May 2023

Staff shortages and mental health struggles among students and teachers continue to ripple across Colorado schools three years into the pandemic With less than a year-anda- half until school districts must spend all their federal COVID-19 relief dollars, district leaders are confronting an increasingly urgent question: How will they continue supporting student and teacher mental health, recruit and retain school staff and address other needs intensified by the pandemic without more sustainable funding? They’re scrambling to answer that question as many districts grapple with escalating mental health struggles and worsening teacher shortages — concerns that have become chronic since the pandemic began. “In order to really make improvements around the conditions that have been outlined here, we need sustainable funding,” said Tracie Rainey, executive director of the Colorado School Finance Project.

Life is full of memorable events – both big and small. But sometimes, when you don’t feel your best, those moments can seem like a blur. With her upcoming wedding approaching, Audrey B. was determined to enjoy this special time in her life, but there was one thing standing in her way – her own self-confidence.

Leanne McCrate Dear Dietitian Dear Dietitian, My stepdaughter told me not to cook with aluminum foil, as it can cause health problems. Is this true? Is it safe to use plastic containers when heating food in the microwave oven? Thank you, Jesse Dear Jesse, We use aluminum in our everyday lives.