April 2022
D300 Wellness Program
D300 cares about you and knows that your health and well-being have never been more critical. We are here to support you in your wellness goals. While navigating our new way of doing business due to COVID-19, we need to stay vigilant in adhering to our COVID-19 guidelines. We ask that you familiarize yourself with the 2021-2022 COVID-19 Prevention Strategies, click here.

In the third year of our D300 Wellness efforts, we will continue to offer you comprehensive wellness programming that is focused on your physical health, mental health, financial health, and employee benefits. The program will include a variety of activities centered on these topics throughout the year. You will be awarded Wellness Reward Points for your participation in the various activities with special recognition of D300’s Wellness Warriors in May.

D300 End of Year Wellness Celebration! Please join us on May 18th at 4:00 p.m. to celebrate the end of another great year in wellness. Information on how to join the virtual celebration will be sent in May’s Newsletter.
Wellness Warriors
Congratulations to the below employees for reaching Warrior status!
Melissa Beatty
Lisa Feltman
Charlotte Ferris
Kolleen Hanetho
Patricia Kumm
Jefrey Leary
Michelle Petersen
Heidi Wagner
Jenna Yurs
* March’s Warrior list was incorrect, to view your status/points please sign into CHC Wellbeing

April is the last month to earn points. For details and information on how to become a Wellness Warrior, click here. The last day to upload exam proof (Annual, Preventative, Dental, and Vision) is April 15th.
April Wellness Activities
Physical Health
Northwestern Medicine Wellbeing Assessment 6-Month Cholesterol Recheck - (15 Reward Points)
April 1 - April 30
Participants who completed their annual Wellbeing Assessment in Fall 2021 with Northwestern Medicine (onsite/remote NM Facility) or with their Physician by submitting screening results have the opportunity to recheck their Total Cholesterol, HDL/LDL Cholesterol, Triglycerides, Blood Glucose a Northwestern Medicine outpatient blood draw. To participate, sign into your CHC Wellbeing portal and register, click here. For a list of locations, click here.

Fitness
CHC Wellbeing Virtual Walking Challenge - (10 Reward Points)
National Park Hike "Trek the Trail" - April 12 - April 25
Virtually Hike the Appalachian Trail starting at the southern point of Springer Mountain,GA and ending at Stratton Mountain, VT. For more information, click here.

You will need to access your CHC Wellbeing account, click here, click on Explore, and Walking Challenge. Don’t forget to link your app/device, click here.

CHC Wellbeing Daily Steps Goal - (2 Reward Points per month)
Average at least 5,000 steps/day each month and earn reward points automatically. A tracking device must be linked to your account in CHC Wellbeing, click here. For details and information on how to link your device click here. If you do not have a CHC Wellbeing account use the below steps to create one.

  1. Visit CHC Wellbeing, click here
  2. Enter your program code 4911Com143 in the "New Participants" box and select "Register."
  3. Enter in your last name, date of birth and the last four digits of your social security number.
  4. Enter in the verification code that has been sent to either the email address or mobile number you have on file.

D300 Fitness Program
Spring Fitness Session will run for five weeks. The fitness sessions are in-Person and will follow COVID prevention protocols.

Visit the D300 Webstore to register and pay for the session, click here. Please complete the participation waiver if this is your first time participating in a D300 Fitness session, click here. Google calendar invites confirming you are registered will be sent to you.

All-Level Yoga with Toni
Suitable for a beginner who has consistent practice and for the seasoned yogi. This class will offer options for those that would like to explore their edge while simultaneously honoring students who may need more rest in a child's pose. All levels will offer modifications and challenges and the opportunity to focus internally on breath and meditation. This class will use both beginner and intermediate poses. Stress relief yoga creates balance in the mind and body and allows participants to move within their skill set to avoid excess strain on the stretched muscles or joints. Slow, relaxing, and mindful, this class is a great way to slow down, reduce stress, connect with your body, and calm your mind. This all-level practice is ideal for anyone new to Yoga, but everyone will enjoy this opportunity to move their body, breathe deeply, and feel good. Bring a mat and water.

  • Monday at 4:15 p.m. In-Person, 5/9 -5/23 at AMS - $15
  • Wednesday at 4:15 p.m. In-Person, 4/13 -5/11 at DCHS - Media Ctr $25
  • Thursday at 4:15 p.m. In-Person, 4/14 – 5/12 at DMS - Media Ctr $25

Yoga for the Newcomer/Deep Stretch with Toni
Have you thought about trying yoga? Have you said to yourself, “I don’t have a yoga body,” “I am not flexible,” “I can’t touch my toes” ... Yoga for the Newcomer is designed to help you gently step into yoga and leave feeling relaxed, stretched and open. This class provides a safe, non-judgmental environment for all those interested in exploring the practice of Yoga. This session is intended as an entry point for students who are brand new to yoga. The classes are designed to be more workshop-style. There will be stops and starts that allow for personal body adjustments and understanding of alignment. You will gain an understanding of the basic poses so you can start beginner level yoga classes. This series is intended to lay the groundwork for you to step into regularly scheduled classes.

You will learn: Benefits of yoga, Basic yoga postures, and techniques, Alignment of your body for a particular pose, How to use yoga blocks, blankets, and straps, Breathing, transitioning and focus during poses, Modifications for your body, Where in your body you should feel each pose.

