Gates Chili Central School District

Staff wellness

Spartan Strong: Wellness Starts With Us

At Gates Chili, we believe that taking care of our staff is just as important as taking care of our students. Wellness Starts with Us means creating and sustaining a culture where physical, mental and emotional well-being are a priority every day.

Through the Spartan Strong wellness program, staff have access to a variety of opportunities that support healthier lifestyles and a stronger sense of community. From fitness classes and mindfulness sessions to nutrition workshops and stress management resources, we are committed to offering meaningful ways for staff to recharge, reconnect and thrive—together.

Because when we feel our best, we give our best. And that benefits our entire school community.

Committee Members:

Armstrong: Leslie Conroy

Brasser: Christina Bathgate

Disney: Roxanne Connelly, Beth Larter, Regina Maxey, Kathryn Reinhardt, and Kara Snyder

District Office and Districtwide Staff: Tonya Dickerson, Anna Lamb, Audrey McLendon, and Angelina Pound

Gates Chili HS: Marla Chefalo, Katie Elkins, Kenneth Hammel, Danielle Ike, April Marques, Tricia Snyder, Tracy Vander, and Derek Yacono

Gates Chili MS: Susan Carr, Janice Phillips, and Rene Wazowicz

Operations Center: Joe DeSanto

Paul Road: Kelsey Quinlan

Transportation and Facilities Center: Melissa Mancuso

Activities this school year

What you missed this fall

Fall Step Challenge 👟

In September, Spartans stepped up to the Step Challenge, recording 23,696,066 steps! Keep finding ways to move throughout your day and feel the difference it makes.

Improv Comedy Class 😊

October's Spartan Strong improv classes were filled with fun and creativity. Staff members stepped outside their comfort zones, connected with coworkers and discovered the mood-boosting benefits of play.

Mindfulness Classes 🧠

In November and December, Spartan staff members learned practical techniques to quiet the mind, release stress and reconnect with the present.

Coming up this winter

Hydration Challenge 💧

Your body needs to be hydrated to perform at its best, so let’s see how much water we can drink. Join your colleagues in tracking daily hydration levels. You'll receive a printed hydration tracker in your mailbox.

📆Thursday, Jan. 1 thrugh Saturday, Jan. 31
📍Anywhere you are!

Download a hydration tracker

Body Reset Classes 🔄

Help your body feel more balanced and at ease, one touch at a time. Designed for all fitness and activity levels, this class will guide you through simple self-massage techniques to help ease muscle tension and support better movement.

📆Tuesday, Jan. 20 or Tuesday, Jan. 27
⏰4-5:30 p.m.
📍Neil Armstrong Elementary School, Gymnasium

Sign up for Body Reset

Later this winter and spring

Yoga Classes 🧘

Join a yoga session with a focus on restorative postures and stretches to have a relaxing end to the workday.

Staff Wellness Fair 🎪

Save the date for this event on our next superintendent’s conference day, Friday, March 20 from 1-3 p.m. in the Gates Chili Middle School cafeteria and gymnasium.

Improv Comedy Class 😊

Revisit this opportunity to laugh and be creative, boosting your mood and relieving stress through laughter.

Couch to 5K Program 🛋️

Get moving this spring in preparation for the corporate challenge in May.

Corporate Challenge 👟

Date coming soon!

Past issues of the Spartan Strong e-newsletter

The Spartan Strong e-newsletter is your monthly source for all things staff wellness at Gates Chili. Each issue features tips, events, resources and inspiration to help you prioritize your physical, mental and emotional well-being. Stay informed, stay motivated and stay Spartan Strong!