Starting in the fall, we were able to use many of the SEL components of self-awareness, self-management, and relationship-building through varied activities. We ate healthy soup from the local market during a staff in-service using the SchoolHealthNJ Grant sponsored by AtlantiCare. In the winter, we had a visit from the AtlantiCare art therapist during a staff in-service. Then, we worked diligently to create a staff wellness day that included many activities for the staff including a shared pancake breakfast with administration, yoga, weight lifting, yard games in the gym, paraffin hand-dip, chair massage, and an essential oil station. During the same wellness day, we heard from Nate Evans (Mental Health speaker on Teacher Burn-Out).

The spring season continued to highlight even more aspects of the WSCC Model and SEL components through an assortment of events such as Family Game Night, Family Reading Night, the Diverse Voices Poetry Cafe, and more. Sophomore Journe Lucas won the AtlantiCare contest for her poem on empathy. The school year ended with matching staff shirts and a BBQ for staff both funded by AtlantiCare. These events were held by the school’s Professional Development and Wellness team, but the grant was completed by three staff members including Lauren Harper (social worker), Audrey Griess (Masters in SEL), and Ann Marie Wanescki (special education supervisor).