Westbury school district hosts Health & Wellness Social and Emotional Learning Fair

The Westbury school district’s first annual Health & Wellness Social and Emotional Learning Fair kicked off on Saturday, highlighting the need to address mental and physical health concerns that may often be ignored, especially in communities of color, officials said.

Tahira DuPree Chase, the superintendent of Westbury Union Free Schools, attended the districtwide event at Westbury High School and reminded participants that discussions about mental health might be “taboo in certain communities,” but the goal is to lift any such stigma.

“Oftentimes in communities of color, we don’t have the conversations about the importance of therapy, social emotional needs and mental health, so here we want to normalize having those conversations...it’s  OK to have a therapist, it’s  OK to seek support,” Chase later told Newsday.

Chase said the pandemic exposed mental health struggles that many children and adults are still managing.

Several workshops, open to adults and students, were geared toward promoting positivity, talking about feelings, and learning to make responsible choices. There were also classes, including yoga and Zumba, and double Dutch jump rope competitions in the gym.

Middle school honor students were also on hand volunteering.

Theresa Taylor Williams, a psychotherapist and the event coordinator, said it was intended to promote healthy lifestyles. 

“This was an amazing, fun day for our students and parents because you could come, relax, listen to a book being read, or you could go into the bouncy house if you could fit,” said Williams, noting people danced along to a 17-piece band and a DJ.

Gwen Bradley, of Westbury, was there with her two daughters, Olivia, 10, and Savanna, 12, who was volunteering. Bradley said the fair, which featured over 40 vendors and free health screenings, helped people learn about different resources.

“Sometimes, you’re in the community for years and you don’t know what they have to offer. This is great, it gives people a chance to see what the community has to offer and to network and make friends,” Bradley said.  

Savanna, a seventh-grade honors student at Westbury Middle School, said the event aligns with her family’s generous spirit. She and her sister help give out meals and clothes to people in need.

 “It feels good because I am here with my friends and I can help people with their booths,” Savanna said.

Several schools also set up informational tables. Gloria Dingwall, the principal of Dryden Street Elementary School, had coloring books about healthy diets and books for parents promoting self-esteem.

“I think the best habits start at a young age so the children can live smarter and healthier lives once we give them the information,” said Dingwall.

She added, “We also need to make sure we have good programs for families to support their well-being."