Students spent time in the sensory room that featured kinetic sand and other relaxing activities. [Photo by Kendall Vincent]

***Kendall Vincent is a participant of The Kewanee Voice Student Journalism Program, funded by the Harry Anderson Memorial Trust.

Wethersfield High School recently held its first-ever Health and Wellness Day, an initiative designed to provide students and staff with a much-needed break while reinforcing positive relationships within the school community.

Organized by the Climate & Culture Committee, the event featured a variety of activities aimed at promoting relaxation, mindfulness, and social connection.

Wethersfield High School students got a mental health break day. [Photo by Kendall Vincent]

The Climate & Culture Committee was created to strengthen the bonds between students, staff, and the school environment.

“The Health & Wellness Day served as a brain-break day, which is always much needed for students in the winter months,” said Steven Stoner, a WHS teacher and committee member. “Thanks to the many involved members of the committee, we’ve been able to generate ideas like this one. Many of our members also overlap with other committees and clubs, which allows us to have a broader picture of how to build those positive relationships.”

The event was a collaborative effort, with multiple staff members stepping up to host engaging and enjoyable activities. Some of the highlights included:

•Coffee Bar & Reading Room – Hosted by Amanda Frank, providing a calm space for students to relax with a book and a warm beverage.
•Movie & TV Show Room – Led by Heidi Merrick and Kate Rashid, offering a cozy setting for students to enjoy popular films and shows.
•Karaoke & Just Dance Room – Run by Tricia Lay and Beca Herridge, giving students a chance to sing and dance with friends.
•Board Game Room – Hosted by Patrick Wilson, where students could engage in friendly competition over classic and modern board games.
•Sensory Room – Organized by Liz Kegebein and Jessie Seiden, featuring Play-Doh, Kinetic Sand, and other calming activities.
•Dodgeball & Wiffleball in the Gym – Led by Steven Stoner and Cam Yeater, offering students an opportunity for physical activity and teamwork.
•Yoga & Meditation Room – Hosted by Adriana Garcia and Shelli Sauer, creating a peaceful space for relaxation and mindfulness.
•Video Game Room – Run by Jason Phelps and Carl Anderson, allowing students to unwind with their favorite games.
•Coloring & Puzzle Room – Managed by Tom McGunnigal, providing a creative and stress-free environment.
•Escape/Mystery Room – Led by Bart Frey and Jeremy Trill, with assistance from Jennifer Gault in crafting engaging puzzles and challenges.

Stoner said for him, the first-ever event was a success.

“From my perspective, everything went well on our first Health & Wellness Day, and we could definitely see something like this again in the future,” he said. “From the staff members I’ve spoken with, they seemed encouraged to try the day again, and some have already come up with additional activities or modifications for next time. The students also enjoyed the activities and may even want to try different options in the future.”

Students participated in activities such as yoga. [Photo by Kendall Vincent]

The idea for Health & Wellness Day initially came up in the Social-Emotional Learning Committee before being brought to the Climate & Culture Committee for implementation. With similar initiatives happening in surrounding schools, WHS saw an opportunity to bring this valuable experience to its students and staff.

With such positive feedback from students and staff, WHS may have started a new tradition that fosters connection, relaxation, and personal growth for years to come.