EXCELLENCE
IN
ACTION
Wellness Day at WHS Celebrates 10 Years
Last month, Westlake High School held their 10th annual Wellness Day. We sat
down with the co-chairs, Nurse Dorothy Beyer and Prevention Coordinator,
Kathy McGinty to learn more about how Wellness Day began and what it has
evolved to.
Former PTSA President, Tammy Smanik, started talking about wanting to
initiate something around wellness 10 years ago. The newest medical model
was in the direction of wellness and with such issues as obesity, poor nutrition,
increase in technology and video gaming and the lack of physical exercise
we saw a need for getting more health related messages out to the teens.
We had discussions with our school Counselors and PE/Health teachers and
they were all on board.
When we started we had multiple sessions with different topics that students
and classes could sign up for. Logistically it was a challenge, encouraging
students to sign up; accounting for the students who did sign up; and finding
spaces to hold the sessions. After a couple of years we decided to have a
presentation for each grade level and that has worked very well. Each
grade has an assembly and during the lunch hours, the Health Fair is open for
everyone. The Health Fair includes booths and interactive displays. This
year, the grade level assemblies were: 9th – sexting; 10th – nutrition; 11th girls breast health, 11th boys - testicular cancer; 12th - drugs and alcohol. This has
proven to be a great schedule.
While Mrs. Beyer and Mrs. McGinty lead this effort, it requires input from a
great many to achieve the success that this event has come to be known
for. A few years ago Leadership Challenge initiated a Health and Wellness
Group, so they are very involved with the planning and helping on Wellness
Day. The PTSA Health and Wellness Chair is also on the committee and we
have many parent volunteers to help on Wellness Day. Our high school staff
is very supportive; we always ask them for topic ideas. Wellness Day has
changed, in part, due to feedback from staff and students.
WE EDUCATE FOR EXCELLENCE…
Empowering all students to achieve their educational goals, to direct their lives,
and to contribute to society
EXCELLENCE
IN
ACTION
Our community has also been unbelievably responsive to us. All Health Fair
vendors participate gratis. St John Medical Center and Fairview Hospital
have developed displays and materials that address the needs of our teens.
Safe Kids/Safe Communities from Rainbow Babies &Children Hospital has
been involved. We have an overwhelming number of groups/people
calling and asking if they can participate in our Health Fair.
Thank you to Mrs. Beyer and to Mrs. McGinty for taking the time to talk to us
about Wellness Day. We appreciate their time and effort on this day and
everyday as they contribute to our students’ wellbeing.
WE EDUCATE FOR EXCELLENCE…
Empowering all students to achieve their educational goals, to direct their lives,
and to contribute to society