Support Employees of the Year

Congratulations to our Support Employees of the Year. 

• Brooke Brunken - High Needs Counselor (District Wide) - Special Services
• Misty Horne - Principal's Secretary (SHS) - Office / Clerical 
• Elsie Hockensmith - Custodian (Highland Park) - Custodial
• Marie Brown - Cafeteria Manager (Will Rogers) - Child Nutrition
• Gary Moffitt - Bus Driver - Transportation
• Dillon Henry - Computer Specialist I - District Support (Facilities / Technology)
• Tracy Wright - Library Media Assistant (SJHS) - Educational Support

The District Support Employee of the Year will be selected by a District Selection Committee. All seven employees will be recognized and the District Support Employee of the Year will be announced at the May 14 Stillwater Board of Education meeting.

Why Work Should Be Fun

Is having fun at work important? According to this article (Nelson, B. 2022, May 2nd, Why Work Should Be Fun, Harvard Business Review), the answer is an obvious “Yes”! 

Job Fair Successes

Many thanks to the staff and administrators who worked to make our recent attendance and hosting of job fairs a success. 

Expiring Teacher Certificates

Please remember to update any expiring teaching certificates. The Department of Education is no longer mailing a physical copy, you must print or download from Single Sign On. Please email or inter-school a copy of your new certificate to Gale Henry, Administrative Assistant. This will notify HR that it has been taken care of.

Paraprofessionals

• Congratulations to all of our Paraprofessionals who earned their Para certification through the Oklahoma State Department of Education! This achievement requires many hours of workbooks, videos, studying, and tests, and you should all be commended for your hard work.  If you are a Paraprofessional and have not earned your Para certification, call the HR or SPED office, and we’ll be happy to help you.

Thank you

• Thank you for all your patience as we rolled out Frontline Time and Attendance and switched a large group of our employees over to Frontline Absence Management. If you have any questions or concerns please reach out to Jacklyn Ahrens, our Benefits Specialist.

  “Many thanks for clocking in each morning and continuing to serve the students and be a part of the Stillwater Public Schools Family! Please keep on keeping on! 

        - Dr. Trent J. Swanson, Chief Human Resources Officer

HR U aware? 

• The WorkKeys Test can now be administered by SPS! If you plan to move to a TA or Para position this next school year and need to take the test, call the Administration building, and we can get you scheduled.
• American Fidelity finished up school site visits last week. Thank you to those who were able to have your annual visit. For those who weren’t able to fit it in, we will be scheduling make-up days and sending out sign-up links very shortly. Please keep a look-out for that email. 

• Retiring from the district this year? Please make sure and check on your insurance paperwork! Your insurance paperwork is due 30 days before your Retirement date. If you have any questions please reach out to Jacklyn Ahrens, our Benefits Specialist. 

• Onboarding this summer for new SPS employees will be on June 25, 2024, July 16, 2024, July 31, 2024 - This is done over the summer to allow new employees to focus on their classroom/training/teaching as the start of school approaches.

• Know a future sub? We currently have 329 substitutes working for SPS. This has allowed us to be better staffed than in previous years. If you know anyone who is interested, please have them apply at stillwaterschools.com/subapply. Job applications will be accepted until May 1, 2024, and will reopen on July 1.
  

We're Hiring

Whether you are looking to change things up in your employment with us or to recruit a friend or relative to join us, please be aware that we're hiring teachers and support staff. A few of our available positions include:

• Teachers of many types
• Assistant Director of Transportation
• Bus Drivers and Aides
• Noon Monitors
• Occupational Therapist
• Special Education Teachers and Paraprofessionals
• Mechanic
• Warehouse Assistant

Upcoming calendar events:

SPS Work Calendars

• April 19 - No School for Students - Teacher Workday
• May 1 - Support Staff evals should be completed.
• May 3 - No School for Students - Professional Development Day
• May 17 - Last Day of School for Students & SHS Graduation Ceremony

SPS Monthly Wellness Tips: Three Goals for 2023-2024

• Movement: It is not too late to sign up for the Free SPS Staff Tai Chi classes meeting this 9 weeks! This session meets on Thursdays at 4:30 at the Payne County Health Department in their Education Room. The class consists of 30 minutes of tai chi, flexibility, and strength training. You can still register here! 

• 

  Connections: (AND movement AND relaxation…) There are two free options for yoga going on right now! Each option meets weekly. 

  • Yoga in the Plaza: Mondays at the McKnight Center Outdoor Plaza at 5:30 

  • Yoga in the Garden: Wednesdays at The Botanic Garden at OSU at 5:45 

Work-Life Balance: As much as possible, try to establish clear boundaries between work time and personal time. Consider setting specific hours and sticking to them when you can. As we have said a lot this year… this isn’t always possible, but when you can, do it! Equally important is being intentional about dedicating time for relaxation, hobbies, and spending time with friends/family. One more idea: delegate tasks when you can!! This could involve distributing responsibilities, utilizing available resources, or seeking support from your administrators. By sharing the workload, school staff can free up time for personal activities and maintain a healthier work-life balance.

Monthly Wellness Challenge

By participating in the monthly challenges, SPS Staff have the opportunity to win various “Wellness Kits.” Each kit focuses on different dimensions of wellness. Each month you have the opportunity to win one of the following prizes: 

• Self-Care Kit (coffee/tea gift cards, wellness books and activities, massage)

• Nature Kit (terrarium, plants, gardening tools, etc.)

• Fitness Kit (gym towels, weights, gym bag, insulated water bottle, massage balls)  

• Movement Kit (Fitbit, weights, water bottle, etc.)

• Hiking Kit (Lake McMurtry annual pass, hiking equipment, hammock, and more)

In addition to these Wellness Kits, there are also smaller prizes such as weights, hammocks, insulated water bottles and much more! 

This is open to ALL SPS staff. The challenge question this month focuses on gratitude. To participate in this month's challenge, simply fill out this form. 

Tips for Reducing Unhealthy Stress

Knowing how to manage stress can improve both your physical and mental well-being. It’s critical to recognize what stress and anxiety look like, take steps to build resilience, and know where to go for help. Some types of stress are positive, but chronic stress can lead to problems. Here are a few tips:

• Watch what you eat: Did you know that some foods can help combat the effects of stress? Certain foods such as fatty fish, fermented foods, green leafy vegetables, and many spices are examples. Consider adding these foods to your diet, and read more about this here. 

• Watch what you think: Consider limiting the amount of time you spend on news, social media, etc. Also, try prayer,  mindfulness and/or meditation, all which can help. 

• Watch what you allow: Basically… it is okay to say no. It is helpful to set boundaries. Prioritizing managing your time more effectively is crucial when it comes to stress. 

• Watch how you breathe: Breath is our primary connection to life. When you’re calm, you breathe deeply and slowly. When you’re stressed, you tend to breathe fast and shallow. Watch this helpful video from Dr. Andrew Weil on a few very helpful breathing techniques. 

• Watch your movement: Regular movement and exercise is important for all aspects of your health. Set a step goal, gym goal, stand more, etc. 

• Watch who is around you: When you are feeling stressed, it is important to have a positive support system. However, if you find it hard to open up to the people in your life about your bad stress, it might be more beneficial to seek the help of a professional mental health counselor. Try the EAP, look at these mental health resources on our website, or check out this list. 

FREE Healthy Classroom Decor from TSET

Help your students discover the joy of being active with their favorite animals, learn the importance of hydration, master the art of mealtime and more! Choose your favorite poster — or collect them all — before the semester’s first bell rings! Download copies here.

April: National Child Abuse Prevention Month

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time for our community to come together to celebrate the small actions each of us can take that make a big impact on the well-being of our children. Thousands of cases of child abuse and neglect are reported each year. But there’s good news! Child Abuse is 100% preventable! Preventing child abuse and building strong, safe, and healthy children and families will benefit the entire community — setting up future generations to succeed! 

Currently, the Child Abuse Prevention Coloring Challenge is going on. Here is a link to the coloring page. It is called “My Happiest Day” and asks children to create a drawing of one of their favorite times. 

