Physical and mental health is a major educational component at Helen B. Duffield Elementary School. This month, students and faculty took a day to focus on their minds and bodies on Wellness Day, which was filled with informational and athletic activities to help make the school community stronger.

Students were introduced to yoga by Dawn Kelly and Haylie Kelly of Fun and Fitness, who taught them simple routines they could continue at home. Sensei Matt Federico from Busto’s Martial Arts also worked with students on martial arts activities. Fitness instruction coach Nicole Kaloustian led students in a cardio workout and a game of nutritional bingo, while Maggie Caraciolo of Northwell Health held a workshop, “Training Your Inner Ninja,” which focused on the different types of mindfulness and ways to better focus. Fifth grade students also pledged to stay healthy by placing their thumbprint (a leaf) on a tree mural.

Additionally, Wellness Day was the grand opening of the school’s new Wellness Room, a designated space where students and staff can regroup. School social worker Ashley Gugliuzzo reported that the new Wellness Room, formerly a storage closet, was designed and built using a Donors Choose project. The room includes a sofa, yoga mats, inspirational signs, a water feature and much more.

Date Added: 5/16/2023