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During the first week of March, the Peer Education Committee, an Upper School student group dedicated to fostering an inclusive, safe, and healthy school environment by bringing awareness to issues surrounding mental health, healthy relationships, and self-esteem, hosted Wellness Week: a week-long series of collaborative activities to boost community morale before spring break. This year’s programming focused on physical and mental health education and mindfulness.

The week kicked off with a TED-Ed style Wellness Talk and Kahoot led by Coach Emily Sargent on Monday, which focused on the importance of building a balanced plate at each meal, regulating caffeine intake, and adequate sleep and regular hydration. The talk was followed by an interactive Kahoot quiz with prizes for the winners.

Day two of Wellness Week involved a series of interactive mindfulness stations where students could boost creativity and relieve stress by making friendship bracelets, coloring stress-reducing coloring books, and experimenting with fidget toys to improve focus and reduce overstimulation.

On day three, Peer Education Committee members led two Wellness Walks throughout campus to take advantage of the fresh air and sunlight as winter turns to spring.

On day four, titled “Relax and Renew,” the committee hosted a yoga and meditation exercise led by the Chair of Performing and Visual Arts and dance teacher Melissa Davenport P ‘29. She led the group in a sun salutation movement exercise and a guided 30-minute meditation where students were encouraged to clear their minds, focus on their breath, and be present in the moment.

Each day of programming had a large student turnout. N. Joyce ‘25, a member of the Peer Education Committee, reflected on the week, saying, “Even though Wellness Week consisted of short 30-minute activities each day, this break in the school day to forget about schoolwork and responsibilities and focus and learn about how to better take care of yourself was greatly appreciated by the students who participated. It showed students that taking care of yourself does not require a huge amount of time or effort. Rather, just doing small acts of self-care to take a break and re-energize you can make all the difference in how you feel!”