A brighter future is in store for students at Fairfield Elementary School following their participation in P.S. I Love You Day on Feb. 14.
This year’s theme was “A Brighter Tomorrow Begins Today.” The Long Island-based nonprofit organization P.S. I Love You Day sponsors the initiative that is dedicated to eradicating the stigma around mental health. The goal is to create communities where everyone feels welcomed, loved and supported.
One of the highlights this year at Fairfield was mindfulness yoga. Each grade participated in a session led by Shana Conza of Yogi Beans. She guided students through several breathing and stretches exercises, and taught them the power they have over their own bodies.
Every student also made a paper lantern bag with a positive and inspirational message. In the afternoon, battery-operated lights were placed in the bags, which then lined the halls. With the hallway lights dimmed and the bags illuminated, students went on a lantern walk to read all of the messages.
Classroom activities throughout the day promoted mental health and kindness. In Mary Lynn McCauley’s kindergarten class, students made emoji hearts to remind to not only tell others that they are loved, but why they are loved. Down the hall, kindergartners helped their teacher Jeanne Jones make lavender cloud dough with cornstarch, hair conditioner, food coloring, purple glitter and a lavender oil. When completed, the students used it as a sensory calming tool, and each took a turn holding it while saying a positive affirmation.
P.S. I Love You Day at Fairfield was organized by a committee of administrators, teachers and staff, and supported by the PTA which helped decorate the school. The mission was to instill hope, foster community and help students see the small steps they can take each day to help make their lives and the lives of those around them better. This year’s theme was a reminder for youngsters to look after their own mental health while checking in on those around them.
“We want our students to help create a future where everyone has the care and connection they need to shine and thrive,” Assistant Principal Megan Pavlick said.