Students may have had the day off Friday, but that doesn’t mean our teachers and staff were kicking back and taking it easy. Friday was a professional learning day at Avon Central Schools with a particular emphasis on educator wellness.
“Here at Avon, we recognize that learning is a lifelong pursuit - you’re never done,” said Superintendent Ryan Pacatte. “All of our presenters brought something different to the table and I’m hopeful our teachers come away from this learning experience with some new knowledge and tools to help improve their wellness physically, mentally, emotionally or otherwise.”
Teachers attended a keynote address by Dr. Kerry Graff, a family physician and the lead lifestyle medicine physician for Rochester Regional Health. Graff spoke about Blue Zones - places in the world where people live to the age of 100 at a much higher rate than the general population - and what each of the five zones have in common.
Teachers then picked what other learning sessions to attend from the following list.
• Pat Salzer, a registered dietician and wellbeing engagement consultant, taught teachers how to make cookie dough hummus using natural ingredients.
• Katie Keller-Burgess, a wellbeing engagement consultant with Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, presented on eating healthy on the run. The session was aimed at those who may be struggling with combining nutritious eating and a fast-paced lifestyle. The presentation touched on meal planning, packing a survival kit and making healthy choices while eating out, among other things.
• Avon Library Media Specialist Suzanne Freeman and High School Science Teacher Lorrie McLaughlin led a training in Avon’s Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, or PBIS, culture, the BRAVES Way and restorative practices. Participants learned about “circles” and the value of building meaningful relationships with students and facilitating the same among students.
• Dan Justis, a wellness consultant with Smola Consulting in Rochester, registered Yoga Instructor and U.S. Air Force veteran, led a workshop on practical strategies for everyday mindfulness. Justis addressed the most recent and relevant research on mindfulness and meditation and focuses on ways to incorporate practical mindfulness and meditation strategies for all experience levels, ages, and phases of life.
• Rick Amundson, a retired physical education teacher, athletic director and superintendent and current wellness consultant with Smola Consulting, led two sessions. The first centered on strategies to build financial wellness throughout one’s life and the second focused on 10 proven strategies to enhance mood and emotional wellbeing.
• Lynette Crawford, executive director of the Genesee Area Healthcare Plan, spoke on the consequences of excessive regular sugar intake with a particular emphasis on what dietary changes you can make today for a healthier tomorrow.
Christina Ecklund, Avon’s director of academic programs, was one of the professional learning day’s primary organizers. She thanked all those involved in helping to bring the event through to fruition, specifically mentioning Academic Programs, IT, Data Security and Facilities Secretary Alina Herzog, Digital Information and Security Specialist Michelle Burke, Business Manager Kristen Murphy, and the district’s IT, Facilities and Food Service staff.
“With any professional learning day there are so many moving parts and people stepping up to make things happen,” she said. “This day really wouldn’t have been the success I think it was without a lot of different people coming together to pull in the same direction and get it off the ground.”
Dr. Kerry Graff, a family physician and the lead lifestyle medicine physician for Rochester Regional Health, gives her keynote address about Blue Zones - places in the world where people live to the age of 100 at a much higher rate than the general population - and strategies for maximizing lifespan and longevity.
Pat Salzer, a registered dietician and wellbeing engagement consultant, taught our teachers how to make cookie dough hummus using natural ingredients. From the looks of genuine excitement, it was pretty tasty!
Katie Keller-Burgess, a wellbeing engagement consultant with Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, presents on eating healthy on the run.
Avon Library Media Specialist Suzanne Freeman and High School Science Teacher Lorrie McLaughlin lead a training in Avon’s Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, or PBIS, culture, the BRAVES Way and restorative practices. Participants learned about “circles” and the value of building meaningful relationships with students and facilitating the same among students.
Dan Justis, a wellness consultant with Smola Consulting in Rochester, registered Yoga Instructor and U.S. Air Force veteran, leads his workshop on the benefits of mindfulness and meditation.
Rick Amundson, a retired physical education teacher, athletic director and superintendent and current wellness consultant with Smola Consulting, leads a learning session on strategies to enhance mood and emotional wellbeing. Amundson also spoke in a different session on strategies to build financial wellness throughout one’s life.