Students had no idea what to expect when they saw special education teacher Will Seibert’s room on their Wellness Wednesday roster. As he led them along gurgling streams and over wooden bridges built by students, they discovered he’s also one of the high school’s track coaches, and knows all of the cross country trails that run behind the school.
Pleasant surprises like that didn’t stop, all day long.
Wellness Wednesday, created by School Psychologist Sarah Fryd, took the whole school on a multi-faceted adventure filled with music and art, fresh air and food, and movement and mindfulness.
"My goal was for both students and staff to take a day for their mental health and wellbeing, and to expose students to new interests and hobbies,” said Dr. Fryd. “I wanted students to connect and interact with different teachers and teachers to share something that they're passionate about and that they do for their self-care and mental wellbeing."
That morning, during homebase, all students received a schedule with teachers’ names and classroom numbers. Not knowing exactly what was in store for them was a genius part of a day built for connection and fun.
There was no time for uncertainty as students stepped into Laura Fumero’s classroom. Within minutes, they were dancing the Congo. “At first, you looked like arroz con mango,” teased Fumero. “In Cuba, that means rice and mango - a mish-mosh. Now, look at you!”
A sense of ease and enjoyment filled room 162. Students conferred in groups to decode rebus puzzles as teacher David Ley played Billy Joel and Elton John for them on the classroom piano.
The library was transformed into a Pilates studio, with sessions led by Library Media Specialist Jenn Useted and teacher Kelsey Madonna. The sounds of students belting out “Bohemian Rhapsody” spilled out a second-floor classroom/karaoke club led by teacher Guy Amdur. From active games to origami, the middle school brimmed with engagement.
Students had a lot to say over lunch about their favorite parts of the day – and it was only halfway over!
“I learned to say my name in sign language.”
“I got to work on a story I’m writing.”
“I learned about music and how it affects your brain.”
“I made smoothies and playdough.”
“I tried on a rock-climbing harness and learned the commands, like ‘on belay.’”
Later that afternoon, in the art studio, students sprinkled salt on vibrant circles of purple and blue paint, and watched starburst patterns appear. “This is very relaxing,” one of the students said to teacher Jean Capuano.