Finally, in Stillwater, for the second year in a row, there will be an event called the Kaleidoscope Festival & Block Party. The goal of this event is to raise awareness for Child Abuse Prevention Month. There will be an abundance of activities, food, and music to enjoy, so don't miss out on the Best Annual Festival in Stillwater! The first 200 families will get a free swag bag! 

Upcoming Events

• April 2: VOTE!! &Taste of Stillwater 

  • Highlighting food showcased & donated by Stillwater area restaurants, Taste of Stillwater gives ticket holders a chance to sample and discover the best of Stillwater cuisine. The family-oriented event features an all-you-can-eat buffet that is sure to please everyone. More than 30 restaurants traditionally participate in the event and over 1,000 people usually attend! Proceeds help fund SPEF programs.

• April 3, 10, 17 & 24: Yoga in the Garden At The Botanic Garden at OSU

  • Bring your mat or towel and join Yoga on Wednesdays for Yoga in the Garden! You will learn to breathe deeply and relax while surrounded by the gentle sounds of the garden. Thank you to the OSU Department of Wellness for leading this class!

• April 8, 15, 22 & 29 at 5:30 pm: Yoga in the Plaza at the McKnight Center 

  • Certified Yoga Instructor Laurielle Prema will lead this Vinyasa-Style yoga class.  This event is free and open to the public. Go enjoy free yoga in the peaceful MCPA Outdoor Plaza and reset your mind!

• April 13: Lake McMurtry Run 

  • Oklahoma’s oldest train run! A variety of distances to choose from with offerings of 100 k, 50k, 25 k, 12k, and 5 k on a single track winding through the pines along the shores of Lake McMurtry. Read more and register here. 

• April 20: Remember the 10 Run

  • Learn more about this wonderful opportunity to walk or run and register here. 

• April 28: Kaleidoscope Festival and Block Party

  • Kaleidoscope is a festival & block party to raise awareness for Child Abuse Prevention Month and was named Best Annual Festival by the Stillwater News Press! Gather with the community while raising awareness. There will be an abundance of activities, food, and music to enjoy, so don't miss out on the Best Annual Festival in Stillwater! The first 200 families will get a free swag bag!

SPS Wellness Goals

SPS Monthly Wellness Tips: Three Goals for 2023-2024
We are still over here in our wellness era; are you? March is a perfect time to keep your focus on those three goals we have been harping on all year: Movement, connections, and work-life balance. 

• Movement: In February, The Payne County Health Department offered their first free exercise class to SPS employees that focuses on Tai Chi, Flexibility, and Strength. Although this first session is for elementary folks and staff that get off earlier in the day, the new session will begin later in the day! Mark your calendar for March 28 at 4:30. A new FREE session of Tai Chi will begin for SPS staff. Thursday sessions will be held at the Payne County Health Department in their Education Room. We will meet weekly until the week after school gets out! 

• Connections:  Springtime in Stillwater offers lots of opportunities to connect with friends and the larger community. There are bike races, arts festivals, and sporting events - these are a few of the ways that people can come together in the coming weeks. Sometimes life can be so busy in the spring, it can be hard to keep up with it all!  Making sure that you focus on intentional connections is a way to  make sure that you do not become overwhelmed with all that life throws at us.

• Work-Life Balance: Spring Break beckons with promises of relaxation and adventure, offering a much-needed respite from the day to day.  For students and staff, spring break offers a chance to recharge outside the classroom, fostering personal growth and creativity. Integrating moments of relaxation into daily routines is key to sustaining balance year-round and spring break is the perfect time to start habits that will sustain us through the rest of the school year.

Monthly Wellness Challenges 

By participating in the monthly challenges, SPS Staff have the opportunity to win various “Wellness Kits.” Each kit focuses on different dimensions of wellness. Each month you have the opportunity to win one of the following prizes: 

• Self-Care Kit (coffee/tea gift cards, wellness books and activities, massage)

• Nature Kit (terrarium, plants, gardening tools, etc)

• Fitness Kit (gym towels, weights, gym bag, insulated water bottle, massage balls) 

• Movement Kit (Fitbit, weights, water bottle, etc)

• Hiking Kit (Lake McMurtry annual pass, hiking equipment, hammock, and more)

In addition to these Wellness Kits, there are also smaller prizes such as weights, hammocks, insulated water bottles and much more! 

This is open to ALL SPS staff. To participate in this month's challenge, simply fill out this form. 

Staff Connections + Movement for the Win!

Stillwater Public Schools has some amazing folks going above and beyond to find ways to connect with our colleagues and get moving. Here are some highlights.

SPS Staff Volleyball League: Suzanne Tackett started the SPS Staff Volleyball League which had some great involvement from several schools. There have been several matches, and there were teams at Westwood, SMS, and Sangre. Sarah Ehrlich had this to say about SPS Staff Volleyball:

“The staff volleyball league was amazing! It was so fun to see the talent across the district as well as spend time in friendly but competitive game play with both my colleagues at my school and from other sites! The laughs we shared were so great for the soul! We have some amazingly talented volleyball players in our district! I encourage every school to get involved the next time we have a volleyball league or another game or sport!  It was just the best time! Kudos to Suzanne for putting this together!”

To learn more about SPS Volleyball, and to help out or be involved in the future, please email [email protected].  

SPS Staff Tai Chi: We also have been enjoying a free Tai Chi class offered at no cost by the Payne County Health Department. As of now, there is one session that meets on Tuesdays at Highland Park Elementary at 3:30, and beginning in March there will also be a class on Thursdays at 4:30. This class will be held at the Payne County Health Department in their Education Room. The class consists of 30 minutes of tai chi, flexibility, and strength training. This is what the PCHD Health Educator has to say about this class: "School staff work so hard every day and our goal is to help support and take care of them in their physical and mental health." We will send an update about the March Tai-Chi and registration link soon! 

Will Rogers Yoga Day: On one of our recent PD Days, Will Rogers had a local yoga teacher and parent come do yoga with their staff. The yoga teacher guided staff through basic forms of yoga, as well as guided meditation, breathing exercises, and stretching. According to Dane Sallaska Will Rogers principal Dane Sallaska: “IT WAS AMAZING.”

Guitar Club at Lincoln Academy: Wellness isn’t just physical…it encompasses several different dimensions. Music and connections with others can be incredibly beneficial to our overall health. Lincoln students and staff recently were awarded a SPEF grant and they have used it to purchase guitars and start a guitar club. Former SPS parent and local musician Walter Kelley came to help them get started. Way to go Lincoln!

Pre-K Wellness at Highland Park: Tammy Moffat, a Pre-K teacher, is another wellness innovator. Mrs. Moffett and the others on the Pre-K team usually get their step goal in by about… oh, 9 am. (If you know, you know). Anyhow, she gave some great suggestions on how she incorporates movement into her day. 

• To get our day started as a class, we do breathing and stretching exercises. 

• When our students are at recess, I take advantage of the time to get some steps in by walking around the playground with classmates and doing standing heel/toe rises.

• In the classroom, we do lots of music and movement brain breaks by Danny Go!

Family Engagement Night

We had a great turnout at Stillwater Public Library for our first Family Engagement Night! Over 13 agencies were represented from the Stillwater community, and they had lots of fun giveaways. Great conversations with speakers from the community highlighted the importance of positive mental health, connections, and the awareness of drug use and abuse. We hope to build off of these important topics and have plans for events in the future.  

The Dietitians Dish: Contributed by SPS Nutrition Director Krista Neal, MS, RD/LD, SNS

It’s National Nutrition Month, so here are recipes to help you get more vegetables in your diet. It may not be soup weather, but I always like soup. All year. Even in the summer. Just like I like ice cream in summer and winter. Here are two recipes that are on repeat at our house

Instant Pot Lentil Soup from Rainbow Plant Life. I follow this recipe. I never follow the recipe, but I follow this one exactly as written. I suggest getting lentils at Himalaya Market, just because they’re nice people. It's a fun store, and it will give you an excuse to visit if you haven’t been in before. I like using rainbow potatoes because they’re fun. This is a great start if you are considering adding more vegetarian or vegan recipes to your life. 

