VEHI Presents Webinar Series on Finding Joy

VEHI PATH presents:

"Everything, Everywhere, All At Once: Finding Joy in a World Where Everyone and Everything Are Draining You Dry"

Is it possible to find joy working in education in this moment in time?  Or inside the demands of day-to-day life with your partner or family members? Or in a world that tests the limits of compassion?  We’ll argue that the answer is yes.  But you may not find it through the traditional paths you'd expect.

In this 3-part series, Gail Johnston (with VEHI's Progress Coaching team) and some amazing guests will show why and how to expand your definition of wellbeing beyond the usual practices of eating vegetables, exercising and meditation. They’re all still important, but what actually blocks joy from getting in, or seeing joy when it’s right in front of you? Spoiler alert: The sources of your stress hold the keys to your joy.

Part 1: You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling: What are these "other" pathways? 

Part 2: Every Breath You Take: Why are these pathways having such an enormous impact on you?

Part 3: We Can Work It Out: How do you make joy happen for yourself?

Let’s make it a good year!!

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Part 1: Saturday, Dec. 6th from 10-11 am

Register for each webinar separately.  Click here to register for Part 1:

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5590125374789834076

You’ll receive a reminder for Parts 2 and 3 in January.

If you’re unable to attend, register anyway, and we’ll send you the recording after the session.

PATH 2026 Adventure: Beyond the Beat

Registration is OPEN for our annual PATH Adventure! 

It's FREE and you'll receive 10 PATHpoints just for signing up!!

When you register you'll select a FREE GIFT! Choose from a bucket tote, athletic socks, or unisex short-sleeve t-shirt.

OR,  upgrade your free gift for a small fee! Other items include:  a Ringer T-shirt - a Long Sleeve Waffle 1/4 Zip - a Triblend 1/4 Zip Pullover or Women's Scalloped Hem Pocket Hoodie! 

Full details on each item can be found during registration.

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HOW TO REGISTER:

• Go to www.tomypath.com
• Log in with your Username and Password.
• Can't remember your username and/or password? Use the "Forgot Your Username" or "Forgot Your Password" options in the Login box or click Contact Support.  Please do NOT create a new account.
• Click on the "Beyond the Beat" option from your dashboard.
• Follow the onscreen instructions, selecting your registration gift and submitting your order.
• Carefully review the size charts that are available under each gift choice before selecting your size. 
• You will receive a registration confirmation email. Review it to make sure that your registration information is accurate.
• Sit back and wait for your Adventure materials to arrive in mid-January. The 10-week Adventure begins on Monday, January 26th.

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Registration closes at 11:59 pm EST on Monday, December 1st!

Late registrations may incur a $15 late fee so PLEASE register BEFORE the deadline!

 

Invest EAP for all employees

InvestEAP is a Vermont-based Employee and Organizational Assistance Program (EAP). It is a confidential public, not-for-profit program that provides counseling and wellbeing resources to employees and their household members, and workplace resources to organizations.

They can support you with concerns regarding: 

• relationships
• stress
• anxiety
• eldercare
• legal troubles
• financial challenges
• any other topic causing you to worry.

Invest EAP is a FREE benefit for you and your household members, provided by VEHI. 

Call 1-800-287-2173 go to www.investeap.org

and create a Log In on their website. 

Your Organization Password is: vsbit

If you are a PATH member, you can earn PATHpoints for using their services. After using their service simply request a voucher number via email (EAPPATHPOINTS@investeap.org) and redeem it to receive 50 points in your PATH account!
Key Features of Invest EAP

• Confidentiality: Our services are confidential and private.

• 24/7 Access: Life doesn’t adhere to a 9-to-5 schedule, and neither do we. Our clinical line is always available: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, even during weekends and holidays.

• Professional Counseling: Local, licensed, master's level clinicians are positive, proactive, and ready to support you. Our clinicians can connect with you in-person or via telehealth to develop a solutions-focused plan.

• Management Consultation Line: Our exclusive management consultation line connects leaders and managers directly to our suite of supervisor-specific resources and supports.

• Wide Range of Services: As a member of Invest EAP, you can access legal referrals and financial advice, monthly wellness workshops, recovery-friendly and substance abuse referral resources, monthly wellbeing digital newsletters, a robust website and wellness portal, and so much more.

Take the PATH Healthy Life Survey

 

PATH Health Life Survey

The Healthy Life Survey is offered to all PATH participants. This is a self-assessment of your well-being that helps you check your results, celebrate success and set new health goals.

It is open from October 1 to March 31 each school year. Participants can receive 50 points for completing the survey, and an additional 10 points for completing it by October 31. 

