On November 26, the annual Independence Primary School (IPS) Mental Health Day was held at the Independence Civic Center. Students from kindergarten through fourth grade rotated through a variety of stations focused on mental health and wellness strategies.
"We were thrilled to bring back this important event for our students and staff," said Principal TJ Ebert. "The day provided valuable opportunities for our young learners to explore different techniques to help them relax, regulate their emotions, and enhance their overall mental health."
The day was divided into two sessions - a morning session and an afternoon session. Students participated in a range of engaging activities, including:
Mindful walking
Mindful coloring and creating sensory "calm down" bottles
Teamwork exercises
Mindful movements
American Sign Language (ASL) positive self-talk
"Seeing the students so engaged and excited to learn these tools was incredibly rewarding," added Ebert. "Mental health awareness and support are crucial for our students' well-being and academic success. Events like this help us reinforce those important life skills."
The IPS Mental Health Day was met with an overwhelmingly positive response from both students and staff, who appreciated the opportunity to prioritize self-care and wellness. The school plans to continue this valuable tradition in the years to come.
