BES Principal Tracy Kent continued this school year’s Character Education theme of “Community,” with a twist at this month’s assembly: This month students “Marched” into Wellness.
“Take care of yourself so you can be a contributing member of your community,” said Principal Kent, who started the assembly by talking about the importance of health and wellness when it comes to being a good community member.
Mrs. Ryan Stellar and Mr. James Taylor-Shaw, from the BES counseling team, presented to both the kindergarten–2nd grade and 3rd–5th grade assemblies about mental health and wellness. During the kindergarten–2nd grade assembly a mindfulness video was presented and followed by a discussion about what mental health is: the way we think and feel about ourselves and the world; the way we manage or handle our feelings like sadness, anger and worry and how we get along with others and treat other people.
During the 3rd–5th grade assembly students also viewed a mindfulness video which was followed by a discussion about what mental health is as well.
Both assemblies were then given tools and ideas by the BES Counseling staff about ways to take care of one’s mental health: breathe; take a walk; talk to a family member or friend; draw or color a picture; write in a journal; do something you enjoy; exercise; take a break when you need it; listen to music.
BCSD Nurse, Mrs. Kathleen Mason-Wagar, followed the counseling team and discussed health and hygiene. She reminded the students of how small but important measures like washing your hands with soap and water and sneezing or coughing into your elbow can help you and those around you stay healthy.
In both the kindergarten–2nd grade and 3rd–5th grade assemblies, BES Physical Education teachers, Mrs. Stacey Sausville and Mr. Kasson Sauer, presented why staying active in PE class helps us to improve our overall wellness. Some examples were: movement and exercise to promote our Physical Wellness; teamwork and sportsmanship, which improves our Social Wellness; and the importance of healthy daily habits of good nutrition, positive behavior, reducing stress, increasing confidence and focus, which promotes Emotional Wellness.
Mr. Sauer and Mrs. Sausville also discussed local activities and programs in the district’s community to get involved in, which included the Taconic Valley Soccer Club in the fall and spring and the Taconic Valley Basketball program held during the winter months.
Following the PE teachers’ presentation, fifth grade student Rachel Smith, along with her mother, Mrs. Elaine Smith, shared details about Berlin CSD’s upcoming Annual Wellness Fair, which will take place on Saturday, May 7, from 9 am–12 pm.
The annual SMITH 5K Run, Jog or Walk, which begins at 9 am on the 7th, is in memory of Berlin graduate Bob Smith, father to Rachel and her brother Gabe (BMS 7th grader). Proceeds from the race will go to the Berlin SMITH Scholarship to be awarded to a graduating Berlin student who demonstrates Bob’s personal qualities: Service-Merit-Integrity-Truth-Honor (SMITH).
A 1-Mile Fun Run/Jog/Walk around the BMHS Track will follow at 10:30 am.
Rachel and Mrs. Smith also discussed the Wellness Family Fun Day to follow the race, which will have exhibitors in the BMHS gymnasium as well as food and games along the BMHS athletic field walkway and around the track.
BCSD hopes to see many Mountaineers and their families come out for this wonderful annual event to participate in Wellness activities such as the SMITH 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run, or just come out and enjoy the family event and wellness day after the run.
Near the conclusion of the assembly BES Principal Kent shared a Wellness Calendar with the students. This calendar is a prompt for students to engage in physical, emotional and social wellness activities throughout the month of March and beyond. Please find the calendar here .
The BES assemblies concluded with Principal Kent announcing the monthly Mountaineer Merit awards and teacher-nominated Classroom Community Member awards.
Classroom Community Members are students nominated for showing good citizenship and being responsible, safe and respectful.
March’s Classroom Community Members
Mase Lewis,Tylie Webster, Shelby Bleau, Mason Morris, Messiha Johnson, Emma Neal, Laelah Stone, Elizabeth Mobley, Quinn Miller, Dominic Sams, Jacqueline Morstad, Ivan Buck, Nicholas Meyers, Olivia Brennan, Samantha Miner, Gerard (Roddy) Gardell and Hanna McCray
March’s Mountaineer Merits
Being a Mountaineer means being responsible, safe and respectful. Merits are given out throughout the month by BES staff and bus drivers to celebrate students who demonstrate these traits. These students are given merits that are deposited in the Mountaineer Merit container found in the main hallway.
At the assembly each month, Principal Kent draws ten merit recipients (five from kindergarten to second grade and five from third to fifth grade) who receive a prize.
Christopher Goyer, Urijah Greene, Isaiah Bonesteel, Brady Goebel, Adeline Huggins, Eliza Geerholt, Dustin Beaudry, Messiha Johnson, Caraline Webster