Independence Primary School (IPS) hosted its 5th Annual Mental Health & Wellness Day on November 25 with the theme “be here, be kind, be calm” bringing together students from kindergarten through fourth grade for a day centered on mindfulness, emotional well-being, and positive mental health practices. This annual tradition continues to grow each year, offering meaningful opportunities for students to explore strategies that support self-regulation, confidence, and calm.
Students rotated through a rich variety of hands-on stations including:
• Mindful Walking / Nature Senses
• Calming Coloring
• Mindful Rocks / Kindness Rocks
• Mindful Movements & Sound Bath
•Self Awareness with the City of Independence
• ASL Affirmations led by Independence High School ASL students
IPS extends a thank you to Kurtz Bros. for generously donating the rocks used in our Kindness Rocks station. Their contribution allowed every student to create a meaningful, positive piece of art to take home or leave on our school grounds to spread kindness.
IPS also offers appreciation to the City of Independence for their continued partnership and support. Their teamwork station continues to be a student favorite and reinforces the value of cooperation, communication, and community connection.
A special recognition goes to our Independence High School ASL students, taught by Meg Popa, who spend the day teaching our young learners positive affirmations through American Sign Language. Their leadership, kindness, and enthusiasm provide powerful role models for our Primary School students and add an invaluable dimension to the event.
Principal Jodie Hughes shared, as she has in previous years, the importance of giving students intentional time and space to explore emotional wellness. “This day gives our students the chance to explore tools they can use not only in school, but throughout their lives,” said Hughes. “It’s powerful to watch them discover techniques that help them feel centered, supported, and ready to learn.”
School Counselor Brooke Gradert emphasized how essential it is to begin teaching mental health skills early. “Teaching our littlest learners about mental health and wellness is one of the most important things we can do,” said Gradert. “When children learn strategies to stay calm, kind, and grounded, they carry those skills with them as they grow—and they become better prepared for whatever life throws their way.”
Throughout the day, students remained enthusiastic and fully engaged, eagerly participating in each activity and exploring new techniques for taking care of their emotional well-being.
“Our goal is to have conversations about wellness and empower students with simple, practical strategies they can use every day,” said Hughes. “Events like this strengthen our school community and reinforce how important it is to take care of ourselves and one another.”
IPS looks forward to continuing this meaningful tradition as part of its ongoing commitment to supporting the whole child and nurturing a school environment where every student feels valued, seen, and supported.