I’ve never had a bad Pioneer Woman recipe, and this  Dumpling Soup is no exception. Of course, I add more vegetables, because that’s what I do. I like extra carrots and green onions. I add mushrooms and any other random half-bags of vegetables I have in the freezer. This is a good recipe to use up leftovers. The recipe calls for Miso Paste, which we get at CM Market. Again, use this as an excuse to visit. They’re also nice people and the store is fun. My family has dumpling opinions. We like  bibigo Korean Style Mini Wontons. Although, CM Market has so many great dumplings and wontons, that we haven’t tried them all. 

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Events:

• March 7: Stillwater Public Library Presents “Kids Leap and Parents Learn” 

  • 6-7:30; This is a great opportunity for adults to learn about child health and processed foods from Dr. Ashlea Braun! Kids between the grades of 3-5 are welcome to jump free.  Register and learn more here. 

• March 9: OSU Museum of Art Second Saturday 

  • 11-2; Experience FREE hands-on art activities designed to be inclusive of visitors of all ages and abilities. Learn more here. 

• March 14-17: Mid South Endurance Festival 

  • Even if you aren’t racing in Mid-South, there is still so much to do as a part of this festival! Check out the full schedule of events here. 

• March 23-24: Lake McMurtry Beginners Backpack Clinic 

  • 9-5, This beginners backpacking clinic will teach you all the basics you need to know for your next backpacking adventure! Hosted by Another Mile or So backpacking group, this clinic will take you through the trails of Lake McMurtry while you make friends and connections. Don't miss this amazing adventure!

• March 25: Yoga in the Plaza 

  • 5:30 pm; Certified Yoga Instructor Laurielle Prema will lead this Vinyasa-Style yoga class.  This event is free and open to the public. Go enjoy free yoga in the peaceful MCPA Outdoor Plaza and reset your mind!

SPS Monthly Wellness Tips: Three Goals for 2023-2024

Yep... still over here talking about the importance of movement (physical wellness), connections (social wellness), and work-life balance (emotional wellness). Consider these ideas:

• Movement: As we know, regular physical activity helps reduce stress, lower blood pressure, boost mental health, improve sleep, prevent illness and disease, and increase academic performance. Although it can be hard to think of activities to do in the winter, there are ways to stay active! We have a few fun ways to get more physical activity that are being offered to all staff members. SPS Staff volleyball league, to learn more, reach out to Suzanne Tackett ([email protected]); games start soon! The Payne County Health Department has offered a FREE exercise class to SPS employees that includes Tai Chi, Flexibility, and Strength. Classes will begin in February; stay tuned for additional details. Or, check out the list of staff discounts at local gyms and consider joining!

• Connections: The New Year is a great time to reconnect with others, maybe in ways you haven’t before or in a long time. Bridge? Book Club? Walking with a friend? Try something with a new friend or reconnect with someone who you haven’t talked to in a while. I'm trying music trivia next week at EM! Singo.... (you might not want to go, I'm planning on total domination...) 

• Work-Life Balance: January happens to be national hobby month. Hobbies are an important factor in work-life balance and can provide an excellent outlet for improving mental, physical, social, and spiritual health. From plucking strings on a guitar to taking photos on a nature walk, any hobby that brings you joy is worth celebrating. Join us this month as we celebrate some of our own or even pick up a few new hobbies on the side!

SPS Parent Engagement Night

Stillwater Public Schools is hosting an information and resource night at Stillwater Public Library. This evening will consist of educational sessions that aim to inform parents and caregivers about the realities of substance misuse, mental health issues, prepare them to talk with their kids about these issues, and motivate them to start these important conversations. Date: February 5 from 5:30-7:30 pm at Stillwater Public Library. Food, snacks, and prizes! 

This evening is designed to help parents and caregivers: 

• Get Informed. 

  • Increase awareness about important topics such as substance abuse and mental health.

• Be Prepared. 

  • Introduce skill-building techniques, and share available resources and tools. 

  • Learn about protective factors and the importance of connections. 

• Take Action. 

  • Increase actions to help prevent substance abuse and mental health issues. 

  • Learn where to go in the community for extra support. 

There will also be a teen session, with Oklahoma State University Athletes providing entertainment, team building games and activities. Childcare Provided! 

Who Do I Go For…

January is a good time to remind SPS staff about resources within the district, as well as within the community. Here is where to go for all of the things… 

Where to go when….

• I need counseling for myself or a colleague: The Employee Assistance Plan (EAP). Feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or need someone to talk to? This is a reminder that Stillwater Public Schools provides an EAP for employees. Find more information, including how to make a referral, here.

• A student needs glasses: If a student needs glasses, contact the Elementary or Secondary School nurse or the Family & Student Resource Specialist. They can help a student with the Noon Lions Club glasses application. The Noon Lions Club provides exams and eyeglasses to local residents with limited resources. 

• A student needs health/medical care: When you are concerned that a student needs help accessing medical or dental care, talk to your counselor and the Family & Student Support Specialist. They can coordinate with the Payne County Health Department Community Health Worker if needed. They can work with families to connect them with community services, help them with SoonerCare applications, SNAP applications, and more. As a reminder, when you need to refer students to Family Support Services, email them directly or use this link. Natalie Brown: [email protected] or Rose Ngirasob, DHS School Based Social Services Specialist and Homeless Liaison, [email protected] 

• A student needs food: First and foremost, connect the student with SPS Nutrition Services. They can assist the student or their family with Free/Reduced Meal Applications. You can also work with your social worker or school counselor to connect students to Our Daily Bread. 

• A student needs clothing, a coat, shoes, etc. If a student needs hygiene products, a coat, or basic pantry items, reach out to the Pioneer Pantry housed out of SHS; they provide items to students at ANY school. E-mail [email protected] to request items.

Upcoming Events:

• January 27 & February 8: Early Birds Program

  • Learn how children develop, how to make everyday moments fun and educational, how to prepare your child for school, how to parent with purpose, how to balance work and life, and how to keep your child healthy and safe. Receive a FREE kit of toys, books, and learning activities to support early learning at home after each class. Register here. 

• January 31: The Power of Conscious Connection: Four Habits to Transform How You Live. 11-12

  • Join OSU in this exceptional webinar with Talia Fox, visionary leader and author, as she unveils profound insights from her groundbreaking book, The Power of Conscious Connection. Free; learn more here. 

• February 4: Lake McMurtry Chili Bike 2024

  • Choose your own adventure and ride one trail or complete all 35 miles of trails for the ultimate Chili Bike challenge.  Learn more here. 

• February 5: SPS Parent Night Date: 5:30-7:30 pm at Stillwater Public Library 

• February 17: Random Acts of Kindness Day

  • Random acts of kindness help to spread joy throughout the world, but can also have positive benefits on your own and others’ mental health. Random acts of kindness require no cost and there are a variety of ways to offer them. They can involve anything from helping someone with a chore, to donating items to a shelter, or even leaving encouraging notes for coworkers. For more ideas on acts of kindness, visit randomactsofkindness.org.

Job Fairs (Your input needed)

Dr. Trent J. Swanson, Chief Human Resources Officer, and Barry Fuxa, PR & Communications Coordinator, attended an Educator Job Fair at the University of Central Oklahoma. They had a great time visiting with potential employees, and enjoyed bragging about Stillwater Public Schools and our town. As we look to attend more job fairs and visit with more recruits, we'd love your help!

Please fill out this very short form to share some quick talking points on what you love about SPS and living in Stillwater!   

Staff Discounts for Holiday Shopping

Please take time to review the Teacher and SPS Employee Discounts as you get ready to fill up the stockings. Teacher & SPS Employee Discounts

Community Resources over the Holidays

• • Stillwater Community Center - Did you know that the community center has served as an elementary, middle, junior high and high school for SPS? It currently houses the Stillwater High School Alumni Center. Go Pioneers!
  • Free Community Activities & Performances - Here are some upcoming free events in the city of Stillwater.
  • Stillwater Parade of Lights
  • Stillwater Singers
  • Stillwater Community Band
  • Payne County Resources - A wide variety of resources to assist the residents of Payne County.
    
    

EAP Reminder

• Just a friendly reminder about the access for all employees to the Employee Assistance Program. Employee Assistance Program.

Thank you for continuing to clock in each day and serve SPS and our students! It is truly appreciated!
Keep on Keeping on!

