WELLNESS COMMITTEE
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At MS54, we commit to caring for our physical, mental, and social health and well-being as an essential part of education. The Wellness Committee (formerly known as the School Wellness Council), founded by the School Leadership Team in 2015, invites the entire school community -- administrators, teachers, support staff, students, and parents/guardians -- to develop Wellness initiatives that become part of the way of life at our school. Our mission is to listen carefully and inclusively to our community's Wellness needs and to respond in meaningful ways. The pandemic has affected each of us differently, so we are paying close attention to people's shifting priorities.
Find out more about our previous work in our Archive and daily tips on our Facebook page, The Well at 54. The NYCDOE Office of School Wellness Programs newsletter also provides a wealth of information for students and parents. MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCE GUIDE
MS54's counseling team has provided a mental health resource guide to clarify families' first points of contacts within the school, as well as listing free and low-cost mental health resources in the community, mental health resources for families of color, and a list of recommended books and podcasts to engage families and children around mental health issues. |
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Alison Gardy, Parent Chair and SLT Liaison
2021-2022 MEETINGs
All meetings begin at 8pm.
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January's Wellness Committee Meeting with Dr. Terri Bacow
January 12, 2022 @ 8pm CBT expert Dr. Terri Bacow, psychotherapist and author of Goodbye Anxiety: A Guided Journal for Overcoming Worry, shared practical coping skills that can be used whenever you feel anxious. Drawing from her just-released book, she explained how to identify anxiety triggers, change unhelpful thinking patterns and develop healthy mental habits such as self-compassion. December's Wellness Committee Meeting: Healthy Kitchen Hacks for the (Middle School) Family
December 8, 2021 @ 8pm Fundamentally rooted in the concept that a healthy life begins with a healthy kitchen, Dr. Dara Huang will demonstrate that simple kitchen skills and adopting a choice mindset are the only ingredients for creating a healthy and more joyful cooking space for the whole family.
MS54 PTA Holiday Gift Drive
November 24 - December 8, 2021 Thank you to everyone who bought a gift from our Amazon Wish List for MS54 families in need this holiday season! Wellness Meeting: Workshop with Dr. Vijayeta Sinh
November 10, 2021 @ 8pm Too often we think we don't have the time or money to take care of ourselves. But if our own energy is depleted, how can we show up for our children? Psychologist and Booker T. parent alum Dr. Sinh showed us that self-care does not have to depend on time or money, but can be as easy as committing to a few simple strategies.
Family Healing Ambassadors Presentation Panel: How Can We Help Our Children Take Care of Themselves Socially, Emotionally and Physically?
November 3, 2021 @ 8am Join MS54 panelists Social Worker Nicole Miller, Physical Education Instructor Frank DiPasquale, Parent Coordinator Anne McIntosh Pejovich, and Family Healing Ambassador and Wellness Lead Alison Gardy to discuss a topic of importance to all of us. |
"Everything But the Turkey" Thanksgiving Food Drive
October 14 - November 17, 2021 Thank you to everyone who contributed to our special food drive! We appreciate MS54's families generosity in helping our families in need. Weekend Wellness Walks
Fresh air, exercise, community! Join Family Healing Ambassador and Wellness Lead Alison Gardy one Sunday of every month during Daylight Savings Time for a walk in Riverside Park. All start at 3pm @ Community Garden on the Riverside Park Promenade, West 91st Street and Riverside Drive entrance (*exceptions).
54 Watch Party: The Social Dilemma
Thursday, September 23, 2021 @ 8:15pm
The Wellness Committee held a Zoom viewing party for fellow Booker T. families interested in exploring the addictiveness of social media. Heads-up: It's rated PG-13, and may cause a serious discussion. Make sure to bring popcorn! For more info, contact wellness@ms54pta.org. MS54 Backpack and Supplies Drive
Thank you to the Booker T. community for giving students the tools for a successful path in the coming year by purchasing an entire backpack of supplies! If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Parent Coordinator Anne McIntosh Pejovich.
Wellness Workshop with Dr. Vijayeta Sinh
September 2, 2021 @ 7:30pm She's back! MS54 parent alum Dr. Vijayeta Sinh will share her insights with parents on resilience, reducing anxiety and re-evaluating what wellness and success mean in light of the pandemic. |
WELLNESS COMMITTEE Meeting Minutes
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2021-2022
September 2021 October 2021 November 2021 December 2021 January 2022 February 2022 March 2022 April 2022 May 2022 June 2022 |