Friday Updates: TIME Day/Mental Health Supports

Today's blog will focus on mental health resources for ALL STAFF, but before those are shared, here is a reminder for TIME Day hours.  These are for paid TIME Day hours, not for any that may be a part of your flexible learning plan.  

All TIME Day hours need to be submitted by the end of the day on MAY 10th.

**********************************************

May is Mental Health Awareness month, and below are resources to support students, staff, and each other.  ALL STAFF at Southeast Polk have access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through Employee and Family Resources. 

24/7/365 Accessibility

You can reach EAP 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Challenging situations are a part of life, which is why a masters-level clinician will always be ready to take your call.

It's free, confidential, and available 24/7. Connect with us by calling 800-327-4692 or explore your benefits at efr.org/how-we-help/work

DID YOU KNOW...

EAP has partnered with Scanlan Mental Health Center of Iowa and the service Togetherall is now available to all SEP employees at no cost.  Togetherall is an anonymous, online peer-to-peer community where members can connect with others who share their lived experiences.  To access this service, go to this site and click on 'REGISTER'.  Where it says 'find eligible site' type in Scanlan, and it will load "Scanlan Center for School Mental Health (SCSMH)". You may then complete your registration and access the service. 

OTHER RESOURCES

Are you a commuter?  You may want to check out the Educator Wellness Podcast. If you watch, listen, and reflect on each of the 8 episodes in Season 2, you are eligible to earn 1 free Iowa Licensure Renewal credit through Scanlan Mental Health Center. 

MORE RESOURCES

Here are three audio-guided activities just launched to help enhance focus and reduce stress: 

•	Mini Mindfulness Meditation (4:34)
•	Mindfulness Box Breathing (2:20)
•	Alternative Nostril Breathing (3:20)

If you are interested in resources like the ones listed below, click on THIS LINK  for more Mindfulness Activities.

 

                             

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AAPI Heritage Month)

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AAPI Heritage Month) is an annual celebration that recognizes the historical and cultural contributions of individuals and groups of Asian and Pacific Islander descent to the United States. The month of May was chosen to mark the arrival of the first Japanese immigrant to the United States on May 7, 1843, as well as the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869.  This is a time to honor the many achievements and contributions that Asian and Pacific Islanders have made to our communities.  

This year's theme is "Advancing Leaders Through Innovation." Below are some sites that offer a collection of lessons and resources for K-12 social studies, literature, and arts classrooms that center around the experiences, achievements, and perspectives of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders across U.S. history.  

• Teacher's Guide: Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage and History in the U.S. 

• AAPI Heritage  

In addition, Iowa's largest Asian American event, CelebrAsion, will be held at Western Gateway Park in Des Moines on May 24th and 25th. 

• Iowa Asian Alliance - CelebrAsian