Option Changes

Thank you all for getting your Option Period Forms into our office promptly! These changes will begin on January 1st, 2024 and if you are receiving any deductions from these changes, they will begin on the January 31 paycheck. If you have any questions about these changes, please contact Jacklyn Ahrens, our Benefits Specialist, [email protected]. 

Annual Total Wellness Clinics

These will be the week of February 2nd through the 6th. A signup form will go out through your school emails the week of January 8, so be looking for those. 

Class Cover, Planning Period, and Combined Class Compensation Forms

• Payment for the Fall 2023 Semester will be in January, 2024.
• Please have your Fall 2023 forms turned into the Administration Building (Jana Bradshaw, [email protected]) by January 16th, 2024.

Paraprofessional Reminders

• Please make sure that you’ve completed:
  • all of the required GCN training (including First Aid),
  • your Canvas Course workbook,
  • the creation of a Single Sign-on Account (Oklahoma State Department of Education).
• The deadline for many of our newly hired employees is quickly approaching. If you have any questions, please contact Julie Thibodeau, [email protected].

Work Calendars

As the holiday season approaches, please be sure to check your Work Calendar for work dates and don’t forget about the January 4th Professional Development Day. Contact Gale Henry, [email protected] with any questions.

Retirement

Seminars with OTRS and EGID for those wishing to retire will be held this spring. Details to come. 

SPS Monthly Wellness Tips: Three Goals for 2023-2024

Continuing with our 23-24 focus on movement (physical wellness), connections (social wellness), and work-life balance (emotional wellness), consider the following: 

• Movement: The holidays are full of fun and joy, but they can also bring challenges when it comes to maintaining our fitness routines. Here are a few ways to incorporate fitness into your holiday festivities: 

  • Family nature walk 

  • Dance to holiday tunes 

  • Walk up and down Main Street and look at the Christmas lights and decorations 

• Connections: This month I want to share some of the great ideas that came from our own SPS staff regarding how they are working to maintain healthy connections with others. 

  • I am trying to maintain healthy connections by prioritizing spending time with those I care about, especially the smaller circle of people that I would call my close friends and family. This could be as little as a text or call and as much as hanging with them for a weekend. How we spend our time reflects our priorities and those people are a priority for me.

  • I have been trying to open up and not be so closed off to people. Especially the people that I work with. I am consciously trying to have longer conversation and learn more about them and who they are outside of work.

  • I turn off work email notifications, so I'm not distracted by them in the evenings and weekends. I can then focus on who I am with at the time.

  • Spending time with family and friends while participating in activities we enjoy such as exercising, yoga, sporting events, concerts and plays.

  • Intentionally planning. Connection with others takes a little effort...it doesn't just happen to you.

  • I have started working out almost every weekday with a friend from another school after work.

  • Making time to go out after work with coworkers to talk about life, not just work.

  • Being present and not on my phone. 

• Work-Life Balance: 

  • Set a time to finish each day, or even a few days a week. This could give you time to have dinner with family, exercise or meet friends. 

  • Set free time to rest properly on weekends and weeknights.

  • Sign up for a regular activity, such as a class or club. Connecting with yourself and your passions can help avoid burnout.

  • Set time to move your body. This could be vigorous exercise or something gentle like a walk, yoga or stretching.

  • Separate home and work.

Staying Merry Mental Health & Stress Management tips from SPS District Counselor, Amber Lewis, LPC

The holidays can be a wonderful time but also incredibly overwhelming. Here are some tips to manage stress during a busy holiday season. 

“Ta-Da!”  A little girl was struggling to unbuckle her seat belt in the drop-off line this morning, and when she finally got it, she said, “Ta-Da!” with a big smile of accomplishment.  What a joy to observe that tiny celebration!  Little things can be big deals, and if we honor the smaller things, gaining confidence and joy in those, the rest of our day will be brighter, and a foundation is laid for future success in bigger things.

I encourage you to consider this in the upcoming holiday season.  While the assumption is that this is a joyous season, for many of us, stress can be overwhelming. If this is you, perhaps these principles will be helpful:

1. Set realistic expectations.  Perfection is our enemy.

2. Scale back. You don’t have to go, do, and buy everything; there is joy in not overspending our energy and money; and there is also joy in giving generously to the things that matter most.

3. Be mindful of grief and loneliness; make space to remember those you have lost and seek support when you need it.

So as you go about your holiday season, take pleasure in the smallest things…. Say “no” to an event you did not want to do?  “Ta-Da!,”  Take a shower on a day you did not want to get out of bed?  “Ta-Da!,” Store-bought instead of homemade?  “Ta-Da!,” and so on.  Find joy on your terms, and watch it grow.

More Mental Health & Stress Management tips from Jennifer Barton, PsyD.

1. Say NO. Don’t feel obligated to say yes to every party invite, every dinner, every holiday activity you’re invited to. 

2. Rest. The ability to relax is important in effectively managing stress and anxiety. 

3. Delegate. Many people will need to let go of the “if I want something done right, I have to do it myself” mentality or “I don’t want to bother anybody else.” You need to take a deep breath and just let go.

4. Accept help. While it may sound simple enough, accepting help is something that is extremely challenging for many of us. Remember the goal is to thrive and not just survive.

5. Breathe. Deep breathing is essential daily. A deep breathing exercise allows us to take fuller, slower breaths that reflect a genuinely relaxed state. 

6. Laugh. A good laugh has great immediate effects on the body. When you start to laugh, it doesn’t just lighten your load mentally, it also induces physical changes in your body. 

7. Don’t eat or drink too much. When under stress, we often immediately reach for food or alcohol to soothe ourselves. But this fix is very temporary, and ultimately causes more problems. In reality, we may just need to pull back, rest more, laugh, and breathe.

8. Keep holiday expectations realistic. We set our expectations, and we can choose to set them idealistically high, unintelligibly low, or somewhere in the middle. In certain circumstances, having no expectations can be exciting, because it means you have no idea of what’s coming next. 

The Dietitians Dish: Contributed by SPS Nutrition Director Krista Neal, MS, RD/LD, SNS

Holiday Starter or Souper Supper: Creamy Butternut Soup by Rachel Ray

Ingredients

• 2 butternut squash, halved and seeded
• Softened butter, for rubbing on squash, plus 2 tablespoons
• Salt and pepper
• Freshly grated nutmeg
• 1 bulb garlic, ends cut to expose cloves
• 1 large or 2 medium onions, chopped
• 2 Honeycrisp apples, peeled and chopped
• 10 leaves sage, thinly sliced
• 6 cups chicken stock
• A pinch of espelette or cayenne, to taste
• About 1/3 cup of heavy cream
• Toppings: toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas), fried sage leaves, chorizo crumbles or crispy strips of salami

Directions

Preheat the oven to 425 °F. Arrange the squash halves on a baking sheet and rub them with softened butter; season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Dress the garlic with olive oil, salt, and pepper and wrap in foil. Roast the squash and garlic for about 1 hour, let both cool to handle. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a soup pot over medium heat. Add the onions, apples, sage, salt, and pepper; cook, partially covered until very tender, 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the stock, squash, and roasted garlic cloves squished from their skins. Purée with an immersion blender, add the cream, blend again, and season with cayenne, just a pinch to your taste. Simmer over low heat until ready to serve.

Upcoming Events:

• November 30-Dec 12: Holiday Concerts at the SHS PAC
  • Thursday, Nov 30: SMS & SHS Orchestra
  • Tues, Dec 5 - SMS & SJHS Band 
  • Thurs, Dec 7 - SMS & SJHS Orchestra
  • Fri, Dec 8 - SMS Holiday Choir 
  • Thurs, Dec 14 - SHS Band 
  • Tues, Dec 12 - SHS & SJHS Choir

• December 1-17: Lights on the Lake (Friday-Sunday only)

  • On cold winter nights, enjoy the twinkling lights at Lake McMurtry! Grab a cup of hot cocoa and head to Lake McMurtry for an evening full of holiday magic! 

• December 7: Parade of Lights 

  • 2023 Stillwater Holiday Parade of Lights and Tree Lighting, 6:30 pm on Main Street 

• December 9: Hand in Hand for the Holidays Fundraiser at Stonecloud 

  • Kid friendly event with a silent and live auction as well as Purdy Q food truck!  You won't want to miss this fun and exciting way to give back to the community. The event will benefit Habitat for Humanity. More information here. 

