Welcome to the Sand Creek Wellness & Nutrition Hub!

At Sand Creek, we believe that healthy bodies and healthy minds are the foundation for student success. This page is your go-to resource for promoting well-being, nutrition, and self-care within our school community.

Whether you're a student, staff member, or family, you’ll find helpful tips, activities, and tools to support a balanced lifestyle—both inside and outside the classroom. From nutritious meal ideas to mindfulness practices and movement breaks, our goal is to nurture the whole child and empower every Aggie to thrive.

Take a look around, explore our upcoming wellness events, and join us in building a healthier, happier Sand Creek community—one small step at a time.

Wellness Committee Members include the following board members, staff and community members:

• Lara Baker, Elementary Assistant Principal

• Jodie Gilbert, Elementary Principal

• Scott Schrader, Elementary PE and HS Health

• Vicki Silva, Elementary Teacher

• Joni Music, Elementary Food Director

• Laurie Boss, HS Food Director

• Keshia Maybee, Elementary Counselor

• Chris Ondrovick, Transportation Director

• John Peacock, HS Principal

• Jerry Dyson, HS Assistant Principal

• Dakota Suiter, JH PE Teacher

• Marc Spicer, HS PE Teacher

• Melissa Jodway, HS Special Ed Teacher

• Abby Shindorf, JH/HS Social Worker

• Jamie Driskill, Community Member

• Becky Serin, District School Nurse

• Sharon Smith, Superintendent

• Matt Hillard, Board Member

• Nathan Adams, Board Member

• Randy Olson, Board Member

• Chloe Driskill, Student

• Kassy Klemm, Parent

Wellness Board Policy

Healthy Snack Ideas:

Apple slices with sunflower seed butter or peanut butter)

Cucumber rounds with hummus

Whole grain crackers with cheese

Fresh fruit cups (no added sugar)

Mini bagel with cream cheese

Dried fruit and whole grain cereal mix (no nuts)

Veggie sticks (carrots, peppers, celery) with ranch or hummus dip

Yogurt tubes or cups (low sugar)

Applesauce pouches

String cheese & whole wheat pretzels

Easy to pack favorites:

Frozen grapes or berries (thaw by snack time!)

Mini muffins made with oats or banana

Boiled eggs (if allowed in class)

Popcorn (plain or lightly salted, not too buttery)

Rice cakes with cream cheese or sunflower butter

Cheese cubes with cherry tomatoes or grapes

Smoothie pouches or small containers

Snacks to Avoid at School:

1. Sugary Snacks

• Examples: Candy, donuts, pastries, frosted cookies, sugary cereals

• Why to avoid: They cause a quick sugar rush followed by a crash, leading to tiredness, irritability, and trouble focusing.

2. Salty, Processed Snacks

• Examples: Chips, cheese puffs, flavored popcorn, ramen noodles

• Why to avoid: High in sodium and unhealthy fats with little nutrition; can lead to dehydration and sluggishness.

3. Sugar-Sweetened Drinks

• Examples: Soda, energy drinks, sweetened iced tea, fruit punches

• Why to avoid: Loaded with sugar and caffeine; can cause energy crashes and affect mood and concentration.

4. Highly Caffeinated Products

• Examples: Energy drinks, coffee, or strong iced teas

• Why to avoid: Not recommended for children; can lead to jitteriness, anxiety, and poor sleep.

5. Sticky or Messy Foods

• Examples: Gummies, caramel, or overly sticky granola bars

• Why to avoid: Not only low in nutrition, but also messy and can damage teeth, especially when brushing isn't available at school.

Better Options:

Instead, choose snacks like fruit, yogurt, whole grain crackers, string cheese, or veggie sticks. Try trail mix, homemade energy balls or bran muffins. These options keep students full, focused, and ready to learn without the sugar crashes or distractions.

Hydration Tips for School

For Students

• Bring a refillable water bottle daily — label it with their name.

• Set water goals like drinking at recess, lunch, and snack time.

• Add fruit like lemons, oranges, or berries for a fun, flavored twist.

• Choose water over sugary drinks (soda, sports drinks, juice).

For Teachers & Staff

• Build in water breaks during class transitions.

• Allow water bottles at desks (if school policy permits).

• Educate students during health or science lessons about hydration.

School-Wide Ideas to Promote Hydration

• Use the “Hydration Station” with easy water access.

• Allow student to access the hydration stations when needed and allowed by the teacher

Grab-and-Go Breakfast Ideas

Protein-Packed Options

• Hard-boiled eggs + whole grain toast

• Peanut butter (or sunflower seed butter) on a banana

• Yogurt cup with granola and fruit

• String cheese + whole grain crackers

• Breakfast sandwich (egg, cheese, and turkey sausage on English muffin)

Fruit & Carb Combos

• Apple slices with peanut butter

• Whole grain waffle folded like a sandwich with cream cheese or peanut butter

• Mini whole grain bagel with sliced strawberries

• Banana and a handful of dry cereal

• Oatmeal pouch (microwaves in under 2 minutes)

• Cereal and Milk

• Breakfast bars or cereal bars

Make-Ahead or Freezer-Friendly

• Overnight oats in a jar (milk + oats + fruit)

• Egg muffins (baked in muffin tins with veggies & cheese)

• Breakfast burritos (wrap with egg, cheese, and beans – reheat in 1 min)

• Homemade breakfast bars or energy bites

• Whole grain mini muffins + yogurt pouch

Fast Drinks

• Smoothie (blend fruit, yogurt, milk or juice – make ahead and freeze)

• Protein shake or breakfast drink (low sugar)

Tips for Families

• Prep breakfast the night before when possible

• Keep a basket of grab-and-go items in the fridge or pantry

• Include a protein + whole grain + fruit for lasting energy

• Encourage even a small bite if your student "isn't hungry" in the morning

• If your student says they are not hungry, encourage them to take breakfast and eat when they get to school or grab a school provided breakfast

Important websites that may help you with ideas regarding mindfulness:

Pathway to Success

Positive Psychology

How Much Physical Activity Do Students Need?

