Windsor Elementary Schools Participate in Mental Health Awareness Week

Each of Windsor’s three elementary buildings participated in Mental Health Awareness Week, providing students with engaging activities and valuable lessons focused on supporting emotional well-being and healthy coping skills.
Students in grades K–5 began each morning learning about important mental health topics, including what mental health is, breathing and calming strategies for managing big emotions, how mindful movement supports mental wellness, and how our senses can help calm both our minds and bodies.

“Kindergarten students read the Gizmo's Pawesome Guide to Mental Health and were excited to bring home their own copy of the book along with a mini Gizmo keychain. Students in 1st and 2nd grades created their own pinwheels to practice deep breathing techniques and also made personalized stress balls to use as calming tools,” said Palmer Elementary counselor Sandra Tredo.

At Bell Elementary, students participated in a fun and interactive Mental Health BINGO activity during lunch. This gave students an opportunity to engage in conversations and activities focused on positive mental health habits and coping strategies in an enjoyable and relaxed setting.

At A.F. Palmer Elementary, students in grades 3–5 participated in a special morning of interactive mental health stations. Students rotated through a variety of experiences designed to teach practical strategies for supporting emotional wellness. 

They participated in a mindful movement session led by school psychologist Mrs. Harner and visited Mrs. Tredo’s “Sensory Room,” where they explored activities using all five senses to promote calm and relaxation. Students created stress balls, colored mandala designs, explored sensory materials such as slime and kinetic sand, and even participated in mindful taste activities with chocolate and mints.

Students also visited the “Calm Down and Deep Breathing Room,” where they decorated and created their own breathing pinwheels, practiced mindful breathing through bubble activities and labyrinth mazes, and left with breathing stickers and new calming strategies they can continue to use in everyday life.

“Mental Health Awareness Week provided students with meaningful opportunities to learn that taking care of their mental health is just as important as taking care of their physical health while equipping them with tools they can use both in and outside of school,” said Tredo.