After submitting your survey, check your results:

First, you will be provided with a report. 

Second, in most cases (depending on how you access PATH programs), you will have access to other PATH products and services that will help support any effort you may want to make toward changing or maintaining your health status. This MAY include access to a health coach, peer coaching, or other case management services depending on your group’s contract with PATH.

Third, in all cases, PATH recommends that you share your results with your health care providers (your medical home). Your providers will help you address any changes you may want to make.

Finally, if you want to make a change or celebrate a success, share your results with loved ones who will support your efforts.

Nutrition Counseling

In light of a recent memo from VEHI regarding GLP-1 medications used for weight loss will no longer be a covered benefit, employees who have relied on the medication may be wondering what options they have to maintain a healthy weight. 

The best answer is to talk to your primary care physician about your options.

Something your wellness leaders would like to remind you, Nutrition Counseling is covered under our VEHI health insurance plan. You do not need a referral from a doctor to see one. There are many dieticians and nutrition counselors in the area. Ask your doctor for a recommendation, or check out one of these:

No Diet Dietician based in South Burlington, but a large team of virtual dieticians.

Whole Health Nutrition dieticians can meet in person (Colchester or WRJ office) and telemed.

Seeing a Doctor? Going to the Dentist? Get PATH Points!

PATH participants who either visit their dental provider for a routine checkup, or work with their primary care provider to learn their health risks and what to do about them, can receive 25 PATHpoints!

How? 

1) Download and print the correct form for the visit: 

• "Show Your Smile" for dental checkups
• "Know Your Numbers" for preventive primary care visits

2) Complete the top part of the form with your information and bring the form to your dental or doctor visit. 

3) Ask your dentist or primary care provider to check what preventive procedures were completed and sign the form. 

4) You must also sign the form, then turn the form into your Building Leader.

If you don't know who is your building leader, contact Jaycie Puttlitz.

Educator discount at The Edge

 

The Edge has reached out to remind school employees that they receive a 10% discount on their membership rates. This discount would be in addition to any discounts you receive for pre-paid monthly or yearly rates.

If you are interested in learning more, contact:

Dennis Michel
Membership Director
4 Gauthier Drive, Essex Jct., VT  05452
Tel:  802-951-2324
Email: dennism@edgevt.com
www.edgevt.com  

Meet Your Building Wellness Leaders

Welcome to the 2025-26 school year!

In a previous post we explained the many different ways you can participate in VEHI PATH programs for staff wellness. To navigate these programs, there are wellness leaders dedicated to help staff in each school building. Building Wellness Leaders not only promote VEHI PATH program elements, but also  collaborate to promote a "Culture of Wellness" in their building. We do this by evaluating district data to inspire wellness activity ideas, sponsor wellness events, and communicate with and support staff in using the wellness programs.

Who is your Building Wellness Leader?

Angela Moulton is the JFK Elementary Building Wellness Leader. She is the Science and Health teacher for JFK. Outside of school Angela does woodworking projects, walks with her dogs, and cheers on her two children. She is happy to support any staff in their wellness needs.

Laura Graves is the Middle School Building Wellness Leader, and she is the 6th grade ELA teacher. Laughter plays a huge role in Laura's sense of wellbeing and she laughs often with her family and friends. One of her favorite wellness activities is walking outside with buddies (including her dog, Benson) or walking while listening to an audiobook on Libby. 

Becky Savage is the High School Building Wellness Leader and she is a ML teacher in the high school. She lives with her husband and two cats. She enjoys walking, hiking, paddleboarding, yoga, reading, cooking, eating and spending time with friends. She is also an advocate for women’s health and feels it’s very important to raise awareness about the lack of equity for women in the health care system. 

Melissa Mintzer is the Winooski SD Building Wellness Leader to support cross-district staff. She is a middle school special educator. She enjoys cooking and sharing meals with her friends and family. Creative outlets help Melissa manage stress and relax. She has recently discovered a love of spin class to add to her wellness repertoire!

Jaycie Puttlitz is the District Wellness Champion which means that she oversees the VEHI staff wellness programs across the Winooski School District. She is the middle and high school health teacher. She enjoys practicing mindfulness and yoga, as well as hiking, fishing, gardening, and spending time with her family that are quickly growing and “flying the nest.” 

How do I sign up for PATH?

There are two ways you can do this! 

1) Use this document here to help you get set up on the PATH website. Select Winooski SD as your district, then choose the building you mostly work in (JFK, MS, HS, or SD if you are across the district equally).

2) Contact your Building Wellness Leader and set up a time to get help. 

