Thursday, October 1, 2026
For more than 10 years, the Friday before winter recess has always been a high-energy day at Lindell Elementary School thanks to the annual wellness fair. This year, on Feb. 13, students from pre-K through fifth grade took part in a day packed with physical activity and mental engagement.
Guest presenters were invited to guide the kids through an array of programs and lessons for both mind and body. The entire building played a role as students rotated through the auditorium, gym, libraries and classrooms from start to finish. Standard 40-minute class periods were broken down into 18-minute lessons about physical fitness, mindfulness, dance, music and more.
Only lunch period and recess kept to the usual schedule — as well as naptime for pre-K students —but even lunch had a wellness twist. “We gave out clementines and cucumbers,” said Lauren Voege, PTA board member and chair of the wellness committee. “Some kids have never had either of those before. We were cutting cucumbers and peeling clementines throughout the whole entire day and giving it to kids so they can try it.”
More than 15 instructors kept classes motivated and moving all day long. Local presenters included Mike Lundwall from the Long Beach Lifeguards; Registered Nurse Kristin Esquirol; an assortment of fitness and martial arts classes; yoga and Pilates lessons; a golf clinic; a presentation from Judi Vining of Long Beach Aware, an organization focused on curbing underage drinking and drug use; and Team USA amputee soccer member, para-triathlete and motivational speaker Rob Rodriguez. Students also heard lessons on kindness and emotional health.
The wellness committee ensured age-appropriate lessons were conducted throughout the event — Judi Vining, executive director of Long Beach Aware, only spoke to third, fourth, and fifth-grade classes. Similarly, presenters adjusted their lesson plans to accommodate each age group.
Students received familiarity with a range of health, fitness and total-body wellness practices outside of traditional physical education classes. The annual event provides an activity-loaded day, exploring new ways to move while getting an introduction to overall health and wellness. “The kids are exhausted by the end of the day,” said Voege. “By ninth period, they’re wiped. They get a good night’s sleep that night.”
