COMMUNITY WELLNESS IN THE WORKS is authored by Ms. Cailyn Gilvary, District SELect Leader, and Ms. Tiffany Steiner, Director of Intervention Services and Student Wellness.

THE TIME IS NOW mindset focuses on embracing every moment and choosing to be fully present in life. It encourages getting in the zone—focused, engaged, and ready to give one's best effort. Instead of waiting for the “perfect” time, this mindset teaches that even small steps taken today can lead to big progress. It’s about acting with purpose, facing challenges head-on, and allowing oneself to be vulnerable in the process—because growth comes from effort and courage.

• 4 Key Components in this Mindset include:

  • Embrace Every Moment
  • Get in The Zone
  • Let Yourself be Vulnerable
  • Act with Purpose

As we wrap up the second year of implementing the 7 Mindsets program, I would like to extend our deepest thanks to our parents, guardians, and community caretakers for their continued support. The past year has been a remarkable journey, and we are thrilled with the progress we’ve made together in fostering a positive, growth-oriented culture within our schools. Before we break for summer, we wanted to share some of the experiences observed throughout this year!

On the first day of year two, the excitement was clear,

With "The 7 Mindsets" program, we embraced the new year.

Would our students continue to grow, to learn, and to lead?

Would they find their strength and answer the call of need?

Then came the Wellness Webinars, a beacon of light,

Where students in grades 3-8 explored what’s right.

Real-time conversations helped them reflect and connect,

Building a foundation of listening to others with respect.

The Mindset Mentors—young leaders in the making,

Guiding their peers, inspiring and taking

The lessons they’ve learned and sharing them wide,

Helping others embrace their mindsets with pride.

Across the curriculum, in every subject and space,

The mindsets were woven with care, no race.

In English, Science, SS, and PE too,

Students discovered how the mindsets shaped all they could do.

"Passion First" was heard as they tackled each task,

Exploring their interests, eager to ask.

With 100% Accountability, they took their stand,

Owning their actions with a more thoughtful hand.

The message was clear: "Everything Is Possible" to achieve,

As students grew resilient and learned to believe.

With each hardship faced, they became stronger and wise,

Embracing life's challenges with open eyes.

As year two comes to a close, the growth is profound,

Our students have soared, their confidence unbound.

The Time is Now to keep reaching for more,

With Gratitude and leadership at the core.

Looking ahead to the future, we're excited to see,

Where Wellness Webinars and Mindset Mentors will be.

A community united, with goals to fulfill,

As we continue this journey, together, with will.

Storytelling has come a long way from its humble beginnings around the campfire. Today’s children’s literature continues this tradition, using stories to teach, share, and deepen connections among readers. If you’re seeking a creative way to bond as a family, consider pairing a beloved children’s book with a comforting snack, like ROCKY ROAD FLUFF SALAD. Enjoying a bowl while reading can create lasting memories and strengthen your family’s ties!

Assistant SUPErintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, Mrs. Jennifer McCann is partnering with Mr. Joe Piddington, District Food Service Manager, to offer their version of Chicken SUPE for the Soul.

What a great way to explore a new book and make dinner together as a family! ENJOY!

This chocolate salad is just a 3-ingredient chocolate mousse into which you stir all kinds of toppings.

INGREDIENTS:

• Instant Chocolate Pudding Mix: Make sure you buy instant Jello pudding so it sets up right. If you get a cook and serve, this recipe will not work for you.
• Milk: Whole, 2%, or 1% is acceptable.
• Cool Whip: Gives it a light, fluffy texture.
• Mix-Ins: Mini chocolate chips, miniature marshmallows, and chopped almonds give the dessert salad the rocky road taste.

DIRECTIONS

• This chocolate fluff comes together in 5 minutes.
• Before starting the chocolate salad, chop and measure all of your ingredients.
• Whisk together the milk and instant pudding mix.
• Once it thickens, then you can gently fold in the Cool Whip.
• Stir in the chocolate chips, marshmallows, and almonds.
• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

WHS’s Environmental Club partnered with WPS to teach our Primary Pups how to plant and care for flowers! After nurturing their plants and watching them grow, students helped create a beautiful, welcoming entrance to the school. It was a fun and educational day filled with hands-on learning, Earth Day-themed books, and meaningful life lessons.

A big thank-you to Barlow’s for their generous flower donation!

Allenwood celebrated Neurodiversity Week by embracing the unique strengths and talents of every student. Throughout the week, students discovered their personal passions and explored what makes them special. They also connected with their peers through acts of kindness, fostering a stronger and more supportive community. The celebration concluded with students identifying their everyday "Superheroes"—those who inspire them with empathy, creativity, and resilience.

Our Little Knights participated in the Letters of Love project, writing heartfelt messages to children battling life-threatening illnesses. Through their words, they spread hope, kindness, and encouragement to those who need it most. Each letter was filled with care, creativity, and compassion. Their efforts brought smiles and a sense of connection to children in our local community.

In just one week, our Bulldogs and OMS staff came together to raise over $2,000 in support of four incredible local rescue organizations: Monmouth County SPCA, Rescue Ridge, Friends of Squan Cats, and Shore Saves. Their generosity and teamwork made a meaningful impact on animals in need throughout our community. Every donation helped provide care, shelter, and hope for these rescued animals. Thank you to everyone who contributed and helped make a difference!