  • Tuesday at 4:15 p.m. In-Person, 4/19 -5/17 at HHS - RM 1008 - $25

Tight N Tone with Shannon Melt Pilates
Tight N Tone is a total body workout using our body weight as resistance (no equipment needed!). The class typically combines joint exercises such as squats, lunges, crunches, planks, pushups, etc., to create an upbeat, faster-moving total body burn & cardio workout. Classes will be 45-50 minutes plus 10-15 minutes of cool down & stretching at the end. Classes require a mat & water! (60 min total).

  • Monday at 4:30 p.m. 4/25 -5/23 at Melt Pilates, 123 S. Main St, Algonquin, IL $25

Mat Pilates with Shannon Melt Pilates
Mat Pilates is a strengthening and lengthening exercise that focuses on your core (trunk) muscles while training your arms and legs. Physical benefits of mat Pilates Generally, a mat Pilate's class aims to strengthen the body's "powerhouse," a Pilate's term that refers to your abdominals, lower back muscles, pelvic floor, hips, and glutes. Pilates can aid flexibility and improve posture, as stretching your body is vital for the class. Classes will be 45-50 minutes plus 10-15 minutes of cool down & stretching at the end. Classes require a mat & water! (60 min total).

  • Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. 4/20 -5/18 at Melt Pilates, 123 S. Main St, Algonquin, IL $25


Mental Health
CHC Wellbeing Webinar of the Month - (5 Reward Points)
The Importance of Sleep - Learn about the benefits of sleep, the risks of getting too little sleep, and how to naturally get the best sleep you can. To view this webinar sign into your CHC Wellbeing Account, click here, click on Explore, click on Webinars.

If you do not have a CHC Wellbeing account use the below steps to create one.

  • Visit CHC Wellbeing, click here
  • Enter your program code 4911Com143 in the "New Participants" box and select "Register."
  • Enter in your last name, date of birth and the last four digits of your social security number.
  • Enter in the verification code that has been sent to either the email address or mobile number you have on file.

Perspectives Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
It is challenging to know exactly what to say or do when someone tells you they are stressed, having a difficult day, or struggling with their mental health. While suicide and suicidal ideation amongst colleagues, students, friends or family is a terrifying thing to think about, it’s important to notice the warning signs and reach out to the person in distress. 

Below is a guide you can review and share that covers what to say, what to look for and tools available such as the employee assistance program (EAP).


If you're aware of signs that things are less than okay for someone, then you can express empathy, understanding and support. A conversation can be life-changing!

24/7 Text-based Counseling is now available, you can call or text 800-456-6327. If you or a family member needs assistance, please reach out to Perspectives Employee Assistance Program (EAP), click here or call the phone number on the back of your badge. Services are provided at no cost to you. This information is readily available on the HR Benefits website, click on the tile in Rapid Identity or click here.


Financial Health
Virtual 1:1 Appointments with a Transamerica Retirement Planning Consultant Extended to April 14
A consultant can help you: Enroll in the plan, Review and understand Your Retirement Outlook, Determine your contribution rate and investment mix, learn how life events such as marriage, children, and buying a home could impact your retirement strategy. Improve your overall financial wellness. To schedule your virtual/phone appointment, click here.

Information on Transamerica 403(b)/457 plans is available on the HR Benefits website (click on the tile in RapidIdentity) or click here.

Transamerica Scavenger Hunt - (5 Reward Points)
April 11 - April 22
Transamerica is the 403(b)/457 provider for District 300. To participate in the scavenger hunt answer the questions in the following Google Form available April 11th - April 25th, click here. Winners will be entered into a drawing to win a gift card for $25.

Women and Retirement LIVE Webinar
Various Dates and Times from March - August
From a longer life expectancy to caregiving responsibilities, women may encounter several financial challenges on their journey to retirement. Everyone’s journey is different, but there are a few common themes women should know about as they pursue their retirement goals.

Our Women and Retirement presentation will cover key topics, such as:

  • Important planning considerations associated with having a longer life expectancy than men
  • How caregiving responsibilities may impact your retirement strategy
  • Pay disparity, and how to overcome this challenge when saving for retirement
  • How Transamerica can help you ensure you’re saving enough and investing properly for a more secure retirement.

To register for a date and time that works for you, click here.
Information on Transamerica 403(b)/457 plans is available on the HR Benefits website (click on the tile in RapidIdentity) or click here.
Challenge Updates
January Resilience Challenge
This resiliency project helped employees gain practical skills that can be applied in everyday life to navigate hard times and thrive in challenging environments. For more details click here. The following employees won:

  • Lisa Feltman
  • Kolleen Hanetho
  • Heidi Wagner

February Virtual Walking Challenge Update - (10 Reward Points)
Shout out to the 23 employees who completed the March to Mardi Gras virtual walking challenge that took place in February. To view the flier, please click here.
Marzia Ayub
Tracy Beatty
Kathleen Boscarino
Nancy Brocker
Asya Chacheva
Bridget Demetriou
Michael Depa
Kayla Ensign
Victoria Ericksen
Corie Jobst
Patricia Kumm
Allison Lichtenheld
Kelly Malinowski
Kenneth Ransom
Heather Rosenberg
Joy Skorburg
Bethany Sorg
Christine Stofan
May Sneak Peak
Save the Date: End of Year Virtual Celebration - May 18th at 4 p.m.

Details for the above event will be included in next months Newsletter.
To learn more about the Rewards Program and how to earn more Rewards Points click here. To view the 2021-2022 Wellness Rewards Program Overview, click here.

For more information about upcoming events, visit the HR Benefits D300 Wellness page. If you have any questions about these offerings, please email us at D300Wellness@d300.org.
District 300
2550 Harnish Drive, Algonquin, IL 60102
P: 847-551-8300 | F: 847-551-8413