Mindful Practices

11/27/2025

As we move into Thanksgiving, we are reminded that gratitude is not just a feeling—it is a practice.

When we intentionally pause to notice what is steady, supportive, or meaningful in our work, we create a little more space to breathe. In seasons that feel heavy, gratitude becomes its own form of grounding.

This mindset is also at the heart of the work we do with school leaders and educators. Our School Well-Being Certification and professional learning experiences are designed to help teams cultivate sustainable practices that support real people, not perfect routines.

If strengthening well-being in your school community is a goal for the year ahead, we are here to learn alongside you.

Wishing you a restful season, however you choose to spend it.
🧡

11/13/2025

The SDIG 2025–26 window is opening! Let's work together to fund SEL & well-being programs that strengthen your school community.

We made it easy to plan:
📄 Download our SDIG One-Pager — includes service descriptions and budget line codes here: https://ow.ly/bGg450XkCVP

📅 Schedule a free planning session — we’ll walk you through it step-by-step.

Your students and staff deserve meaningful, sustainable support. Let’s make this year’s SDIG plan your strongest yet!

11/11/2025

Across Illinois, schools that invested their SDIG funds in SEL through Class Catalyst and Mindful Practices are seeing real change. 🌱

💡 Students are checking in daily — building self-awareness and emotional vocabulary.
💬 Educators are using real-time data to guide classroom climate and conversations.
🌍 Schools are aligning SEL, equity, and well-being goals across their communities.

This is what it looks like when SDIG funding turns into sustainable impact!

Let’s plan how your 2025–26 allocation can do the same.

Learn more here: https://ow.ly/vnCV50Xkt7S

📅 Contact Deandre.S@ClassCatalyst.com
to start your plan.

11/06/2025

Did you know your SDIG funds can cover all three core areas of SEL support?

✅ Class Catalyst – Student-facing SEL software and database that drives awareness and reflection
✅ Mindful Practices PD – Engaging, research-backed professional learning that recharges staff
✅ SEL Workbooks – Student and adult resources to deepen classroom and community well-being

These investments nurture calm, clarity, and connection—without touching your general budget.

Learn more about our world-class workshops here: https://mindfulpractices.us/sel-services/adult-well-being/world-class

Or contact Deandre.S@ClassCatalyst.com for a free planning call.

Adult Well-Being - We’re all leaders of this work. When we collectively take care of our educators & staff, we all win.

11/04/2025

Schools that plan early see the biggest impact. 🌱
With SDIG 2025–26 funds, principals across Illinois are already aligning their budgets to invest in student voice, staff well-being, and SEL culture.

When you plan early, you:
✨ Secure your preferred PD dates
✨ Lock in multi-year software licenses
✨ Maximize your allocation before deadlines hit

Let’s simplify your planning together! We are here to help you align your SDIG funds with your goals.

📅 Schedule your session today: https://ow.ly/8QJH50Xks40

See why schools nationwide are choosing Class Catalyst for their school's well being! Schedule your meeting with De'Andre Short today!

10/30/2025

📢 Illinois school leaders — it’s time to start planning for SDIG 2025–26!
The budget allocation timeline is critical, and early planning ensures your school community doesn’t miss key opportunities.

Through SDIG, your school can fund:
✅ Class Catalyst — student-voiced SEL software
✅ Mindful Practices — engaging PD & workshops
✅ Well-Being Workbooks — for students and staff

We are here to help you make the most of these funds.
📅 Schedule a free SDIG planning session with DeAndre Short at Deandre.S@ClassCatalyst.com

Learn more here: https://ow.ly/NeHf50XkrPg

Schools across Chicago are using SDIG funds, and Mindful Practices has aligned its services directly with CPS allowable purchases.

10/28/2025

🌿 Mindful Moments in Professional Development 🌿

At our recent professional development session, we embraced the power of mindfulness to enhance our well-being and effectiveness. Through engaging activities like the "Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Cup" game, we explored how simple practices can bring focus, joy, and connection.

Check out this short video to see the fun in action: https://youtu.be/_XFRcAdo18Q

Mindfulness isn't just about quiet reflection; it is also about being present, playful, and intentional in every moment. Let's continue to bring these practices into our work and lives!

Learn more about bringing us to your team here: https://ow.ly/LA0n50Xjhw0

10/21/2025

📣 Attention, Illinois school administrators! SDIG 2025-26 grants are opening soon! The budget allocation timeline is critical. Let’s work together early so you don't miss key deadlines.

Did you know that your school can use SDIG funds for:

✅ Class Catalyst’s' Student Voiced SEL software (multi-year licensing available) and database
✅ Engaging professional development conferences & seminars with Carla Tantillo Philibert and the Mindful Practices team
✅ Anxiety Calming and Grounding well-being workbooks for students and staff

Schools that plan early get the best support for their communities. We've made it simple, and our services align directly with allowable SDIG budget lines!

📅 Find out more here! https://ow.ly/5JCC50XfJaw or schedule a free planning session with DeAndre Short at Deandre.S@ClassCatalyst.com.
Schedule

Schools across Chicago are using SDIG funds, and Mindful Practices has aligned its services directly with CPS allowable purchases.

10/17/2025

🍝 Happy National Pasta Day! Today we are celebrating comfort, nourishment, and the small joys that keep us grounded.

Just like a good pasta dish brings people together, our Workplace Well-Being Certification helps educators connect, reset, and sustain themselves through meaningful practices of self-care and community support.

Taking care of others starts with taking care of ourselves, whether through mindful moments or a well-deserved bowl of pasta! 🥰

Dig in and learn more here: https://ow.ly/VuvI50XbP9B

10/15/2025

🫧 Clean hands are more than a hygiene habit—they are a foundation for community care. This Global Handwashing Day, we are lifting up the connection between physical health and emotional well-being. 🧼

Through our Workplace Well-Being Certification, educators learn how to establish daily routines that promote their health, reduce stress, and foster a stronger school culture. When staff feel well-supported, students benefit too.

Small, consistent practices—like handwashing, movement breaks, and mindful pauses—make a big impact. Wellness starts with what we do every day!

Scrub in with us and register for the cert today! https://ow.ly/wIaC50XbQNf

10/07/2025

🍂 October invites reflection, not rush. 🍂

We love this Forbes piece by psychologist Mark Travers on October Theory! https://ow.ly/n6l650X7OpN

The idea that the final three months of the year are not a frantic finish line but a runway for intentional growth.

At Mindful Practices, we see this same truth every day in classrooms and communities: sustainable growth starts with awareness, not willpower. Just like October Theory suggests, our work helps students and educators pause, notice, and practice in ways that honor both their energy and humanity.

Whether it’s through self-reflection, emotional regulation, or mindful goal setting, October is the perfect time to enjoy a gentle reset.

✨ What would it look like to close out 2025 with reflection instead of rush?

October theory can look good on paper but, like any other productivity system, can fail if you’re not realistic about it. Here are two ways to ensure it works for you.

10/03/2025

😃 A smile is contagious—spread it intentionally today! 😃

On World Smile Day, remember the power of small joys. Let's find more joy and smiles this year! Joining the Mindful Practices Adult Well-Being Cohort will bring educators opportunities to:

✨ Cultivate moments of happiness in the classroom
✨ Bring positive energy into each interaction
✨ Support your team—and yourself—in feeling seen and valued

Let's celebrate smiles, mindful moments, and connections that last beyond the school day! 🦋

Register to join the next cohort here: https://ow.ly/xOS750X4IBc