Ontario Stingel Elementary hosts Social Emotional Wellness Day

Classrooms at Ontario Stingel Elementary looked a bit different Friday as students had the chance to participate in various wellness exercises led by locally trained volunteers.

All elementary students in grades preschool through fifth grade rotated through different stations designed to improve their social, emotional, mental and physical wellness as part of the school’s second Social Emotional Wellness Day.

Eighteen volunteers from local agencies, businesses and organizations engaged the students in fun, interactive and educational exercises, from mindful movement, to kindness, nutrition and team-building lessons.

Karling Ward, school psychologist, said she was interested in holding this event after hearing from a former colleague who did something similar at Newark City Schools.

“We really wanted to devote a day to give them strategies to learn about how to deal with life’s stressors,” she said.

Ward said last year’s event was a hit and well-received by both the students and volunteers, many of whom returned this year. 

Volunteers included Lisa McManes of McManes Personal Training, Evolve Barre Yoga Pilates, personal trainer Tracy Hoskinson, Catalyst Life Services, Akron Children’s Hospital, SouthernCare Hospice Services, Providers for Healthy Living, yoga instructor Kay Smith, school guidance counselor, OT/PT and numerous other staff members at Stingel.

Activities included:

• POUND workout (a workout that combines cardio, conditioning and strength training with yoga and pilates-inspired movements using lightly weighted drumsticks)
• Mindful movement exercises
• Workout (jumping jacks, stretching, etc.)
• Friendship and kindness activities
• Lessons on healthy eating and nutrition
• Crafts meant to teach coping mechanisms and how to destress
• Team-building exercises
• Scavenger hunt along the nature trail in Marshall Park

While giving her lesson on mindful movement, Alison Turnbaugh of Evolve Studios discussed the importance of intentional breathing, saying that it can aid in relaxation.

“What are you going to do the next time someone tells you to calm down,” she asked.

“Take five deep breaths,” she answered.

Meanwhile Lisa McManes encouraged students to get loud while leading the POUND workout.

“This is the one place where you can get loud,” she yelled as students tapped their drumsticks on the ground.

Ward was happy to bring the event back for a second year and believes it to be very beneficial for the students.

“I think it’s very important for students at this age to learn coping strategies and learn emotional health and wellness and how that impacts your life,” she said.