Our West Belmar students participated in a special bilingual book reading, sharing Spanish-language stories with our younger Bear Cubs. It was a fun and engaging way to introduce a new language while building confidence and leadership skills. The activity also helped celebrate cultural connections and the beauty of linguistic diversity. Smiles and curiosity filled the room as students connected through storytelling.

WIS proudly celebrated its 18th year of Volley for Autism on April 23, 2025. This annual event raises awareness for Autism Spectrum Disorder and honors the neurodiverse students, staff, and community members who make our school stronger. Thanks to the continued dedication of our staff, students, and community, this year’s fundraiser raised over $9,000. The funds will be donated to POAC and WIS Student Activities to support autism education and student engagement.

WHS students embraced their role as High School Heroes by visiting all four elementary schools. They spent time with younger students during recess and gym, encouraging teamwork, sportsmanship, and positive interactions. Their presence created meaningful connections and lasting memories for everyone involved. This special initiative was a powerful way to celebrate Neurodiversity Week and highlight our Live to Give and We Are Connected values.

Use this link to the Nursing and Health Services district webpage to learn more about staying healthy!

Spring is the perfect time to engage kids in fun and educational activities that support their overall development. Outdoor play and hands-on STEM projects not only reflect the season’s theme of growth but also benefit children's physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being.

Warmer weather encourages physical activity like hiking, biking, or sports, which helps build strength, coordination, and healthy habits. At the same time, spring-themed STEM activities—such as exploring plants or observing insects—make learning interactive and memorable.

Nature & Outdoor Activities

• Scavenger Hunt – Search for spring items (flowers, insects, bird feathers).

• Gardening – Plant seeds and track their growth.

• Bug Safari – Observe and identify bugs with magnifying glasses.

• Picnic & Story Time – Read books outdoors under a tree.

STEM Learning

• Sprout Science – Grow beans in clear plastic cups to watch roots develop.

• Rain Gauge – Build one to measure spring showers and learn about weather.

• Butterfly Life Cycle Kit – Watch caterpillars transform into butterflies.

• Sink or Float Game – Use spring-themed items like flower petals or pebbles.

Creative Play

• Flower Art – Press real flowers or paint with petals.

• Wind Chimes – Make from recycled materials and learn about wind.

• Sidewalk Chalk Math – Draw hopscotch with numbers or shapes.

• Build a Birdhouse – Simple woodworking with adult help.

Talking to children about mental health can feel tricky, but it’s so important for helping them understand their feelings and how to take care of their minds. NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) has a wonderful program called “Little Monsters” that helps kids learn about mental health in a fun, easy way.

The Little Monster characters help children talk about different feelings like happiness, sadness, fear, and anxiety. These cute monsters show that it’s okay to feel different emotions, and that it’s normal to need help sometimes.

By using these characters, kids can:

• Understand their emotions: Little Monsters help children recognize and name their feelings.

• Learn ways to feel better: The monsters teach simple ways to cope with emotions, like taking deep breaths or talking to a trusted adult.

• Know it's okay to ask for help: The program reminds children that everyone needs support sometimes, and it’s okay to talk about how they feel.

These resources make it easier for children to understand that mental health is just as important as physical health.

It's important to find balance between screen time and other activities for both kids and adults. Technology plays a big part in our lives, but taking breaks from screens can lead to more quality time together. Screen-Free Spring Activities offer fun ways to engage with your kids and enjoy some time away from technology.

A recent Common Sense Media report found that kids 8 and under now spend about 48 minutes a day on mobile screens, which is more than the 30 minutes they typically spend reading or being read to. Nearly 98% of children in this age group have access to a mobile device and a TV at home. Additionally, 49% of kids watch TV or play video games in the hour before bed, and 42% of parents say the TV is on "always" or "most of the time."

Taking a closer look at how much screen time your child has can be a simple first step to finding a healthy balance.

Testing can be a stressful experience for many kids, but when test anxiety is added into the mix, it can become overwhelming. As educators and caregivers, it's important to recognize that anxiety can significantly impact a kid's ability to focus, perform, and stay calm during exams. However, below are some effective strategies to help kids overcome this challenge and approach testing with more confidence and composure.

• Talk About What to Expect: Reducing the unknown can ease anxiety. Provide details about the test time, location, duration, and topics to be covered. This will help kids feel more prepared.
• Boost Confidence with Strategies: Teach test-taking strategies like double-checking answers, reading directions twice, and eliminating obviously incorrect options to help kids feel more in control.
• Teach Positive Self-Talk: Help kids replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations, like “I can do hard things” instead of “I won’t pass.”
• Identify Coping Skills: Teach kids coping techniques like 4-7-8 breathing, hand squeezes, or visualization to use during the test when anxiety arises.

These strategies can help kids feel calmer, more confident, and ready to tackle the test!

Finding Stability:

If your family is experiencing economic challenges or homelessness, visit the McKinney Vento webpage for essential information and guidance on available resources.

District Homeless Education Liaison

Tiffany Steiner
tsteiner@wallpublicschools.org
732.556.2647