Wellness Week Kicks off Monday

By Sue Ellen Woodcock

The annual Winthrop Wellness Week kicks off Monday with events scheduled for the whole week.

Planned by Winthrop Public Health Nurse Meredith Hurley and Jane Rupp, the school adjustment counselor, Wellness Week will have Winthrop High School jumping.

On Monday, the focus will be on Bullying Awareness. Students are encouraged to wear blue if you or someone you know has been bullied. The first period of the day will feature a presentation from Rana Chudnofsky, director of Resilient Youth. There will also be other activities for students during the day.

On Tuesday, the focus is on Mental Health. Students are encouraged to wear green if someone close has a mental illness. Again, activities throughout the day will focus on mental health awareness. During the April faculty meeting teachers will also note students they feel connected to. Students they do not feel connected to will be forwarded to the administration, adjustment counselors, and a possible teacher task force.

Wednesday will be Substance Abuse Awareness Day, red is the color of the day if someone close to you has been affected by substance abuse. Ostiguy Recovery High School students from downtown Boston will be visiting. CASA and recovery coaches will also speak. There will be a Red Ribbon Campaign for students to sign a pledge not to get in a car with a drunk driver.

At 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, there will also be a presentation at the Winthrop Public Library about addiction and brain development. Dr. Brian O’Connor of Melrose, who runs a recovery program, will speak. There will also be a documentary called “Chasing the Dragon” and a panel discussion.

Thursday is Pride Day and rainbow colors are the order of the day. There will be speakers from BAGLY (Boston Alliance of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual Youth) and activities throughout the day.

Friday is all about community and students in grades 6-12 will be taking the Prevention Needs Assessment Survey, given every two years by the town. There are 152 questions about preventative measures and risk factors. The last time it was give, said Hurley, it found that students needed to be recognized for good behavior. The colors for the day will be Viking blue and gold!