Health & Wellness

Dear Wildcat Families,

Health and wellness is such a critical part of our students' lives and we're really focusing on helping them make positive choices to feel good physically and mentally, including eating nutritious foods, getting regular exercise, enough sleep, managing stress, and practicing good hygiene, all while supporting their overall well-being and ability to learn effectively.

We hope you find this newsletter informative and helpful as we kick off our first one!!

With Spring right around the corner, let’s do everything we can to get and stay healthy!

Sleep: try getting to bed at a reasonable hour! Did you know your body needs 8-10 hours of sleep every night? Try turning off your phone about 30 minutes before heading to bed to help.

Eat Healthy: fuel your body with lots of nutrient-rich foods like veggies, fruit, and protein! And drink lots of water! We want your brain and body feeling good.

Move Your Body: make sure you’re moving your body every day! Try getting outside for a walk, or starting a workout challenge!

Limit Screen Time: Studies show that limiting your screen time helps lower anxiety, depression, and more. Even the U.S. Surgeon General issued a health advisory stating that teens who use more than three hours of social media a day face double the risk of mental health problems.

The Pennsylvania State Alliance of YMCAs has a 7th Grade Membership Initiative, which provides a FREE membership to all 7th Graders.

Registration is easy! Simply bring your current 7th Grade roster or report card, along with a parent or guardian, to any of their locations.

Pets have an incredible way of teaching us valuable life lessons. Their unwavering loyalty reminds us of the importance of trust and companionship. Their playful spirits encourage us to find joy in the simple moments. Their unconditional love teaches us patience and compassion.

Moreover, pets teach responsibility. Taking care of another living being requires commitment, discipline, and attentiveness—qualities that transfer into other areas of life, whether in personal relationships, work, or self-care.

The value that pets add to our lives is immeasurable. They offer comfort in tough times, encourage us to be more active, help us build social connections, and provide a sense of purpose. In return, all they ask for is love, care, and companionship. Whether you’re greeted by a wagging tail, a soft purr, or the gentle chirping of a bird, the presence of a pet makes life richer and more fulfilling.

So, if you have a pet, take a moment to appreciate the joy and benefits they bring to your life. And if you’re considering getting one, know that you’re not just adopting an animal—you’re welcoming a loyal friend who will make your life infinitely better.

Fun for the whole family with special attractions including The Dynamo Disc Dogs, Rainforest Reptile Shows, Piggyvilla and more.

The Greater Philadelphia Expo Center

100 Station Ave., Oaks, PA

March 7 - 9th. Free parking and leashed pets welcomed

Fri, Family Night, 3pm - 8pm

Sat, 10am - 7pm

Sun, 10am - 5pm

$5–$13

FamilyPetShows.com

• Ellis Woods Park: 71-acre park with a playground, nature trails, gravel track, basketball/pickleball court, gaga ball pit and a birder's loop where you can observe more than 100 varieties of birds
• Towpath Park: 15 acres of land, picnic tables, grills, playground equipment, a volleyball net, a reservable picnic pavilion with electricity, a boat launch and access to the Schuylkill River Trail
• East Coventry Nature Preserve: 77-acre Nature Preserve allows residents walking, biking and horseback riding opportunities as well as the chance to explore many natural habitats.
• Warwick Park: 535-acre park which features an ADA accessible fishing deck along the French Creek which hosts both cold water and warm water species. The park also contains various pavilions, single-family picnic tables, two age-appropriate play areas, a sand volleyball court, horseshoe pit and a quoit pit.

March 5th & 6th: 1/2 days for students and Parent/Teacher conferences

March 9th: Daylight Savings (spring forward)

March 15th - 16th: Middle School Musical

March 27th - March 30th: High School Musical

March 31st: No school for students (Professional Development for Staff)

April 2nd: Challenge Day

April 5th: Junior Prom

April 14th - 18th: No school for students (Spring Break)

May 10th: Senior Prom

May 26th: No school for students (Memorial Day)

June 6th: Graduation

June 7th: Graduation Weather Delay Date

We are looking for students, parents/guardians, community members, business representatives, doctors, dentists, hygienists, PAs, RNs, and more to join our building Wellness Committees and help us continue to create long-lasting health and wellness in our buildings, and throughout our district.

If you are interested in joining your student's Wellness Committee, please email Marisa DiChiacchio at mdichiacchio@ojrsd.net

Thank you for reading through our first newsletter...I hope you enjoyed it!!

Stay connected with us through our website and social media channels for the latest news and updates.

Warm regards,

Marisa DiChiacchio
HR & Wellness Specialist
Owen J. Roberts School District