• December 14: Holiday Cookies and Trains at the Botanic Garden at OSU  

  • Bring the family out to the garden for an evening of holiday music, cookies and hot chocolate or coffee along with a crackling campfire. Enjoy watching the special G-scale holiday train chug along the track. This event is free and open to the public. 4-6 pm. 

• December 14: Stillwater Community Singers Holiday Concert 

  • Let the Stillwater Community Singers get you in the holiday spirit! From familiar favorites to newer renditions, this concert will offer something for every holiday enthusiast. Join us on Thursday, 12/14, at 7:30pm at the Stillwater Community Center at 8th & Duck.

• December 15: Stillwater Community Band Holiday Concert 7:00 PM at the Stillwater Community Center

• December 15: Public Safety Holiday Round-Up 

  • Visit Downtown Stillwater (615 S. Main) to hang out with the Stillwater Fire Department, Animal Welfare, Stillwater Emergency, Management Association and the Stillwater Police Department. There will be hot cocoa, a truck lighting, and swag bags for guests! 4-6 pm. December 25: Community Dinner 

• • The Stillwater Community Center will be handing out hot meals to serve the Stillwater community on Christmas Day. It will be a drive-thru event again this year due to construction at the community center. They need volunteers if you would like to join them. This is open to anyone and there will be a toy and stocking for kids in attendance. The meal provided will be turkey, ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, dressing, a roll and cake. 11-2

SPS Monthly Wellness Tips

Continuing with our 23-24 focus on movement (physical wellness), connections (social wellness), and work-life balance (emotional wellness), consider the following: 

• Movement: Have you taken a look at the SPS staff gym discounts lately? Red Earth Yoga, Planet Fitness, OSU Colvin Center, and Total Health all offer SPS discounts. With the cooler weather coming, consider a gym membership.

• Connections: Try to model healthy social connections for your colleagues, your students, and your families. Here are some tips:   

• • Spend time and stay in regular contact with extended family, friends, and neighbors.

  • Set time aside for socializing in person, away from the distractions of technology and social media.

  • Listen to others without the distraction of your phone.

  • Participate in community events.

• Work-Life Balance: Comments on Work-Life Balance from SPS Instructional Coach Susan Weaver          I have watched many young children work to balance a scale. Rarely does it happen on the first endeavor. Multiple attempts eventually create equilibrium. This is certainly true as well in establishing work-life balance. While we often discuss the importance of sleep, nutrition, physical activity, and work hour boundaries, I have challenged myself to also consider the need to:  

  • Plan ahead: Some days require extra time to ensure all goes well. Then there are days that the planning ahead allows me to leave work in a timely manner without guilt. I am learning to organize and prioritize those tasks so I can accept the days when demands are higher and appreciate the days when demands are lower.

  • Embrace my strengths: Adapting and adjusting schedules to accommodate unplanned circumstances is often required. I am learning to lean into what I do well to address the flexibility needed while also managing the stress that often accompanies the change.   

  • Seek and accept support from those around me: Building relationships and recognizing the expertise of colleagues creates an environment conducive to everyone’s success. My desire is to move beyond the attitude that requires me to do it all on my own and allows me to celebrate what someone else contributes.

  • "Balance is not something you find; it's something you create." —Jana Kingsford

National Gratitude Month

November is National Gratitude Month, which reminds us to take a step back and be thankful for all we have. Gratitude can help us shift our perspectives to more positive ones and encourage us to live healthier, more fulfilling lives. We can help others do the same and feel appreciated for the good deeds and helping hands they lend. Gratitude Challenge: Try the Three Blessings exercise. This exercise has been scientifically demonstrated to be effective. 

Each night before you go to sleep: 

1. Think of three good things that happened today. 

2. Write them down. 

3. Reflect on why they happened.

SPS Wellness Innovator Spotlight  Contributed by Lincoln Academy Principal George Horton

At Lincoln Academy, we use our CARE Class to teach students life skills that will benefit them after graduation, strategies to find resources they need and help them learn how to be a positive contributor in society.  CARE stands for Curriculum, Attendance/Academics, Resources and Educational plans and some of the topics we have learned this year are Be The Best You Can Be Week, What is Job Readiness Week, Car Maintenance Week, What's Important to You Week, Laundry Week, Housing Week, Mental Health Week and Bike Maintenance Week.  

We are also working on improving our communication and feedback with students and parents.  This year we started our Lincoln Newsletter that highlights the amazing things Lincoln students are doing each nine weeks.  We've also started our monthly A-G conversations where Mr. Horton and Mrs. Baustert meet with students to discuss Attendance, Behavior, Credits, Effort, Feedback and Graduation plans.  These conversations are really important for students to know how they are progressing and what they need to work on.  

We've also started working on the resources and programs that are provided to our students.  The Our Daily Bread Marketplace added fresh produce, refrigerated and frozen food products and freezer bags for students to take home.  

Our library was recently approved by the Board to be renamed the William Grady Lambert Memorial Library and we are working to provide a dedicated library space for our students.  Lincoln students attend Turning Point Ranch to participate in the horse therapy program and our Dogs of Lincoln program will continue to work with dogs from the Humane Society.   We also started a partnership with Prairie Arts center for students to take painting, ceramics, sculpture and printmaking classes and are working on plans to start a guitar club.

Love this update, George and Lincoln team! Keep up the good work! 

SPS Student Support: Website and Resource Library

The SPS Student Support website has received an update. On this website, you will find all things wellness, mental health, and student support related. You will also find a new Resource Library which contains handouts you can use or share on topics ranging from the importance of sleep, to mental health warning signs, to healthy social media tips. 

Free Resources for School Staff

Did you know that there are several wellness apps and websites that offer free accounts and resources for teachers? Here are a few that stand out. 

• Calm App: Free Resources for Schools 

  • Free tools for resilient classrooms, including lessons and self-care guides 

• Headspace: Free Accounts

  • Headspace offers free access to K-12 teachers and support staff. Whether you’re feeling inspired to connect more with your students or you’re looking for a new way to bring calm to your classroom, Headspace can help students build healthy habits that last a lifetime. 

• Down Dog: Free yoga app for teachers 

Red Ribbon Week and Mad Science Contributed by SPS Substance Abuse Counselor Rachel Roberts

Rachel Roberts as well as several SPS counselors went above and beyond this year for Red Ribbon week! Here is an update from Rachel. 

This week was National Red Ribbon Week.  Many schools across the district had fun dress up days like, Are you “Red-y to say no to drugs' ' and wore red.  This year Stillwater Schools started the week off by launching a contest.  Pre-K through 2nd graders were given “Keys to their future” coloring pages and 3rd grade through 12 grade were asked to create posters that would encourage other students to “Be Kind to their Mind; Live Drug Free. Through the help of some amazing community partners and businesses, prizes for top entries will be awarded.  Prizes will include things like Ultimate Air jump passes, Bowling and Movie Theater passes, Amazon Gift Cards, Kicker Bluetooth Speakers, and much more!  The best part of this is that top ideas will be used to create posters to use district wide!

More than Contests and Dress up days, RRW is a week to really lay the foundation to have conversations about making healthy choices and being safe. The Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma Perkins Family Clinic Behavioral Health brought information and fun handouts to the Middle School this week.  Students received RRW themed bags filled with red glasses, fidgets, stickers, and educational information.  These items were a great way to spark conversations about making healthy and safe choices and reminders of how substance abuse can negatively impact their developing brains.  This week was also the start of 5th graders receiving an interactive and educational assembly called “Mad Science”.  Our first one was a success and students got to see first hand how Vaping can impact their lungs and bodies in a negative way, while learning some fun science words.   8th graders across the district were given a lesson in class from the Substance Abuse Counselor on how vaping Nicotine and THC can impact their developing brains.  

As you think about Red Ribbon Week certain questions may cross your mind like:  When should I talk to my kid about drugs?  Am I worried that my child may already be experimenting with substances?  The earlier you can start the conversation about being safe, healthy choices and use age appropriate information ... .the better.  The foundation for saying NO to drugs and peer pressure starts early.  If you have any questions please reach out to Rachel Roberts, [email protected] or check out her website.  Here is another helpful link/resource  Link

Upcoming Events:

• November 4th: Gobbler 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon at Boomer Lake 

  • Race starts at 8:00 am; find more information and register here. 

