Health and wellness were the spotlight at the Daniel Island School’s recent Wellness Fair, which brought together students and families to explore over 25 interactive booths promoting various aspects of wellness.
The Feb. 8 event aimed to foster a sense of community and provide a fun platform for learning about physical, mental, and social well-being. Co-PTA President Lauren Barber explained how the idea for a Wellness Fair began.
“When Katie Carlson and I took on the Co-PTA presidency, we made a list of our priorities for the school year. Wellness was at the top of the list,” Barber said. “Being a K-8 school, there are a variety of physical, mental and social wellness issues that face our students and those topics weren’t really being discussed outside of guidance classes.”
Barber said the DIS principal had the idea of hosting a wellness event and the PTA immediately began planning.
The fair featured booths categorized into six wellness focuses: healthy body, kindness, mindfulness, emotional health, exercise, and nutrition.
Students enjoyed a variety of interactive activities, including an interactive Operation game presented by the Robotics Club, a golf simulator by Par Paradise, yoga with Simply Soul Yoga and a germ experiment with Island Pediatrics.
“The intent behind wellness night is to bring the Daniel Island community together for a fun, educational experience while learning about all aspects of health,” P.E. teacher Meredith Moore explained. “Families were able to experience exciting fitness games, like their students complete during P.E. at school.”
Throughout the fun fitness games and interactive activities, students received passports to collect stamps from each wellness focus area. Upon completion, they entered a raffle for a chance to win the coveted title of “P.E. teacher for a day.”
By the end of the night, PTA members were already hearing that the Wellness Fair was a new favorite event for the school. Barber thanked the staff, guidance counselors, and P.E. teachers who helped bring the event to life, and hinted at what next year’s Wellness Fair will offer.
“Katie and I already have plans on how we can make next year’s Wellness Fair bigger, and additional activities we can bring to the DIS families to encourage conversation on physical, social and mental health!” Barber said.
