San Leandro Unified
Employee Wellness
Newsletter
Welcome to Meaningful May!
Being a part of something bigger than ourselves or focusing on things that we value is key to our wellbeing. Being involved with a particular cause or passion can provide this sense of something bigger, or it could be relationships or things that you nurture. Let's take time to reflect on what we care about this month and keep these things at the front of our minds.

Strengthening Our Reserve
April Wellness Workshop Recap

If you missed our April session, here are the SLIDES and HANDOUT that were shared by our Claremont Employee Assistance (EAP) facilitator.

Remember that your EAP provides you and your family members with confidential, in-person, short-term counseling services that are fully covered by SLUSD. 

To access the counseling benefit or other EAP services, please contact Claremont at 800-834-3773 or click HERE.
Do you embrace a diversity of opinions in others? Take the Bridging Differences Quiz to see!

We humans have a deeply rooted tendency to organize ourselves into groups: You’re either one of Us or part of Them. But research suggests those categories are not fixed. We can expand our sense of Us and see Them in a new light.

Bridging those differences often requires a mix of intention, the right social conditions, and specific skills, but studies show that it is possible—and that doing so will enrich our lives and communities.
Let's Take Time to Recognize Each Other
Although we strive to recognize the transformative work that is happening in our schools and district throughout the year, May is a special time when we invite everyone to recognize each other for the special roles we play in providing an exceptional educational experience for our students and families.

Please put the following dates on your calendar and take the time to thank one of the professionals who are serving these roles in our organization:

  • Teacher Appreciation Week May 3-7
  • Day of the Teacher May 4
  • School Lunch Hero Day - May 7 
  • National Nurses Week May 6-12
  • School Nurses’ Day May 12 
  • Classified School Employees Week May 17- 21
  • Management Employees’ Week May 24-28t
SLUSD Pet of the Month
Emma and Kahuna Guevara

This month we learn more about some furry friends that bring joy to our tech department expert Nick Guevara.

Kahuna likes to go on hikes, playing at the beach, digging holes, and playing ball all day long. She was born in Chula Vista and had a long car ride back home where she met her older sister Emma. Emma loves tanning in the sun, relaxing, and finding a nice pillow or blanket to lay on. Emma comes from a family dog's litter in LA. She has never been to Beverly Hills but is still a star! Even though they both have different personalities they both enjoy begging for food, camping, playing, and cuddling with each other. Thank you for sharing Nick!

We want to see your pets and hear their stories! Send your photos to communications@slusd.us and share virtual ear scratches today!
Another Opportunity for Emotional Support
See the flyer below to take advantage of three free sessions, but don't hesitate. There are a limited number of spots available.
COVID-19 Testing Schedules and Locations 
Free COVID-19 testing is available to all SLUSD employees. Please contact Dustin Brown @ dbrown@slusd.us to get information about how to register for our testing program.

Testing will be available Monday-Thursday at one of our testing sites during the following weeks:
  • Weeks of May 10th & 24 
  • Weeks of June 7 & 21 (new dates!) 

San Leandro High School (AEC Exterior) by appointment only 
1:30 -3:30 PM Monday
7:30 - 9:30 AM Tuesday 

John Muir Middle School (G1 Exterior) by appointment only 
7:30 -9:30 AM Wednesday
1:30 - 3:30 PM Thursday
Get Outside & Get Moving!

We live in one of the most gorgeous locations on this pretty amazing planet, so find time to take advantage of the natural bounty that is right outside our doors.

Here is the East Bay Regional Parks Guide for May/June 2021. Find a trail, park, or program today and take a hike!

Everything You Want to Know about Eye Yoga

Eye what? You may have heard about this hot exercise trend for those of us who want to improve our eyesight and reduce the strain of working on devices throughout the day.

Staff Spotlight: McKinley Elementary School

Our Eagles are ending their year with a super fun idea to unite their community while celebrating safely and getting some much-needed movement in! They are in the planning stages for an EOY Flash Mob with Zumba moves you can see in the video above. Start at 2:30 to skip the intro and get yourself moving!

Thank you to interim Principal Rachel Vatannia for the idea and share! If you have wellness work happening at your site, make sure to share with communications@slusd.us to get us all inspired!
Pesto Chicken Pasta
This recipe makes a fresh and easy dinner, packed full of Mediterranean flavors


Ingredients
  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 cup basil pesto
  • Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Crushed red pepper flakes
  • 3 tomatoes, diced
  • 1 pound cooked pasta + 2 cups reserved pasta water
  • Chopped fresh basil, for topping
  • Grated parmesan, for topping

Instructions
1. To make the pesto chicken pasta: Coat chicken breasts with basil pesto and kosher salt and pepper, to taste. Heat a large skillet on medium heat, add 2 tablespoons olive oil, and grill chicken until fully cooked, about 5-10 minutes depending on thickness. Slice and set aside.

2. To the same skillet add minced garlic, a tablespoon pesto, and crushed pepper flakes. Simmer just for a few minutes just to combine flavors. Moisten with reserved pasta water and add parmesan. When cheese is melted, add in the cooked pasta and toss well. You can also drizzle on a bit of olive oil or add more pesto if you want.

3. Add in sliced chicken with diced tomatoes and allow to reheat for a couple of minutes. Top the chicken pesto pasta with fresh basil, grated parmesan, black pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil if desired. Enjoy!
Vegan Vanilla Icebox Cake with Pudding, Blueberries & Peaches

This Vegan Icebox Cake is made with vanilla pudding, blueberries, and peaches. The perfect, super easy, no-bake dessert you need right now.
Ingredients
  • 5 oz graham crackers/vanilla biscuits
  • 1 1/2 cup vanilla pudding (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries
  • 2 medium peaches thinly sliced
  • 2 tsp maple syrup
  • whipped cream (dairy-free) to top
Instructions
  • Spread a very thin layer of vanilla pudding onto the bottom of a 34 oz glass food container, then top with an even layer of graham crackers or vanilla cookies.
  • Mix the blueberries with the maple syrup in a small separate bowl.
  • Spread more vanilla pudding on top of the cookies, then place the peach slices and blueberries evenly.
  • Repeat the layering process until you have 3 layers of crackers.
  • Refrigerate the cake overnight or for at least 14 hours.
  • When serving, top with whipped cream and more berries/peach slices.
San Leandro Unified School District | communications@slusd.us | www.slusd.us