Let us know if you have any questions.

A new school year begins, as do PATH points!

Starting July 1, you can begin to earn PATH points for the 2025-26 school year!

First, make sure you have a PATH account. If you do not, review the document here to help you get set up. Select Winooski SD as your district, then choose the building you mostly work in (JFK, MS, HS, or SD if you are across the district equally).

To learn more about VEHI and PATH, click on "About VEHI/PATH" on the header above.

*If you earn 200 PATH Points by June of 2026, you are eligible for a $100 gift card to L. L. Bean! 

Earn 25 points by completing the Sizzling Summer Challenge (July-September).

Each week, you choose one of the weekly challenges to complete and upload a picture for that week's challenge. If you complete all 10 weeks' challenges, you will earn 25 PATHpoints and a chance to win other prizes such as a SOLO stove, a hammock, or a Garmin VivoSmart 5 watch. Here is a link to the summer mailer.

Log into your account and scroll down to the Sizzling Summer Challenge link on your dashboard. Follow the instructions. If you have questions, read the Q&A. 

A NEW Keeping Fit program starts July 1st: Earn 10 points each month!  

Keeping Fit is one way to continue earning PATH points while there isn’t an active Adventure. Effective July 1, 2025, all PATH account holders will begin a new Keeping Fit cycle, and cycles will follow a monthly calendar.

Here are some highlights of the new program:

• On the 1st of each month a new cycle will begin.
• To earn points, account holders will need to record a minimum of 12 exercise activities, dated during the current month, before the end of that month. Note that there will be NO grace periods.  If 12 exercise activities aren't recorded by the end of the last day of the current month, no points will be awarded.
• 10 points will be awarded for each successfully completed monthly cycle; up to 120 PATH points are possible per points year.
• PATH account holders will never need to activate a Keeping Fit cycle, it will happen automatically on the 1st of each month. This also means that account holders will not be able to opt out of a cycle but they are not required to participate. 

Many ways to Plan Action To Health (P.A.T.H.)

There are many other ways you can use PATH to help you be well, stay active and rejuvenate this summer...and earn points*! You can start your monthly Quizzify trivia (5 points) or begin a Self-paced Adventure (up to 30 points). Check out the options on your PATH dashboard.

Winooski School District ROCKSTARS!

Winooski School District was a featured 2024 PATH Rockstar on our 10th annual Wellness Day! 

Check out what VEHI had to say about our event, and the video below!

2023-24 Harvard Healthy Living Guide

🍎This is the 4th edition of the digest on Healthy Eating and Healthy Living from the Department of Nutrition at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. 

Key features this issue:

• Benefits of green spaces
• Mindful eating
• Plate and the planet: Strategies to reduce red meat and elevate your plate
• A blueprint for building healthy meals
• Intuitive eating
• Healthy beverage guide
• Spotlight on low-calorie sweeteners
• Staying active: Zumba
• Updates on sleep
• Healthy longevity

The apple in your hand is the body of the cosmos.
– Thich Nhat Hanh

In 2023, Harvard School of Public Health launched the Thich Nhat Hanh Center for Mindfulness in Public Health. Many articles in this issue of Healthy Living Guide are dedicated to educating on simple techniques for mindful living. Find out more at mindfulpublichealth.org

SoulShine Power Yoga specials

Info about SoulShine Power Yoga 

Also they have specials for those new to SoulShine: $49 unlimited one month at the downtown location, and $59 unlimited one month at both Essex/Downtown location.

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month!

 

Digital Detox Challenge

Hello,

Are you interested in reducing your use of technology? How often do you check your phone each day? What types of apps and other digital tools do you use to make your life easier? Do these tools really enhance your well-being?

Take this four week challenge and earn 10 Path points to reduce and re-evaluate the influence of digital tools in your life. During the challenge, you will assess your digital environment, eliminate one or more digital tools and make meaningful changes to how you use digital technology. 

If you are interested in this challenge, please email me and I will sign you up. 

Thanks!

Becky 

--

Rebecca (Becky) Savage
ELL Teacher

t (802) 655–0485   
e rsavage@wsdvt.org

  

List of Wellness activities

 As we climb over the peak of winter, I would like to offer some Wellness activity ideas that are little or no cost. These are based on recommendations from your Wellness leaders, and resources that other staff have used and enjoyed.   

Interval Trails - The Intervale Center trails are open to the public in the winter for snowshoeing and XC skiing (both classic and skate style). A trail map is here. Follow them on Facebook for up to date information about conditions and trail etiquette. Their annual Wintervale celebration is scheduled for March 6, 2022.