According to health experts like the CDC, kids and teens (ages 6–17) should get at least:

60 minutes of physical activity every day

• Most of this should be moderate to vigorous activity, like running, biking, dancing, or playing sports.

• Include activities that strengthen muscles and bones at least 3 days a week (like climbing, jumping, or push-ups).

Easy Ways to Get Moving During the Day

Before School

• Do 5–10 minutes of stretching or jumping jacks at home

• Dance to music while getting ready

During School

• Join in during recess or P.E. class

• Ask your teacher for a short movement break (many classrooms use brain breaks!)

• Do chair stretches or seated leg lifts during lessons

After School

• Play outside with friends or siblings

• Join a school sport, rec team, or activity club

• Go for a walk with your family or pet

• Do a quick fitness video or kid-friendly yoga session

Evening Fun

• Help with active chores (vacuuming, raking leaves)

• Try a dance party or movement game like Just Dance or Wii Sports

• Set a “step challenge” with your family

Bonus Benefits

Physical activity doesn't just keep your body healthy — it also:

• Boosts your brainpower

• Improves sleep quality

• Increases focus and classroom performance

• Supports mental health and self-esteem

Physical Activity Ideas for Children (Elementary School)

Active Play

• Tag, hide-and-seek, or freeze dance

• Obstacle course in the backyard or living room

• Hula hooping or jump rope

• Riding a scooter or bike

• Hopscotch or chalk games

• Playground time (climbing, swinging, sliding)

• Water balloon toss or sprinkler play in warm weather

Indoor Activities

• Dance videos (GoNoodle, Just Dance Kids)

• Yoga for kids (YouTube or Cosmic Kids Yoga)

• Animal movement games (crab walk, bear crawl, frog jumps)

• Balloon volleyball or beach ball games

• Fitness dice or movement cards (like “Do 10 jumping jacks!”)

Strength & Coordination

• Mini workouts: jumping jacks, squats, wall sits

• Crawling races, wheelbarrow walks

• Light resistance bands or kid-sized exercise equipment

Physical Activity Ideas for Teens (Middle & High School)

Team & Organized Sports

• Football, basketball, volleyball, baseball, or softball

• Track and field, cross-country, or cheerleading

• Martial arts, dance teams, or gymnastics

• School or community recreation leagues

Individual or Solo Activities

• Jogging, walking, or biking around the neighborhood

• Swimming or lap workouts at a local pool

• Strength training or bodyweight workouts (squats, planks, push-ups)

• Yoga, Pilates, or mobility training

Fun Fitness at Home

• Dance workouts (Zumba, TikTok dances, or freestyle)

• Online fitness challenges or apps

• Hiking, geocaching, or nature walks

• Rollerblading, skateboarding, or jumping on a trampoline

Movement Breaks for All Ages

• Set a timer to stretch or move every 30–60 minutes

• “Commercial break workouts” during screen time (e.g., 10 sit-ups during ads)

• Walk or stand while studying, reading, or listening to music

Promoting variety and fun is key—students are more likely to stay active when they enjoy what they’re doing!

RUTH MCGREGOR ELEMENTARY:

1- 100% Safe

S- Show Respect

C- Choose Responsibility

SAND CREEK JH/HS:

1- 100% Effort

S- Show Respect

C- Cultivate Ownership

SAND CREEK STAFF:

1- 100% Team

S- Show Respect

C- Cultivate Ownership

Ask your student what "1SC" or" Need More Cowbell" means?

Tips for Students to Stay Healthy

1. Eat Balanced Meals

• Choose fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein-rich foods.

• Avoid too much sugar or junk food.

• Don’t skip meals — especially breakfast!

2. Stay Hydrated

• Drink water throughout the day (aim for 6–8 cups, depending on age).

• Bring a refillable water bottle to school.

3. Get Plenty of Sleep

• Try to get 8–10 hours of sleep each night.

• Keep a bedtime routine to help your body wind down.

4. Be Active Every Day

• Aim for 60 minutes of physical activity—run, play, dance, or ride your bike!

• Take breaks from screens to move around.

5. Take Care of Your Mental Health

• Talk to a trusted adult or school counselor if you feel stressed or overwhelmed.

• Practice mindfulness or deep breathing.

• Spend time doing things you enjoy.

6. Practice Good Hygiene

• Wash your hands often with soap and water.

• Cover your coughs and sneezes.

• Keep your space and belongings clean.

7. Stay Home When You’re Sick

• Rest helps your body heal faster.

• Staying home helps prevent spreading germs to others.