But nothing ruins healthy intentions like reaching into the fridge only to find wilted greens or moldy berries. A few small storage habits can make a big difference in how long produce lasts—saving money and making it easier to enjoy more of the good stuff every day.

Review the guide below to learn some tips and tricks to extend the life of your produce!

Teaching and supporting a school community is incredibly meaningful work — but it’s also demanding. A recent Gallup report found that teachers experience the highest burnout rate of any profession, with nearly half saying they often feel drained or overwhelmed. This isn’t a reflection of anyone’s strength or commitment. It’s a sign that the workload, pressure, and emotional demands are simply too much to carry without support and balance.

In a field where giving is the norm, it can feel uncomfortable — even “selfish” — to put your own needs first. But the truth is simple: taking care of yourself is one of the most important things you can do for your students, your colleagues, and your family. You can’t pour from an empty cup.

Protecting your work–life balance doesn’t mean caring less. It means caring sustainably. It means allowing yourself to rest without guilt. It means disconnecting when the day ends. It means acknowledging that your well-being matters just as much as the work you do.

So here is your permission, in case you haven’t given it to yourself yet:

It’s okay to set boundaries. It’s okay to say no. It’s okay to step back. It’s okay to recharge.

You are allowed — and encouraged — to take care of you.

A healthier, more balanced you isn’t just good for your work.
It’s good for your life. And you deserve that. Print out the reminder I created above by clicking on it and printing from Canva. Hang it somewhere you can see during work. Do yourself (and me) a favor and take care of yourself in 2026!

Some dental offices are no longer billing insurance directly — but if you’re covered under Delta Dental, you can still receive reimbursement for eligible services. Here’s how to use your benefit even when your dentist is “out of network.”

How to Submit Your Own Claim with Delta Dental

1. Ask your dentist for a detailed receipt or “superbill.”
Make sure it includes:

• CDT procedure codes

• Tooth numbers (if applicable)

• Date of service

• Total fees

• Provider’s name, address, and NPI

2. Download the Delta Dental claim form, scan the QR code below, or click on the pdf link below.
Go to the Delta Dental website → log in → look for Claims or Member Forms.
Most plans allow you to fill it out online or upload documents directly.

3. Complete the member information section.
Include your name, subscriber ID, and plan information.

4. Attach the dentist’s receipt/superbill and submit:

• Online through your Delta Dental portal (quickest), or

• By mail to the address on the form.

• 
  

5. Watch for reimbursement.
Delta Dental usually processes claims within a few weeks, and you’ll receive an explanation of benefits (EOB) outlining what was covered.

Why This Matters

Submitting your own Delta Dental claim means you can keep the dentist you trust while still taking advantage of your district-provided dental benefits—helping you lower out-of-pocket costs and stay on top of your oral health.

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

January 1 - January 31 Strong Start @ RBHS Join and support others in the CPS community as RBHS puts on Strong Start to raise money for the RBHS scholarship fund! Throughout the month of January, various Wilson's instructors will be teaching exercise classes at Rock Bridge. This is your chance to try out some of the classes Wilson's has to offer at a very low price, while also helping CPS students further their education! Scan the QR code on the calendar below to sign up! If you have questions, message Candice Swee at cswee@cpsk12.org

January 8th - January 29th Dining with Diabetes Dining with Diabetes is an online four-session course that helps participants build food skills through cooking while learning strategies to manage, prevent, or delay diabetes-related complications. Each session offers detailed instruction, group activities, and a live cooking demonstration of a diabetes-friendly meal. Sessions are every Thursday starting on January 8th from 3:30-5:00 pm. Register here for the free online class

January 19 @ 5:30-7pm Sip-Shop-Stretch: 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!

January 21 @ 2pm From Burnout to Balance, the 2026 Energy Reset Start the new year with a sense of clarity and calmness. In the January 2026 webinar, From Burnout to Balance, the 2026 Energy Reset, you'll learn how to: recognize early signs of burnout, set healthy boundaries, and building daily habits that increase your energy. Walk away with a simple, sustainable plan to feel more focused, energized and balanced - at work and beyond! To register for this webinar click here. A recording of the webinar should be sent after it concludes, so register if interested in the information!

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