It's Optimistic October!

This month, let's focus on positivity and finding opportunities for growth. Small actions can make a big difference—whether it's celebrating wins, lending a hand, or appreciating the good around us. Let's make it a great month together!

Click here to download and print the calendar.

Eight Habits of Effective Bridge-Builders

From schools to workplaces, we need to connect and understand each other. Discover why cultivating the skills and habits of bridge-building is more crucial now than ever—and how it can strengthen our communities. Read more on how we can come together despite our differences.

October 10 is World Mental Health Day

At San Leandro Unified School District, we understand the importance of mental health and are committed to supporting our community. That's why we've partnered with Care Solace to provide complimentary, confidential mental health care coordination services. If you or a loved one needs support, Care Solace is here to help. Contact them at 888-515-0595 or visit www.caresolace.com/slusdfamilies.

October Financial Prep: Budgeting for the Holidays Without Stress

As we head into the holiday season, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by expenses. This October, take some time to prepare your finances and set yourself up for a stress-free end of the year. Here are a few tips to help you budget:

1. Set a Holiday Spending Limit: Decide in advance how much you want to spend on gifts, food, travel, and other holiday expenses. Creating a budget now will help you avoid financial surprises later.
2. Start Saving Early: Use October to set aside a small amount each week towards your holiday spending. Even saving $20 a week can add up by December.
3. Track Spending: Track your expenses to ensure you stay within your budget. Many apps are available to help you monitor your spending and stay on track.
4. Look for Deals Early: October is a great time to look for early sales, discounts, and deals. Buying gifts ahead of time can help you save money and reduce last-minute stress.
5. Plan for New Year Expenses: The new year often brings unexpected costs. While you plan for the holidays, consider adding a little extra to your emergency fund to stay prepared.

Financial wellness is a key part of your overall well-being. With planning, you can enjoy the holidays without financial stress and start the new year off right!

Free Flu/COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic for SLUSD Students and Staff

In partnership with the Alameda County Public Health Department, San Leandro Unified School District is hosting a free Flu and COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic for students and staff at the Barbara Lee Center on October 17 and 18. Students must be five years or older to participate, and parents are eligible to receive the Flu vaccine only. Vaccines are limited to 100 Flu and 100 COVID-19 doses, so pre-registration is encouraged.

Clinic Details:

• October 17, 2024 | 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM Registration Link
• October 18, 2024 | 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM Registration Link

Registration will also be available on-site.

Reminder: It's Time for Open Enrollment

Through October 11, you can enroll in or change health plans, add eligible dependents, delete dependents, or cancel coverage.

Any increase or decrease in your premium amounts will be reflected on your December pay warrant, except for dental, which will be on your January pay warrant. All new health enrollments or changes in coverage made during open enrollment will be effective on January 1, 2025.

For enrollment forms, you can visit SLUSD Benefits Information.

If you have any additional questions, please contact Maria David at (510) 667-0537 or mdavid@slusd.us.

Join SLHS for the Nava Fun Run on October 14th!

The Nava Fun Run is back! We're excited to announce that it will take place on October 14th at 3:45 p.m. We hope you’ll join us! This 1.5-mile fun run showcases the San Leandro Cross Country Team and honors Eddie Nava, a beloved educator and cross country/swim coach. Participants from John Muir, Bancroft, and the Jaguars will join, making this a community event for all ages.

What: Nava Fun Run (1.5 miles)

When: October 14th at 3:45 pm

Where: Starts outside the gym, finishes on the track

Why: Celebrate fitness and honor Eddie Nava

Hope to see you there!

SLUSD Pet of the Month: Nacho Martinez

Meet Nacho Martinez, the adorable 3-year-old French bulldog who has a heart full of love and a knack for making everyone smile! Nacho's favorite activities include long naps, cuddling up with his favorite humans, and, of course, getting all the belly rubs he can. He also enjoys going on walks and exploring, but nothing beats a cozy snuggle on the couch. Nacho has an important job at home too—keeping his two human sisters in line and making sure there’s never a dull moment! He belongs to Violeta Olivares Martinez, our amazing parent facilitator at McKinley Elementary School, who loves having such a loyal and lovable companion by her side.

Do you know an adorable SLUSD pet that deserves some virtual tummy kisses? Send to communications@slusd.us and share the joy!

Roasted Veggie Bowl

It's made with colorful vegetables and chickpeas, served with quinoa (or your choice of grain), and topped with a creamy lemon cannellini sauce. It’s healthy, hearty, and easy to make!

Ingredients

• 1 large sweet potato (about 2 cups), cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 large carrots (about 2 cups), sliced
• 2 cups Brussels sprouts, halved
• 1 red onion, sliced
• 1 can (15 oz.) garbanzo beans (chickpeas), drained and rinsed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt & pepper or lemon pepper, to taste
• 2 cups cooked quinoa or grain of choice (about 1/2 cup per person)

Lemon-Cannellini Sauce

• 2 cans (15 oz.) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 2-4 tablespoons nutritional yeast
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 3/4 to 1 cup vegetable broth (start low, add as needed)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Generous pinch of red pepper flakes
• 1/2 to 1 teaspoon salt, to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (basil, thyme, parsley, chives, sage, or tarragon)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).

Line a baking sheet with parchment or lightly grease with oil. Toss the vegetables with olive oil, then spread them out in a single layer. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Roast for 30-40 minutes, mixing halfway through, until tender and lightly browned.

Blend all sauce ingredients in a food processor or blender until smooth. Add extra broth as needed to thin. Heat the sauce over low heat until warm, stirring occasionally.

Serve roasted vegetables over cooked grains with a generous helping of sauce.

(Credit: Simple Veganista)

Vegan Candy Corn Parfait

If you want to get into the fall and Halloween spirit but still want to eat healthy, this candy corn parfait recipe is for you.

Ingredients

• 3 cups pineapple, chopped
• 2 cans (10.5 ounces) mandarin oranges, drained
• 2 cups vanilla plant-based yogurt
• Optional candy corn for garnish

Directions

1. Place 1 cup of chopped pineapple in each mason jar.
2. Add a layer of mandarin oranges.
3. Top with yogurt and a few candy corn for garnish.