Wellness Day Returns to Chenango Valley Central School District
Wellness Day has become a tradition at Chenango Valley, allowing students to learn and practice well-being activities.
"Wellness day is an idea that we started back in 2007 where we just felt like there wasn't enough that we were doing to focus on all areas of health and wellness for our students," says Wellness Day Coordinator Beth Hubenthal.
Originally starting at the middle school, the event has expanded to both of the elementary schools as well.
Students cycled through 16 sessions throughout the day, covering mindfulness, financial wellness, mental and physical health, and nutrition.
Some of the activities include learning about therapy animals, healthy eating, and exercise from various community services.
Hubenthal says, "We connected with the community and tried to bring as many services in to try to help our students be exposed to things that they're not traditionally exposed to in the classroom."
Learning proper well-being exercises teaches students how to navigate daily stress, helping them excel both in and outside of the classroom.
"We all cope in different ways. Some of us would use music, some of us use physical activity, and I think today provides an opportunity for kids to learn something new that hopefully they can incorporate into their daily lives as they learn how to navigate being an adolescent," said Hubenthal.
The school will be holding Wellness Day at Chenango Bridge Elementary on March 28, for grades 3-5.