• November 10th: 2023 United Way Pickleball Tournament 

  • United Way is hosting a Pickleball tournament! Never played before, no worries! This session is meant for beginners! This is a great opportunity to try out the sport to see if you like it, while playing with people on the same skill level as you. The 2023 Pickleball Tournament will be a round robin event open to all skill levels. Find more information here. 

• November 11th: Gobble Cross at Lake McMurtry 

  • Your favorite rowdy cross race is returning to Stillwater. A new course at Lake McMurtry will showcase some of the new trail improvements, plus some fun features! Register here. 

• November 11th: Transformational Breathwork Workshop 

  • Wondering what breathwork can do for you? Join Red Earth Yoga for their transformational breathwork workshop to find out! Learn more here. 

• November 14th: NEAR Science-Beyond ACEs Free Virtual Training @10:30 am 

  • Join us for a science-informed, evidence-based curriculum that will walk you through: How toxic stress and trauma affect the brain (Neurobiology); How trauma can be passed down through generations (Epigenetics); In-depth information about Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) study findings; and Building strength and capacity in individuals and communities through resilience (Resilience). Register here. 

•  November 16- December 23:  Modella Art Gallery Small Works Holiday Market

  • 721 S. Main Stillwater, OK 74074 https://www.modellagallery.org/

Insurance Option Period Filing

YOU NEED TO READ THIS EVEN IF YOU ARE NOT MAKING CHANGES IN YOUR INSURANCE COVERAGE. 

2024 Option Period Enrollment/Change Forms and plan change information are on the way! You will be receiving this information in the mail at your home sometime the last week of September/first week of October.  Now is the time to make changes if so desired.  Please review the Option Period Information online for new plan information and premium changes at https://oklahoma.gov/omes/divisions/employees-group-insurance-division/option-period/about.html. All changes will become effective January 1, 2024.

Option Period Meetings: 

Employees Group Insurance Division will be hosting a virtual 2024 Option Period meeting.This meeting will be held on October 14, 2023 at 10:00 am. Registration is required for this meeting.All plan representatives will be in attendance to provide information about their benefits.This is a great opportunity for you to get the information you need to make a decision on your benefits for the next year. Employees wishing to attend this meeting will need to register by visiting https://forms.office.com/g/PkgdEHeECZ. Participants will be emailed the login information two days prior to the date of the meeting.  

Life Insurance:  Now is the time to make changes to your life insurance policy.The life insurance application can be accessed at  https://oklahoma.gov/content/dam/ok/en/omes/documents/LifeInsApp_MidyearChange.pdf. You can access the form to update your beneficiary information at  /https://oklahoma.gov/content/dam/ok/en/omes/documents/BeneficiaryDesignation.pdf.

HealthChoice Tobacco-Free Employees:  If  you are a current HealthChoice High or HealthChoice Basic member or a HealthChoice High Deductible Health Plan member changing to the HealthChoice High or Basic Plan you will need to complete the Tobacco-free Attestation before November 10, 2023 to remain on the lower deductible plan for Plan Year 2024.  The Attestation can be found at: 

• • HealthChoice website at https://gateway.sib.ok.gov/Attestation
  • HealthChoice Benefits App

Vaccination Clinic with SPS by Foster Corner Drug - Oct. 3rd, 4th, & 5th. 

1. Insurance billing and payment process information:

• • Bring your insurance card or a front/back copy of the card

  • You will have a $0 copay with Health Choice, Community Care, BlueLincs, Medicare and Global Health insurance

  • For staff that have prescription insurance coverage other than the above, we will bill your insurance, although a copay may apply.

  • Staff who are not insured can get vaccinated for $25.

2. Please bring a copy of your Driver's License or State issued ID.

3. Schedule an appointment with us using the link below to help us know which additional vaccines to use and to prevent wait times. 

Tuesday, October 3rd - https://form.jotform.com/FosterCornerDrug/sps-tue-vaccine-appt

• • Richmond Elementary 7:30-9:00
  • Stillwater HS 9:30-11:30
  • Lincoln & Transportation 1:00-2:30

Wednesday, October 4th - https://form.jotform.com/FosterCornerDrug/sps-wed-vaccine-appt

• • Sangre Ridge 7:30-10:00
  • Stillwater Middle School 10:30-12:30
  • Admin. Building 2:00-3:30
  • Westwood Elementary 7:30-9:00
  • Will Rogers Elementary 10:00-12:00
  • Technology & Pioneer Virtual Academy 2:00-2:30

Thursday, October 5th - https://form.jotform.com/FosterCornerDrug/sps-thurs-vaccine-appt

• • Stillwater Junior High 7:45-10:00
  • Skyline Elementary 10:30-12:30
  • Highland Park Elementary 1:30-3:00
  • OES 3:30-4:00

*Cut-off for the online form is 4pm the evening before your clinic is scheduled. Forms will be available at the clinic for those that did not sign up on the link.

4. Family members are welcome to attend the clinic. (Please no children under the age of 4.)

5. Wear a shirt with loose-fitting sleeves the day your clinic is scheduled.

6. Other shots we will also have available:  

• • High Dose Flu
  • T-DAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis)  
  • Prevnar 20 (Pneumonia)
  • Pneumovax 23 (Pneumonia)
  • Shingrix (Shingles) 
  • **COVID Vaccines are not available at this time, please check about pre-ordering your vaccine.
  • **With recent law changes, the Vitamin B-12 shot is not available at vaccination clinics.

7. Call Noel Black  at 580-370-6888 before or after the vaccine clinic if you have any additional questions. 

Staffing Update

• Full-Time Staff - The District has hired:
  • 87 New Certified Staff
  • 2 Administrators
  • 105 Support Staff
• Substitutes
  • Currently 150 substitutes are working for SPS
  • If you know anyone interested, please have them apply here
• Latest Openings - Please promote these openings or consider applying if you are looking for a change!
  • Accounts Payable/Actvitiy Funds Clerk - ADM (10/2)
  • Teacher Assistant-Academic Center Monitor - SJHS (10/2)  
  • Benefits Specialist - ADM (10/2)  
  • Part-Time ELL Teacher - Sangre (9/21) 
  • Kitchen Assistant II (9/06)
  • Find these and more here

Educational Staff Discounts

Keep your ID handy - Many businesses offer teacher and district staff discounts!

Calendars & Upcoming Events

• 2023-2024 Board Approved Calendar.pdf
• Friendly reminder about upcoming events this month 
  • Secondary PT Conferences Oct. 5th & 10th 4:00 - 7:00 pm
    • Due to SHS Football Homecoming on Oct. 5th, the following changes have been made. 
      • SHS PT Conferences - Oct. 3rd & 10th - 4:00 - 7:00 pm
      • SPVA PT Conferences - Oct. 10th & 17th - 4:00 - 7:00 pm
      • JH PT Conferences - Oct. 3rd & 10th - 4:00 - 7:00 pm
      • LA PT Conferences - Oct. 3rd & 10th - 4:00 - 7:00 pm
      • SMS PT Conferences - Oct. 5th & 10th - 4:00 - 7:00 pm
  • Elementary PT Conferences Oct. 12th & 17th - 3:00 - 6:00 pm
  • Teacher Professional Day - Wednesday, Oct. 18th 
  • Teacher Workday - Thursday, Oct. 19th 
  • No School for Students - Oct. 18th - 20th 
    • Please check your work calendar for your schedule on these days. https://www.stillwaterschools.com/Page/102

Employee Assistance Program

For employees who may need assistance to overcome issues that are interfering with their ability to function in the workplace, available access to outside counseling and referrals to appropriate community and professional resources is important. Stillwater Public Schools has arranged with the licensed professional EAP counselors of GRAND Mental Health to provide some of these services to our employees at no cost to the employee. This anonymous service can help with

• Stress
• Grief
• Smoking cessation
• Depression
• Alcohol & drug abuse
• Parent-child relationships
• And more

Learn More.