Yoga with Adriene - I kicked off the new year with a free, 30-day yoga challenge to Move with Adriene. When I started talking about it, I learned that other Winooski school staff enjoy Adriene's challenges and her many free videos on YouTube as well. 

Down Dog apps - Down Dog is offering its device apps free for educators and students until June 1, 2022! Down Dog apps include yoga, meditation, prenatal yoga, HIIT,  barre, and running. Look for the app on the Apple App Store, or get it on Google Play.

YouTube Channels

Sharona's Hill - This YouTube channel is full of home fitness workouts, kickboxing or dance style, set to popular music. Videos are short and fun. 

Get Fit with Rick - Here is another walk-at-home program--Getting Fit with Rick can either be via videos on his YouTube channel, or you can sign up for a free 7-day trial.

List of 15-min workouts - In this Good Housekeeping article, several youtube fitness programs are listed including HIIT, strength and cardio circuits and dance workouts.

Vermont Comedy Club - Laughing and comedy can be a great way to reduce stress. Whether you want to take in a show (live or LiveStream), or learn improv, the VCC has something for you. Check out some Vermont-made comedy here.

Cook Once, Eat Twice - Whole Health Nutrition, based in Williston, VT, has created a 4-part series of Mediterranean diet-based recipes like this Mezze Platter with recipes for tzatziki, tabouleh, baba ganoush and hummus. More recipes and tutorials are hosted on the recipe page of their website. And, Whole Health is in-network for BCBS-VT and other insurance providers so some nutritional counseling sessions should be covered. For instance, BCBSVT covers 3 sessions, but you may be eligible for more with some medical conditions such as diabetes. 

Drawing - At the start of the pandemic, I turned to How 2 Draw Animals online tutorials to learn to draw some of the birds that were coming to my feeder, like this chickadee and this cardinal with colored pencils. 

Acrylic Painting - Here are some staff-recommended tutorials if you'd like to try your hand at painting with acrylic on canvas. From Painting with Jane, a Tropical Sunset (32 min) and Summer Breeze (1 hr, 4 min). From Color by Felks, try this Tropical Painting (46 min). and Art with John Magne Lisondra brings you a Winter Evening with Snowman (1 hr, 6 min).

This Restorative Justice Life - For those of you who have taken on RJ in your classroom or just want to know more, you may be interested in this podcast which offers conversations and storytelling with Restorative Justice Practitioners, Circle Keepers, and others about how they bring Restorative Justice philosophy, practices, and values into their personal and professional lives. 

Healthy Living Guide 2021-22

The 2021-22 Healthy Living Guide has been published.

Key features this issue:

• A blueprint for building healthy meals
• Exploring aquatic foods
• Are anti-nutrients harmful? 
• Navigating information on food packages
• The science of cravings
• Anti-inflammatory diet review
• Clearing up confusion on soy and health
• Spotlight on collagen
• Staying active:
• Yoga for exercise
• High-intensity interval training
• Workout supplement review
• Updates on sleep

The Edge Sports & Fitness EDUCATOR DISCOUNT on Gym Memberships

It's a new year! And if your resolution was to "join a gym" here's some good news....

The Edge Sports & Fitness has a discount for teachers & staff!

The Edge offers three levels of membership: Fitness, Active and Ultimate (click here to see what is offered at each level).

• Fitness Edge is $67.00 / month
• Active Edge is $86.00 / month
• Ultimate Edge is $105.00 /month

Teachers receive 15% off that monthly rate if they pay via ACH autopay monthly.

If you prefer to pay for a full year (12 months), you will get...

• whatever promotion The Edge is running at the time you sign up (currently, it is 20% off for paying in advance),
• plus, another 5% for being a school employee,
• AND you will get an extra month (13 months in your fitness year!) 

One other thing perk...if you do pay in advance for a year, you can pause your membership at anytime. So, if you know there is a month or so where you won't be using the gym membership, call to put your membership on hold, then resume it when you are ready. You do not lose any of that time off, and it is added to your end date.

If you are interested, call Dennis Michael at 802-951-2324. Tell him you work for the Winooski School District. 

Healthy Life Survey - 60 PATH Points!

 

Pick a Peck of Apples FREE!

Register HERE for a free peck of apples. See details below. 

(Click image below for a larger version of the flyer)

50 Miles, 50 Days Walking Challenge

 

Come Alive Outside offers another mile-a-day challenge!

While we can not offer this for PATH points this is a great way to establish a walking routine.  Remember you record only walks that you do outside that are planned.  Not all steps or common walks like to your car.

You can list Angela Moulton as leader.  Thanks and happy walking. 

Register here by September 13