Sussex Academy elementary campus hosts wellness night

The Sussex Academy elementary campus gym teemed with activity for wellness night Jan. 15, allowing students and families to access resources and information, and have fun while learning.

Students and families moved from station to station at the event, where they played coping skills bingo; exercised and learned yoga; and made their own stress balls, coping skills crafts and “boredom buster” boxes with activity ideas. Students who visited all stations qualified for a free dress-down day.

Additional activities included a hand-washing exercise in which students were able to scrub away fake germs, and stations on feelings and mindful breathing. Students from Sussex Academy’s high school Scrub Club, Leo Club and FFA were on hand to educate younger students.

In addition to Sussex Academy teachers, counselors and students who assisted, several community organizations participated in the event. 

Karen Parker, Marcia Hilovsky, Peggy VanAtta, Margie Adkins and Judith Schlott of the Daughters of the American Revolution presented information on healthy eating, and how it affects physical and mental health.

“They generously donated healthy snacks and raffled off a $75 Redner’s gift card,” said Dr. Juliane Hein, Sussex Academy school counselor, who coordinated the event.

Christina Connors, director of clinical services, occupational therapist and co-owner of Child Inspired, also donated a gift bag that a random student in attendance won, Hein said.

Licensed professional counselor Cate Evans used an app to gauge students’ heart rate variability, and Delaware Trauma Response for Youth community outreach specialist Bertine Lucas shared resources.

Katie Honeywell, a licensed professional counselor of mental health at Trauma Specialists of Delaware, taught students how to handle their worries by creating and decorating their own worry containers. She also donated snacks and a generous gift basket that a lucky winner in attendance received.  

Sussex Academy is a tuition-free, public charter school in Georgetown.