SPS Monthly Wellness Tips: Three Goals for 2023-2024

Continuing with our 23-24 focus on movement (physical wellness), connections (social wellness), and work-life balance (emotional wellness), consider the following:

• Movement: Now that the weather has cooled down, this is a great time to take advantage of the many parks and open spaces Stillwater has to offer. From Boomer Lake to Couch park, the Botanic Garden at OSU, the Kameoka Trail and the lakes at Meridian Technology Center, try to take some time to get outside and go for a walk and enjoy the beautiful fall weather in Stillwater.

• Connections: Why not kill two birds with one stone! Connect with others in the Walktober walking challenge and also get your movement in! Learn more and register here. 

• Work-Life Balance: One way that you might promote a healthy work life balance is by finding yourself a “third-place” to spend some time each week. Meaning, a public place that is separate from your usual environment (home and work). According to sociologist Ray Oldenburg, third places are essential for wellbeing. Examples of a third space can include community centers, coffee shops, parks, and libraries. 

Seven Healthy Habits

Speaking of connections, movement, and work-life balance…. A recent study finds that people who maintain a variety of healthy habits such as these are significantly less likely to experience episodes of depression. These 7 habits and behaviors are recommended to help keep your mental health strong. 

1. Sleep: The top suggestion is a good night's rest (7-9 hours per night), which reduced the risk of depression by about 22% in the study.
   
   
2. Movement: Regular exercise = less mental health concerns 
   
   
3. Nutrition: Healthy eating patterns are also connected to less reports of depression!
   
   
4.  … Don't drink, don't smoke, what do you do? (I’m referencing the 1982 Adam Ant song, stay with me here folks)…. But seriously… limiting alcohol + not smoking = helpful for mental health.
   
   
5. Cigarettes = loads of evidence that it's not a healthy habit (You can quit smoking for FREE; more info here.)
   
   
6. Limit Sedentary Time: Long periods of being sedentary is a risk factor for depression. 
   
   
7. Get a Hobby! People who spend time with people they like while also engaging in activities they like report higher levels of life satisfaction and less depression. 
   
   

SPS Student Support: Handle with Care

SPS practices the Handle with Care model in our schools. When a child is exposed to violence or trauma, a law enforcement officer contacts the identified school personnel who will take the initial information (Handle With Care Notice). That individual will then ensure notification is provided to appropriate teachers and staff. Experiences that warrant a Handle with Care notice being sent out can have a detrimental impact on students’ functioning in the school setting. If you are looking for tools to identify and support students who may have experienced or are experiencing traumatic stress, please refer to this document. For more information on Handle with Care Oklahoma, click here. 

Hispanic Heritage Month

National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated in the United States from September 15-October 15. During this month, we honor the accomplishments, history, and culture of Hispanic and Latino communities and individuals. This month honors people of many backgrounds and cultures, including Mexican, Guatemalan, Puerto Rican, Salvadoran, Cuban, and many more.

We love an opportunity to learn from school staff; this month we asked some wellness questions to Sangre Ridge Office Assistant Angela Martinez, and here is what she had to say. 

• How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance? By focusing on my family right after leaving Sangre and not checking my work email at home.
  
• How do you incorporate movement into your day? I enjoy walking and listening to my favorite latin music.(I am from Venezuela and I listened to my favorite salsa/merengues bands from the 80’s 90’s or Spanish romantic music) :)
  
  
• How do our shared and individual attributes foster connection and collective well-being? By being kind to our colleagues and making sure everyone is included. Also, Smiling!! I do it all the time! We in the office love our sense of humor and we laugh every time we can! It definitely makes our job more fun! :)

Thank you SO much Angela! I loved all of your answers, and couldn’t agree more. 

Finally, here is the amazing SPS Hispanic Heritage month resource page, here is a link to Hispanic Heritage month resources for educators, and here is a link to the Mental Health America Spanish Resources. Their Spanish-language resources hub provides a comprehensive collection of mental health materials to assist individuals, families, and others in accessing valuable mental health resources for the Spanish-speaking community.

October 5th is National Do Something Nice Day

This day encourages us to perform acts of kindness for strangers or loved ones — or both! It’s easy to become so caught up in our own stresses and struggles that we forget to show kindness to others. This day is a great reminder that doing good deeds makes the world better.

October 2023 - Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Pink Out Week

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which seeks to raise awareness about the impacts of breast cancer and help to provide education on available resources. Stillwater Public Schools and Stillwater High School FCCLA  supports Breast Cancer Awareness by hosting Pink Out Week. This year, POW is October 23-27, 2023. An event listing is linked here:  Pink Out Week 

The Dietitians Dish:
Fall Easy Meals Contributed by SPS Nutrition Director Krista Neal, MS, RD/LD, SNS

Fall is a really busy time for our family. Between rehearsals, lessons, and classes it’s hard to find time to make a meal. Research shows kids who eat regular meals with their family are less likely to do all of the things you don’t want your kids to do, like drink and do drugs. Any family meal counts, even if we eat take-out in the dance studio parking lot (which we have done many times.) Here are two ideas for super easy meals. 

Appetizer Night (Apparently, the cool kids now call this “Girl Dinner”?)

• Veggie tray - yes, you can cut up your vegetables. However, if financially possible, give yourself permission to buy pre-cut veggies. If having the vegetables pre-cut means you’re more likely to eat them, buy them pre-cut. 
  
  
• Whole-wheat crackers and your favorite cheese and/or hummus
  
  
• Fresh and/or frozen fruit in bite-sized pieces Again, if you’re more likely to eat the fruit if it is already cut, buy it frozen. 
  
  
• Add a bagged salad. Again you can make your own, but make what you will eat.
  
  
• Stand around the kitchen counter, nibble together while your teenagers insist they didn’t learn anything at school today.

Sheet Pan Tacos: Adapted from tasty Sheet Tray Taco Night

• Get the biggest sheet pan you have that will fit in your oven.
  
  
• Chicken or other protein sliced into ½” strips
  
  
• Lots and lots of vegetables - we like tomatoes, peppers, onions, carrots, and broccoli. Cut the broccoli into bite-sized pieces, cut everything else into strips. 
  
  
• Taco seasoning- buy it or make your own
  
  
• Drizzle olive oil on the sheet pan. Add chicken and vegetables. Drizzle with more olive oil and sprinkle liberally with taco seasoning. 
  
  
• Roast at 400⁰ for about 20 minutes or until the chicken is 165⁰ as measured by a thermometer. While it’s in the oven
• Make lime crema 
  
  
• 6oz plain Greek yogurt 
  
  
•  2 Tablespoons of lime juice (use the stuff in the bottle because you do not have time to juice a lime.
  
  
• Dash of salt. 
  
  
• Mix until it’s yummy. 
  
  
• Heat a can of black beans in the microwave. 
  
  
• Serve with your favorite taco shells or tortillas (or both), avocado, and salsa. Serve off the sheet pan right onto the plate. Enjoy dinner while your toddler who loves tortillas has now decided they will eat nothing but broccoli. 
  
  

Upcoming Events:

• September 30th : 8am-1pm: Stillwater Farmers Market Fall Harvest Festival at the Prairie Arts Center
  • The market will be filled with amazing local vendors, live music, and so much more!!! 
    
    
• Each Thursday in October: Yoga in the Garden 
  • Get outdoors and be present in nature! Located at the Botanical Gardens at Oklahoma State University, this class encourages you to slow down and enjoy the little things in life! Register here.
    
    
• September 23 - October 31: 9th Annual Pumpkin Patch 
  • Co-sponsored by the Stillwater Noon Lions Club and Highland Park United Methodist Church. Mon-Fri 1-7 pm; Sat 9 am-7 pm; Sun 12-7 pm.  Click here for more information. 
• October 3-5: SPS Vaccination Clinic with Foster Drug  
  • Contact your administrator for more information. 
    
    
• October 1st: Stillwater Rock Academy Opening
  • Stillwater Rock Academy is the perfect opportunity for the next generation of musicians and artists to learn from the best (Other Lives frontman & Stillwater native Jesse Tabish). Learn a new hobby (best protection for mental health and wellness) while also learning how to play tunes! Enrollment begins October 1st; for more information email [email protected] 
    
    
• October 7th: 2023 Oklahoma State University Pow Wow 
  • Held at the Payne County Expo Center starting at 12 pm with the Gourd Dance. 4:30 pm Supper Break. 6:30 pm Grand Entry for all contests. 11 pm Closing Ceremony.
    
