Wednesday Wellness Update – Odyssey School of Denver

April 29, 2020

Introduction – Greetings Odyssey families and friends! We hope you are all doing well and staying healthy and safe. Although there is a stay at home order, it is still important to go outside and get some fresh air and exercise! However, even when we go outside, we still need to remember to stay at least 6 feet away from others and to always wear a mask so that the chances of contracting COVID-19 are decreased.

Shacoria’s Activity for the Week – Feelings Scavenger Hunt: For students stuck at home, a scavenger hunt can be a new treat and a fun way to pass the time. Using the worksheet below,, students will search for things around the house that bring up certain emotions, feelings, or memories.

For example, students will look for objects that:
** Make them laugh
** Are part of a new hobby
** Help them remember a trip

Worksheet: https://media.centervention.com/pdf/Scavenger-Hunt-Worksheet.pdf

Dina’s Activity for the Week – Painted Rocks: Calling all artists!! Use whatever supplies you have at home to create painted rocks to be left in your yard, along the sidewalk, or even on the many trails that are in our community. They can become a great game of “I spy” while you enjoy some time outside (social distancing, of course). Post a picture of your work!

Deb’s Activity for the Week – Make a meal together! Here is an easy, affordable and nutritious recipe to boost the immune system:
Citrus Fish Tacos (2 servings – doubling or tripling works well)
2 large oranges, juiced (or regular orange juice)
½ lime, juiced (or bottled lime juice)
3 Tbsp olive oil
1 tsp cumin powder
½ tsp salt
2 tilapia fillets (wild-caught is healthier – I buy the family pack of farm-raised to save $)
Fillers to dice: Red pepper Red onion Mango (I use frozen and sauteed it a few minutes)
Avocado
Canned beans

Place Tilapia in a large bag, pour in juice, marinate for 2 hours
Heat olive or coconut oil in large skillet.
Add tilapia and cook 4-5 minutes per side.
Use warm whole wheat, low-carb tortillas or lettuce leaves as your base.
Delicious and nutritious – easy to prepare and easy on the wallet!

Google Check-in Form for Students Who Want More Mental Health Support – Your child might want additional check-ins at this time. Please complete this form with your child. Our team will be checking student responses twice a week. Google Form Link

99 Coping Skills and COVID-19 Resources Denver Health School Based Clinics Are Open (see attachment)

Additional support if you, your student or a family member is having a mental health emergency:
Colorado Crisis and Support Line 1.844.493.8255
Emergency Crisis Hotline for Mental Health – Mental Health Center of Denver (MHCD) 303.504.7900
National Suicide Hotline 1.800.273.TALK or text: 839863
Mobile Crisis Hotline @ Denver Health 303.602.7220
Trevor Project (LGBTQ+) 1.866.488.7386
Community mental health support can be accessed through Colorado Crisis Services: 1-844-493-8255 https://coloradocrisisservices.org/ Here is another link about how to talk to your child regarding suicide: https://www.youthsuicidewarningsigns.org/parentscaregivers

April 22, 2020

Greetings Odyssey families! We hope you are all doing well and staying healthy and safe during these uncertain times. We know how challenging these times can be as we all strive to progress and move forward with everyone’s best interest in mind. Please know that we are all in this together and we want the best for our students and families. We will be sending this weekly newsletter out with a link to resources as well as ideas for fun activities for students and families.

Shacoria’s Activity for the Week – Mindfulness Activity (Rainbow Breath): Learn how to raise your energy and face your day with this empowering exercise. Link To Mindfulness Activity: https://family.gonoodle.com/activities/rainbow-breath Reflection questions: How did it feel?When might be a good time to do your rainbow breath?

Dina’s Activity for the Week – Hearts for Healthcare: Show our community health care workers how much we appreciate their dedication to keep our community healthy and safe. Print out a heart (or multiple hearts), decorate it how you like, and post it in a window in your home. Make sure to take a picture and post to our facebook page or send an email of your creation. When going out on walks in the community, count how many hearts you and your family can find!

Deb’s Activity for the Week – For those of you who have asthma or have children with asthma, please know there may be shortages of albuterol due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Please assess the amount of medication you or your child may need in the upcoming weeks and fill prescriptions accordingly. Stay safe, stay healthy and stay home!

Google Check-in Form for Students Who Want More Mental Health Support – Your child might want additional check-ins at this time. Please complete this form with your child. Our team will be checking student responses twice a week. Google Form Link

99 Coping Skills and COVID-19 Resources