Winning with Wellness
Wellness is incorporated into many aspects of Stephanie Beckett’s Special Education classroom at Paris District High School.
“Our team works hard to teach students self-regulation skills and how we can use strategies to help with our mental and physical well-being,” says Beckett of her period two class. “We start with yoga followed by meditation which makes a big difference in setting the tone for the rest of the day.”
They also get outside on regular walks for fresh air and exercise, and love incorporating gym activities such as floor hockey into their weekly routines to balance out their classroom work.
In addition to their own wellness activities, the class also loves participating in Grand Erie-wide wellness initiatives such as Pink Shirt Day in which students take a collective stand against bullying. In so many ways, Beckett’s students are living the pillars of the Be Well campaign: they’re building supportive relationships, reaching out to each other and their teachers when they need help, and taking the time to recharge.
When Beckett noticed the Be Well Pledge on Grand Erie’s website – a callout asking our school communities what they do to “Be Well” – she decided to take the pledge and share her class’ commitments to wellness. In doing so, she was entered into a draw for a wellness-themed gift pack including yoga mats, water bottles, stress balls, and an iPod Touch.
At the April Board of Directors meeting, Director of Education Brenda Blancher drew the winner at random: Beckett’s period two class took the prize for their amazing wellness work!
“I never thought we would win, but we’re so excited,” said Beckett. “I’m planning to add a lot of wellness-related apps to the iPod Touch, as well as calming music tracks so we can relax and refocus.”
Thank you to everyone who took the Be Well Pledge and let us know what they’re doing in their work and in their lives to “Be Well.”