Developing Healthy Kids

11/27/2025

🦃 Wishing You a Happy & Healthy Thanksgiving! 🍽️

Happy Thanksgiving!! As you gather with family and friends today, we encourage you to enjoy the meal mindfully.

The Thanksgiving table is often loaded with comfort foods, and that’s okay! It's important to teach kids how to enjoy special meals mindfully without feeling overwhelmed.

Simple Tips for a Healthy Holiday Plate:

Fill Half with Color: Encourage kids to fill half their plate with veggies (like green beans, sweet potatoes, and salads) first!

Savor the Favorites: Give permission to enjoy small portions of their favorite holiday treats. No need to ban anything—just enjoy it slowly!

Stay Hydrated: Keep a water cup nearby. Sometimes thirst can be mistaken for hunger.

Remember, the most important ingredients are gratitude and family time! We hope you have a joyful and healthy holiday. ❤️

11/24/2025

🏃‍♀️ Get Moving Before the Feast! Family Turkey Trot Challenge!

The Thanksgiving holiday is all about connection, reflection, and, yes, delicious food! Let's build healthy habits by starting the day with movement!

Challenge your family to a "Turkey Trot" before the big dinner!

👟 Go Outside: Walk, jog, or run for just 20-30 minutes together.

🦃 Park Play: Head to a local park for a round of tag or a quick game of catch.

💃 Dance Party: If the weather is cold, crank up the music and have an indoor family dance-off!

Movement boosts mood and digestion, making those holiday moments even better!

11/20/2025

🍎 Fueling Fun: Healthy & Easy Lunchbox Ideas!

Packing school lunches can sometimes feel like a challenge, but it's a great opportunity to provide balanced nutrition that keeps kids energized and focused all afternoon!

Here are a few simple tips to make lunchboxes both nutritious and appealing:

🌈 Think Color: Include a variety of colorful fruits and veggies (think bell pepper strips, berries, cucumber slices). The more colors, the more nutrients!

💪 Protein Power: Add a source of protein like hard-boiled eggs, cheese sticks, turkey roll-ups, or hummus to keep them full longer.

💧 Hydration Station: Don't forget a water bottle! Keep sugary drinks to a minimum.

🤩 "Fun" Factor: Use cookie cutters for sandwiches, add a little note, or include a small, healthy treat. Presentation matters!

11/19/2025

💖 Resilience, Growth, and Curiosity: Wisdom from a Veteran Educator!

If you are a parent or advocate for developing healthy kids, this article featuring Crestwood Elementary's Annette DuBridge is a must-read!

After 40 years in early education, Mrs. DuBridge shares powerful insights on what truly makes children thrive. She emphasizes the importance of their resiliency ("How they face each challenge, ready to learn and ready to work"), their inherent curiosity and energy, and the critical need for early intervention to set them up for a lifelong love of learning.

Mrs. DuBridge truly embodies the idea of planting "the seeds for their future learning." Thank you for your commitment to the whole child!

Read the full, inspiring interview: https://www.schoolnewsnetwork.org/2025/11/19/i-love-to-see-things-grow-veteran-educator-says/

Developmental kindergarten teacher Annette DuBridge talks about what her profession means to her.

11/17/2025

Check out RAMS News & Views latest podcast episode! 🎙️

🎙️ Rams News and Views: Talking Thanksgiving & Gratitude!

The newest episode of Rams News and Views (Episode 38) is here, and it's all about being thankful! 🦃

This week, Dr. Matthews sits down with Rockford High School Assistant Principals Chelsea Cates and Darcy Seelye, along with high school juniors Sophie Adams and Malayah Jarrell, to discuss Thanksgiving and gratitude.

Tune in now for this timely and heartwarming conversation!

Listen to the episode here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1kurX8TeurG4Tyr7KEPFEF?si=6yCYdvZ8ShaAmmz2NfoyMg&nd=1&dlsi=e8c5a00a3b074c50

11/17/2025

✨ Mindful Monday: Starting the Week with Gratitude

It’s easy to focus on the busy schedule ahead, but taking just two minutes to practice gratitude can dramatically shift your mindset and reduce stress for the whole week!

Try a Family Gratitude Check-in Tonight:

1. Pause: When you sit down for dinner or right before bed, pause the distractions (screens off!).

2. Share: Go around and have each person share one thing they are truly grateful for right now. (It can be big or small—the sunshine, a good lunch, or a helpful friend!)

3. Listen: Simply listen to each other without judgment or commentary.

This small practice is a powerful way to promote positive mental health and build strong family connections.

11/14/2025

📱 Screen Time vs. Connection Time: Establishing Healthy Digital Boundaries

Digital safety isn't just about blocking content—it's about creating intentional boundaries that protect mental health. Excessive, unstructured screen time can contribute to anxiety and sleep issues in teens. Focus on when and why screens are used, not just the clock.

Family Rule Idea: Designate "No-Tech Zones" like the dinner table and bedrooms. Encourage your student to switch devices off one hour before bedtime to ensure quality sleep.

11/11/2025

🍎 Free Weekend Food for Students!
Every Friday, Hand2Hand provides nutritious food bags to students, ensuring they have meals over the weekend and on school breaks.

Each bag includes:

- 3 Breakfast items

- 4 Snack items

- 3-4 Lunch/Dinner items

This program provides hope and opportunity for our students to thrive!

For questions, please email [email protected].

11/11/2025

Thank you to our Veterans! 🧡🖤

Today, and every day, Rockford Community Services honors the brave men and women who have served our nation.

On this Veterans Day, we extend our deepest gratitude to all Veterans, Active-Duty service members, and their families for your selfless courage and sacrifice. We are the Land of the Free because of the Brave.

To our Rockford-area Veterans: we see you, we honor you, and we thank you for your service.

11/10/2025

Know Your Tools! 🛠️ As part of the Developing Healthy Kids campaign, we want every RPS family to feel empowered to seek help. Our official Mental Health Resources page is your single source for reliable support, including contacts for local counselors, school staff, and 24/7 crisis lines.

Find RPS-Vetted Resources Here: https://www.rockfordschools.org/departments/special-services/mental-health-resources/

Website for Rockford Public Schools

11/07/2025

🧘‍♀️ Your Weekend De-Stress Tool: Try 4-7-8 Breathing!

Since today marks the end of International Stress Awareness Week, let's learn a simple, powerful tool you can use this weekend to quickly calm the nervous system: the 4-7-8 Breathing Technique.

This is a great skill for students to use before a test, during a stressful moment, or when having trouble falling asleep.

Weekend Challenge: Try this technique tonight or whenever you feel overwhelmed.

11/06/2025

🥗 Essential Resources for Healthy Families!
Access to reliable food is key to overall student health and well-being. Our department is committed to supporting our families beyond the classroom!

We've compiled two helpful guides on local food security. Please take a moment to share this post so this vital information reaches every family that needs it. Investing in food access is investing in healthy kids! 🍎

🍎 Food Resources for RPS Families!
We know that access to consistent food resources is a top priority for our families.

Our Preschool and Child Care Services have compiled two helpful resources focusing on local food security. Please click the links below to access and save these important PDFs:

Food Resources in Our Area: Local options and programs within the Rockford community.https://rockford-cdn.fxbrt.com/downloads/food-service/food_resources_doc.pdf

Food Pantries in GR: A guide to pantries located in the greater Grand Rapids area.https://rockford-cdn.fxbrt.com/downloads/food-service/food_pantries_in_gr_and_surrounding_areas_of_kent_co_.pdf

We are committed to supporting our students and families both inside and outside the classroom. Please share this post to help spread the word!