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Moravian Academy in Action
Mind, Body, and Heart: Highlights from Our Middle School Wellness Retreat
Our recent Wellness Retreat was a resounding success! Students (and staff!) spent the day diving deep into the connections between mental and physical health, building on our ongoing lessons in SEL and digital literacy.
The day kicked off with an inspiring keynote from Cristina Usino, our Director of Belonging and Collective Wellbeing. She challenged students to look beyond their internal narratives by asking a powerful question: "What if that’s not the whole story?"
Following a mindful campus walk to get the blood flowing, students rotated through three interactive stations designed to provide practical tools for everyday wellness:
- Brain Science & The Dopamine Menu: Understanding brain chemistry and creating personalized lists of healthy, screen-free activities.
- The Power of Play: Exploring why in-person interactions and physical play are vital for development.
- Healthy vs. Unhealthy Scenarios: Navigating tricky social situations and practicing decision-making.
To bring the "physical" side of health to life, the whole group engaged in activity to measure resting versus active heart rates. Students learned how lifestyle and athletic training can physically change the heart—improving stroke volume and lowering resting heart rates over time.
