Garretson, SD: Garretson School Counseling Department announced a wellness campaign for the spring 2023 semester.
Are you ready to move towards a healthier lifestyle? Garretson High School is encouraging its students to do just that with their new wellness program. Thanks to a grant from the SD Department of Health and their initiative to provide better health for all South Dakotans by addressing health equity and cultural competency, the Garretson School Counseling Department has implemented a Wellness Campaign for the Spring 2023 semester.
This program is aimed at teaching students crucial skills that will cultivate resilience and inner strength. In addition to physical fitness, we recognize the importance of mental health in order for our students to be successful academically.
Garretson School Counseling Department is providing various educational resources for their students to learn more about all aspects of wellness – emotional wellness, creative expression, physical wellness, mindfulness, and resiliency. The goal of this wellness program is to empower every student in the community by fostering a culture of wellbeing through healthy habits.
“With the tools provided by Garretson School Counseling Department’s wellness campaign, you can take control of your health and inspire others around you to do the same! So if you're looking for ways to start living your best life now, take advantage of all that this program has to offer!” said school counselor, Michelle Pliska.
Features and benefits of Garretson’s Spring 2023 Wellness Campaign include:
• All School assembly with the Tour of Kindness.
• Kick off with a sledding party was held on January 11, 2023.
The cold winter chill of SD air enveloped the Garretson Athletic Complex in hills of snow for a perfect way to kick off the Spring semester – a sledding party!
• Wellness Wednesday Activities:
MLK Day of Service January 18, 2023 – Students made dog treats to donate to the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society. Book and make-up drives were started as well. Giving generously lowers your blood pressure, lowers stress levels, lessens anxiety and depression, and increases self-esteem!
Organized activities to get students moving and unplugging. These activities include outdoor activities such as the sledding party, yoga in the park, fun indoor exercises that are inclusive to all abilities like bocce ball, 9 Square in the Air, as well as team-building games.
Guest speakers on all aspects of wellness are planned for classroom presentations and Lunch and Learn sessions.
• February 1 & 18, 2023: Hurdle Life Coach will share their
knowledge about resiliency and creative expression.
• February 22, 2023: Poetry Outloud will share teach us how to use poetry for self-expression.
• April 19, 2023: Wes Eisenhauer from Kick Turn Studios will share his knowledge about audio and visual technology and creating positive hip hop.
• SDSU Extension office will present on a variety of topics, including Financial Wellness, Sleep Hygiene, Positive Thinking and Mindfulness.
• David Jal with Khor Wakow Project will share his book “David’s Journey” and his story of resiliency.
• Cassie Nagel with Children’s Home Society will share her knowledge about relationship wellness, resiliency, and prevention of sexual exploitation.
• SD Army National Guard will share lessons on resiliency and physical wellness.
• Creation of a Mindfulness Space in the Garretson School Counseling Department for staff and students to utilize.
• Creation of a lending library of tools to be used for play therapy and creative expression that can be accessed by school counselors and visiting professionals to enhance their work.
• Provide hygiene products in school restrooms and locker rooms. According to “Aunt Flow” organization providing period products increases school attendance. When basic needs are met, students are able to focus and learn better. Commonly asked for hygiene items include tampons, sanitary pads, chapstick, laundry soap, shampoo/conditioner, deodorant, toothbrushes and toothpaste.
Hygiene products, mindfulness space and lending library resources for counselors became available starting Monday January 23, 2023 at no cost to students and staff.
About Garretson School Counseling Department: In the Garretson School District and within the School Counseling Department, we believe that investing in our students’ health is essential to their educational success Ð not only in terms of their academic performance but also their overall wellness. We hope that this wellness campaign will provide them with the tools they need to lead meaningful lives both during and after school. We want our students to be healthy and active members of their community, so we’re equipping them with education and resources to help achieve their goals.
We know that physical activity, meaningful connections, and creative expression can improve mental health and academic performance, as well as reducing stress. Our vision is for all students to graduate prepared for college and career, with the knowledge and skills necessary to maintain their health and well-being.
