One of the many components that New York State stated should be included when schools reopened was addressing social-emotional well-being. Mount Mercy Academy continues to go well above and beyond this mandate.
The school once again has a daily extended homeroom to facilitate social-emotional development. Mondays are usually reserved for emotional check-ins and bonding activities. Wednesdays are designated as Wellness Wednesdays and have included activities such as a school-wide walk around Cazenovia Park, presentations about beneficial health practices and guest speakers.
So far this year, speakers have included Christy Widman who spoke about the dangers of vaping and smoking, Jennifer Sullivan who talked about skin cancer prevention, Carolyn Bell who presented about self-esteem, Tonya Coyle discussed nutrition, Becky Ventre educated the students about substance abuse and breast cancer awareness, Kristen Mazur of the Orchard Park Police Department spoke about social media safety, and Kimberly Bovo informed the students about the importance of proper posture.
The Monday and Wednesday activities will continue throughout the school year.
