Member Newsletter
April 2020
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The entire SWWC team remains committed to supporting and serving our members during this time. Please be sure to contact us with questions or concerns.
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Our COVID-19 resources page
includes links to state and federal information on the pandemic. We also have a long list of instructional and informational resources, including FREE training for paraprofessionals. Be sure to take a look around - we are sure you will find something to help you during the Distance Learning Period in Minnesota.
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Minnesota Historical Society
Username: history | Password: history
The Northern Lights Interactive eBook includes:
- text and images from the 2013 print version
- 2-3 minute video introductions for each chapter, plus additional videos throughout the Interactive eBook
- diverse audio narration in English for all content by Minnesotans
- interactive maps and graphs
- extra primary source slideshows, audio stories, and web links
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Only THREE Webinars Left
The Supervisory Basics Leadership Series is designed to build confidence and expertise in managing and supervising others. It is relevant for new supervisors in school districts, cities, counties and other governmental agencies. Click webinar title for more details and to register.
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On Demand Technology Certification Trainings
SWWC’s Technology Department is excited to announce an expansion in our training solutions for technology professionals through a partnership with Stormwinds Studios. Stormwinds offers a comprehensive catalog of technology certification pathways trainings through self-paced or instructor-led online courses! Now you can attend certification trainings from your device at school or home at a pace that suits your needs.
Options to purchase a single content area or the entire catalog are available with a full year of access at reduced rates only available to members of SWWC, and further reduced rates available to SWWC Technology Services Subscribers. Education and Public Sector technical support staff and leaders will find great value in advancing their knowledge base through this offering. For more information and pricing visit
www.swwc.org/tech
today!
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2020 Science & Nature Conference - CANCELED
It was a difficult decision to make, but due to the circumstances the world is facing right now, the May 13, 2020, Science & Nature Conference is canceled.
BUT, WATCH FOR IT: We are putting together a Virtual Science & Nature Conference for teachers, parents and students in grades K-8 to use at any time that fits best in their schedule. We still want to give students some fun science sessions. Keep your eyes open for a message about the virtual science conference or go to our Science & Nature page at
www.swwc.org/sn. We hope to roll this out no later than May 4.
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Congrats to the Junior High and Senior High Knowledge Bowl Winners!
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SWWC School Business Conference
Be watching for more information on our annual school business conference, which will be held virtually on April 14-15.
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Be Careful With Bleach - Health & Safety Update
With a possible shortage of disinfectants and cleaning supplies, I understand that some school districts may look to bleach or bleach water to clean surfaces at the school. It is important to remember that bleach is corrosive to skin and eyes and there are additional regulations that apply when using bleach and bleach water as a cleaner or disinfectant. Below are some important items to keep in mind when determining whether or not bleach is the correct disinfectant to use in your district:
- Training Requirements: Any employee using bleach or bleach water must be provided with proper training. Training must be documented.
- Personal Protective Equipment Requirements: Any employee using bleach or bleach water must have proper PPE, including gloves and chemical splash goggles.
- Mixing Process Requirements: Bleach water must be mixed daily as it loses effectiveness with age, making it difficult to determine its germ killing properties. Bleach water must be mixed near an eyewash station (or within 10 seconds of an eyewash station) due to its corrosive nature.
- Labeling Requirements: All secondary containers, such as spray bottles, must be labeled according to GHS labeling requirements, including: full chemical name, dilution, and any known hazards (i.e. corrosive to skin and eyes)
- Disposal: Any unused bleach water mixtures/solutions must be properly disposed of each night. As stated above, bleach water loses its effectiveness with age, making it difficult to determine its germ killing properties. The best practice is to dispose of any unused bleach water solutions at the end of the day.
Due to the additional requirements that using bleach entails, it is recommended to consider an alternative to bleach and bleach water as a disinfectant solution. However, if you do choose to utilize bleach or bleach water, you will want to ensure that you are following the above requirements. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Kayla Speidel at
Kayla.Speidel@swwc.org
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Free Online Wellness Resources!
Each link has been tested, no credit card is needed for any of them as noted. Many of them normally have a subscription fee, or didn’t exist before COVID-19.
- Y360 – On-demand fitness program from the YMCA
- Just for Kix Digital Dance - classes in jazz, ballet, tap, kick, stretching, and tips from teachers
- Fitness Blender - Workout videos
- CrossFit - Workout videos, including single exercises and drills
- Blogiates - Workout videos, challenges and plans
- Calm - Sleep, stress, meditations, gratitude resources,masterclass opportunities, resources for kids
- Stress Help From The CDC - Tips for reducing stress during the pandemic
- Fitbit - For members, a 90 Day Free Trial of Premium.
- Whil - 90 day free access to courses on stress, mindfulness, resiliency and much more
- Random Acts of Kindness Foundation - Assorted kindness/positivity resources
- Minnesota Department of Health - Supporting mental well being during COVID-19
- Yale - Science of Wellbeing Course
- WellRight - Employee well-being resource repository
- Down Dog Yoga - Free access for Yoga Classes until April 1; July 1 for schools & healthcare workers
- Core Power Yoga - Classes
- OrangeTheory Fitness – Workout videos
- Blue Zones – Guide for healthy eating and shopping during social distancing
- WELCOA – Wellness resources for coping with the pandemic- including a weekly webinar series
- Dr. Sood – Free access to his Resilient Option Course – Use coupon code - Resilience100
- Wisdom Labs – Wisdom@Work App – Free for 90 days - lessons/practices to navigate fear & anxiety
- Headspace – Meditation, movement, and sleep exercises
- HSTV KidsFit - Stay fit with Kids.
- Balance - App – Guided meditations
- Nike Training Club – App – Video workouts
- Planet Fitness – Video workouts
- Carrot Fit – App – Collections of (brutal!) seven minute workouts
- Gold’s AMP – 600 video workouts, free until May 31
- Peleton – App - Video workouts, some live (many with no bike needed)
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