    
• October 7th: POP UP Art Shops 
  • Held in the south parking lot of the Prairie Arts Center. We will have up to 15 artists, a free family-friendly art-making activity. Get outside and support your local artists! 10am - 2pm
    
    
• Oct. 22 - 28, 2023: Homecoming Week 
  • The Oklahoma State University Alumni Association and Love's Travel Stops will present the next edition of America's Greatest Homecoming on concluding with the Cincinnati vs. OSU football game!Homecoming events planned include the Harvest Carnival and Chili Cook-Off (Oct. 24), Walkaround (Oct. 27) and the Sea of Orange Parade (Oct. 28). Go to OSU Homecoming for more information.
    
    
• October 24, 5-8pm Downtown Stillwater Halloween Festival
  • Dress up in your most creative costumes for a fun, family event that includes trick or treating, costume contest, games, crafts, face painting, and more!  

SPS Monthly Wellness Tips: Three Goals for 2023-2024

People often think about wellness in terms of physical health (nutrition, exercise, weight management, etc.) but it is so much more. Wellness encompasses several different dimensions: physical, intellectual, emotional, social, spiritual, and so forth. Throughout the year, we will be sharing information and resources on movement (physical wellness), connections (social wellness), and work-life balance (emotional wellness). 

Movement: Finding time to stretch or engage in physical activity during the school day can be challenging. However, every little bit counts. Here are a few easy ways to integrate physical activity into your daily routine. 

• When your students are at recess, take advantage of the time to get some steps in for yourself by walking around the playground and taking the long way back to the classroom.

• Have a daily step goal; aim for 8-10k!

• Stand up at the top of every hour and take a fitness break using these fitness break cards. Students can follow along too! 

• Walk with your coworkers before or after the workday.

• Park far away from the entrance to school. 

Connections:  Connecting with others is a great way to help relieve the day to day stress that we all encounter. Whether it is your coworkers, friends, family members, a book club, church group, or whomever you feel connected to, these connections can help you through life’s ups and downs. Social connections can provide distractions and give support, so take the time to take a coffee break with a friend or text a relative. 

Work-Life Balance:
In an effort to promote a healthy work-life balance, we want to model healthy communication expectations with all staff. This means creating a district culture that supports employees’ right to disconnect from work. An “always-on” culture with expectations to monitor and respond to emails during non-work time prevents staff from fully disengaging from work; it can also lead to undue stress and anxiety. 

Practical Tip: As much as possible, try to avoid checking and sending emails outside of work hours. This reduces the pressure that staff or colleagues may feel that they should be working during their time off. If you prefer to work at night or are catching up on things during weekends or evenings, consider sending emails using the “schedule send” setting so they are delivered during work hours. In the event of an emergency or urgent situation, a phone call should be made.

Commitment to Safety

As a school district, we are committed to creating and sustaining a comprehensive, coordinated effort to improve the overall safety and well-being of our students and staff.  One way that you can help keep our school community safe, is to let the appropriate people know of individuals who may be a threat to themselves or others. Meaning, if you see or hear something concerning, say something. There are several ways to let someone know of your concerns. Contact an SPS School Resource Officer, School Principal, report your concern through the Oklahoma School Security Institute Tipline, or call 1-855-337-8300. And of course, if there is an emergency or urgent threat: Call 911

Staff Wellness: September is Yoga Awareness Month

National Yoga Awareness Month was created to raise awareness and promote both the mental and physical health benefits of yoga. A few ways that yoga can benefit the health of those who work with students: 

• Enhanced overall well-being, physical well-being, and emotional well-being

• Increased energy levels, and ability to positively influence others’ lives

• Increased ability to create a relaxed atmosphere with their students

• Decreased feelings of frustration due to their jobs

• Reduced stress and burnout from work

Join us this month as we celebrate the benefits of yoga! There are several places that offer yoga classes in Stillwater, and some offer discounts to SPS staff. For more information on SPS Fitness discounts, click here. If you would prefer to take a yoga class from the privacy of your own home, OSU “Colvin at Home” has a library of free yoga classes that you can watch online. 

September 2023 -  Suicide Prevention Month

September marks Suicide Prevention Month and you can help us spread the facts about suicide and educate others on how we can help those who may be struggling. 

Mental health crisis services are available 24/7 for all adults and children across Oklahoma. If you’re in crisis, help is available and there are options to help you cope. Support is available if someone you know is thinking of suicide or having a mental health crisis. 

About 988

People can call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org for themselves or if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support. 988 serves as a universal entry point so that no matter where you live in the United States, you can reach a trained crisis counselor who can help.

988 offers 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing mental health-related distress. That could be:

• Thoughts of suicide

• Mental health or substance use crises

• Emotional distress

• And other reasons to connect (46 seconds)

Too many people are experiencing suicidal crisis or mental health-related distress without the support and care they need, and sadly, the pandemic only made a bad situation worse when it comes to mental health and wellness in America. There are urgent realities driving the need for crisis service transformation across our country. 

In 2021:

• The U.S. had one death by suicide about every 11 minutes

• For people aged 10–14 and 25–34 years, suicide was the second-leading cause of death

• Suicide rates increased significantly among non-Hispanic Black & American Indian and Alaska Native people

• Nearly 900,000 youth aged 12-17 and 1.7 million adults attempted suicide

• About 107,000 people died from drug overdoses

Yet, there is hope. The 988 Lifeline helps thousands of people struggling to overcome suicidal crises or mental health-related distress every day.

*Information from samhsa.gov

Did You Know? 

Employee Assistance Plan (EAP): 

Feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or need someone to talk to? This is a reminder that Stillwater Public Schools provides an EAP for employees. SPS offers a voluntary, employee-focused intervention program with assessment, counseling, referrals and follow-up services to employees who have personal or work-related issues and want assistance to identify solutions at no cost to the employee. Find more information, including how to make a referral, here. 

Free Mental Health App: The Headspace App is free for educators; sign up here. Headspace offers free access to K-12 (primary-secondary) teachers and support staff. Whether you’re feeling inspired to connect more with your students or you’re looking for a new way to bring calm to your classroom, Headspace can help students build healthy habits that last a lifetime. Better focus, less stress, and happier thoughts are just a few minutes away. Headspace is proven to reduce stress by 14% in just 10 days. It can also help you relax your mind in minutes, improve focus, and get the best sleep ever.

SPS Wellness Innovator Spotlight: MTSS
Contributed by Lindy Zamborsky, MTSS and Prevention Grant Coordinator

Stillwater Public Schools recently received a grant from the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. This grant will target prevention services in the areas of substance use/abuse, psychological distress, and school climate. The first year of the grant will focus on assessment and planning and we will begin to implement targeted services throughout the year. In the 24-25 school year, we will begin a large-scale introduction district wide focusing on wellness and life skills while addressing the areas of substance use, psychological distress and school climate. We are excited to bring more prevention efforts to SPS which will enhance the great work being done in our school communities.

Upcoming Events:

• September 1: 6:30-9:30 Annual Appreciation Evening at Lake Carl Blackwell 

  • Join the community at the Lake Carl Blackwell Pavilion. There will be live music by the Val Gladden Band! Bring your chairs, snacks, and drinks and enjoy a fun evening outdoors! 

• September 12: Leon Polk Smith: Affinities in Art & Design

  • Reception from 5pm -7 pm at the OSU Museum of Art 

• September 14: United Way Day of Caring

  • Volunteering is one of the best ways to feel better; it helps you AND others. Stillwater Area United Way's Day of Caring is the perfect opportunity to get together a group of coworkers, friends or family and get involved! If you are interested in volunteering please email: [email protected]

• September 30: Juke Joint Jog

  • The Juke Joint Jog benefits the United Way of Payne County which funds 22 community agencies in the area. Sign up here. 

• September 30: 9:00am-2:00pm GardenFest at the Botanic Garden

  • Join us for GardenFest September 30! Children will enjoy the bounce house, pumpkin painting and a full Mud Kitchen! Vendors, pumpkin and Mum sale, food trucks and more for the adults!