In North Merrick, mindfulness retreat promotes wellness and relieves stress

As part of the North Merrick school district’s commitment to mental health and creating a welcoming and inclusive environment, the district hosted its second annual Mindfulness Retreat on Jan. 11. Families of students in fourth through sixth grades relaxed, bonded and relieved stress throughout the event, which was held at Old Mill Road School.

After the coronavirus pandemic, North Merrick took a close look at the mental health of district students, and decided to take a more rounded and holistic approach to their educational, given their diverse needs. From this approach, the Mindfulness Program was born — an after-school club in which students in all grades are invited to learn about activities that can improve their mental health. School guidance counselors, social workers and psychologists all consult on the program.

“In all of our North Merrick schools, mindful activities are incorporated into every child’s school day routine,” Superintendent Cynthia Seniuk said. “Through such activities, whether during the school day or at after-school events, our students are supported in leading a mentally healthier life and improving their well-being.”

“This is really a way to show the community what we’re doing within the confines of the school day that they might not be privy to,” added Amanda Hocevar, the mindfulness retreat coordinator and a speech pathologist in the district.

The pandemic created new levels of stress and anxiety for students, fueled by isolation, uncertainty about the future, and concerns about health and safety. The lack of social interaction during lockdowns took a toll on their well-being.

The shift to online learning, and the general disruption caused by the health crisis, negatively affected academic performance. Some students found it challenging to adapt to the new learning format.

The goal of the Mindfulness Program, and the retreat, is to get families and students involved and aware. From improving the social and emotional well-being of students to practicing empathy and patience, well-rounded students begin to blossom beyond academics, Hocevar explained.

“It’s a unique opportunity for the families and our students in our community,” Hocevar said. “It’s not necessarily something every school district is doing. I definitely think there is a much greater focus on social emotional well-being, and it’s starting to grow.”

There were a variety of calming and creativity-boosting activities for students and their guests at the retreat. Workshops featured stress-relieving activities including a Zumba class, hosted by teacher Mara Karfinkel, a “neurographic drawings” workshop in which freehand doodles came alive on the page, and “Positivity Rocks,” in which participants wrote affirmations on artistically decorated rocks.

In “Tranquil Whirlwinds,” guests crafted custom pinwheels in unique designs and colors. They mixed ingredients to create “bath bombs” in an aromatherapy session, and create “snow dough” to help improve concentration and reduce distractions.

“We (were) thrilled to see an excellent turnout at this year’s Mindfulness Retreat,” Seniuk said. “The event is an important reminder of fostering positive mental health with the support we find within each other.”

A Mindfulness Retreat for students and families in kindergarten through third grade is scheduled for Feb. 8. For more, visit NMerrickSchools.org.