Atlantic County Institute of Technology
Provided virtual fitness and mindfulness/yoga sessions for students and staff, some from the Step Up to Fitness program and the Biggest Loser competition. Students and families participated in the 12 Weeks of Wellness program with virtual “Cooking Matters for Teens” sessions. Purchased new equipment for PE classes, that can also be used for after school wellness activities.
Carteret High School
Started an Incorruptible Us club. The after school club was fully virtual. Club members created a peer-to-peer Vaping Prevention video and quiz. This was seen by 1,400 middle and high school students during their health classes. 94% said the video impacted their knowledge and attitude towards vaping. 79% rated the video highly enjoyable. Club members are working on recruitment to keep the club going in future years.
Chancellor Ave School
Health and Wellness team had a virtual social Joke & Paint event for students and families.
Clayton High School
Hosted Wellness Tables for K-12th grade staff.Staff filled goodie bags with the health and wellness items on the table, including reusable water bottles, masks, hand sanitizers,pedometers, tissues, Advil, etc. The staff loved the tables; the H&W Team received many appreciative comments, emails, and phone calls. It was really a morale booster for the end of the week.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Middle School
Hosted virtual Wellness Wednesday Activities for students and parents, including cooking/baking classes, bingo, exercise sessions, crocheting lessons, crossfit, and information sessions on travel, self care, and essential oils. Sent kits for staff wellness and Motivational Monday emails that highlighted staff members. Created a Happy Cart filled with prepackaged treats once a month for staff to brighten spirits and show appreciation. Implemented the PBIS Rewards software for students. It rewards students based on the pillars: Be Ready, Be Respectful, and Be Responsible. Students could use the points earned at the school store for prizes and events.
Elizabeth Public Schools
10 schools received the EZ Ride/Safe Routes to School award for improving walking and biking safety in their school communities. Over 100 teachers were trained in Youth Mental Health First AidHamilton Academy and FJC Academy are participating in the HealthCorps: Teens Make Health Happen project2 teachers were honored by the NJ Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance. Belinda Jimenez was awarded NJ Middle school teach of the Year and Jairo Labrador was awarded NJ Physical Activity Champion.
Essex County West Caldwell Tech
We conducted an entire school staff training on LGBTQ+ awareness and increased our school community activities relating to LGBTQ+. Provided staff training on integrating Social Emotional Learning into the classroom and continued Staff Wellness programs relating to exercise and healthy eating.
Halsted Middle School
Focused on the immediate needs of students. Promoted their Food Assistance program that serves anyone in the community under 18 with breakfast and lunch each day. The H&W Team ordered reusable water bottles for each student so that they could use the bottle filling fountains throughout the school since the regular water fountains are closed.
Joseph H. Brensinger
Togetherness activities presented by PS#17’s Eagles on the Move. Wellness Wednesdays in February offered healthy tips and activities that sparked classroom participation and excitement. Fit Fridays in March offered dance parties, spring scavenger hunts, and fitness challenges.
Middlesex County Vocational and Technical Schools – Piscataway
School Mascot, Darth Raider, helped build comradery among the school. He visited classes helping students form a meaningful connection with the school. Darth Raider has also starred in school videos and attends the Open House sessions.Created a Piscataway Tech themed escape room.The escape room asks health and wellness related questions as well as questions about the school.
Middlesex County Vocational and Technical Schools – Woodbridge
Organized virtual acting classes through George Street Playhouse to expose students to the arts because there coursework is heavily math and science based. The program ran after- school from May to June.
Millville Public School
Lakeside School ran a “Biggest Loser” competition and successfully motivated staff to exercise and eat healthy. The Human Resources Department coordinated with local health departments and clinical vaccination sites throughout Cumberland County to provide school staff opportunities to get their COVID-19 vaccine. The Food Services Department went above and beyond to provide students with food during virtual/hybrid learning.
Ocean City Intermediate School
The Wellness Center was planned during Year 1ofthe WSCC grant and fully implemented last year. It is headed by the School Social Worker who provided individual and group counseling,addressing anxiety, depression, social skills,self-esteem, peer relationships, and much more. It is a safe place for students to have a brief time-out when needed throughout the day.
Teaneck High Schools
Implemented the Parents As Champions grant projects. Created Wellness Wednesday Stress Management workshops for students.
Toms River Intermediate South
Our staff had the opportunity to work with Frank Picone during our 1/2 day Professional Day. The focus was on Zones of Regulation. During the workshop we discovered the alarming neglect ofself-care. So we decided to focus on self-care. Our Guidance Office sends Self-Care tips & reminders via email, our Interact Club assembled appreciation bags with goodies for each teacher, and is in the process of working on another surprise for them.
William Davies Middle School
Formed a connection between the school and community with the SFSP meals program. This provided free breakfast and lunch to students and families. The team contacted all the families in the district and formed community partnerships. The food distribution provided families with food pantry boxes, Easter baskets, Thanksgiving turkeys, etc. This was also a means to connect families to health services. This was promoted by giving out Acme gift cards and free wellness kits.
Wildwood Public Schools
Assisted students in becoming more successful within the hybrid and remote environment. They saw a notable improvement in student attendance and virtual participation. Implemented a reward system that provided students with the opportunity to earn $10 gift cards from businesses within walking distance on the island.
