Health & Wellness

The Mt. Everett Wellness curriculum uses both the classroom and physical education to enhance students' overall health. Students will use the health knowledge obtained from text, research, reliable Internet sources, and current events topics to establish healthy habits and reduce risky behaviors.

Middle school students are shown the importance of having a balance within all the areas of Wellness which are physical, mental/emotional, and social health. Topics in the classroom include nutrition, fitness, disease prevention, and reproductive health. Students also explore conflict resolution techniques, communication styles, and stress management skills. The students work with a decision-making model to help them in making healthy choices.

The high school program explores the areas of Wellness in greater depth with units covering the human life cycle, substance abuse awareness, and personal care and safety. Students in the ninth grade revisit the importance of diet and exercise. The body systems project identifies the consequences of healthy and unhealthy choices and how those choices affect the body as a whole.

Sophomores analyze how alcohol and drugs affect the developing adolescent brain. They also research the driving laws and regulations in Massachusetts and discuss the increased responsibilities associated with young adulthood.

The students in Wellness alternate classroom activities with physical activity on a weekly rotation. They are exposed to a variety of group activities that promote team building and sportsmanship. Students also have the opportunity to engage in lifelong recreational activities.

Currently, all 7th and 8th grade students take Wellness for one quarter of the year. The 9th and 10th grade Wellness class is offered as a one-semester class. Wellness is taught in the middle school and high school by Susie Tomich, a graduate of Westfield State College, who has taught at Mt. Everett for five years.

The focus of the K-6 Physical Education/Wellness department is to teach children the importance of physical activity in everyday life. We stress the value of good sportsmanship, skill development, and social interaction with their peer group through game activities. At the end of each class students are able to demonstrate an understanding of game rules and respect for their peers and teachers. We value hard work over winning and help students apply this philosophy to everyday school life.

The K-6 Physical Education/Wellness department consists of two faculty members: Josh King ('00) is in his third year of teaching at Undermountain Elementary and is under the guidance of his mentor, Kelly Milan. Kelly ('77) has been teaching in the District for the past 25 years. She is the department leader and is responsible for bringing the program to South Egremont, Monterey, and New Marlborough Central Schools.