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Welcome to Our District Wellness Page!

At Maryvale, we believe that student success starts with a foundation of health and well-being. Our School Wellness Program is dedicated to fostering a supportive environment where students, staff, and families can thrive—physically, emotionally, and socially.

Through our team approach, we address key aspects of wellness, including nutrition, physical activity, mental health, and social-emotional learning. By promoting healthy habits and providing access to valuable resources, we aim to empower our school community to lead balanced and fulfilling lives.

Explore our wellness initiatives, learn about upcoming events, and discover tools to help your family stay informed and engaged in creating a healthier future for all. Together, we can build a culture of wellness that nurtures every individual in our district.

Let’s grow stronger, healthier, and happier—one step at a time!

Team members - Tim Kuhrt, Ryan Mohr, Heather Carlson, Erica Rodriguez, Amy Meslinsky, Jessica Kerr, Denise Nietopski

The Primary School has received two additional garden towers from the wellness grant to total three altogether. The two additional will be in each wing in the school. Students will be growing lettuce which will be going to the Flyer’s Fresh Market. Students will be having the opportunity to take activity bags home. The bags have footballs, eggs and spoons for relay races and scarves for juggling. Students get to keep bags for a week  and do the activities with their families. The committee was able to obtain ten wobble chairs and 40 seat cushions. They were distributed to different classrooms for students to sit on at their desks. Students also have been participating in the independent health fitness challenge. During each month in PE class students go over a wellness topic which include 9 hours of sleep, be your best you, fruit and veggies, limiting screen time, physical activity and consuming 0 sugary drinks.  For the staff we are getting workout equipment from the high school which will give the staff an opportunity to workout at the school. 

The Middle School Wellness Committee is dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of not only our students but also our staff and the broader community. We are implementing a variety of initiatives to support everyone involved. Below are some of the key ways we are making an impact:

For Students:

• We maintain two tower gardens that currently grow lettuce and kale, which have been harvested two times this year by students and donated to the local food bank.

• Our gardens are currently cultivating lettuce and small peppers, with plans to expand to include radishes, spinach, and additional lettuce varieties.

• We are in the process of developing courtyard gardens again with the goal of growing a range of vegetables.

• Flexible seating options have been introduced, including standing desks and alternative chair styles, to promote comfort and active engagement.

• Recess activity kits, containing various movement-based exercises and games, are available for teachers to borrow, allowing students to stay active during the day.

For Staff:

• Staff members have access to fitness facilities at both the middle and high schools, available before and after school hours.

• We provide resources related to self-care, highlight local farmers' markets, and keep staff informed about community events designed to support wellness.

For the Community:

• At school events, we offer information about local wellness resources, including food pantries and community programs aimed at supporting families facing food insecurity.

• We encourage healthy eating by sharing information on local farmers' markets and seasonal produce.

• We also provide recipe ideas and shopping list suggestions from local grocery stores to help families make nutritious, cost-effective food choices.

Through these initiatives, we strive to create a holistic approach to health and wellness that benefits our students, staff, and the wider community.

Maryvale High School is focused on creating a welcoming, healthy, and affirming environment for our students.  

We are creating a welcoming environment by increasing alternative seating and movement-friendly options in our classrooms. We are doing this by increasing our offering of standing desks and flexible seating arrangements, which allow students to find the environment that best supports their learning. Movement has been shown to stimulate brain function, improve focus, and increase productivity. As a result, students are more likely to participate in class, remain calm, and be proactive in their learning.

Another exciting initiative that fosters wellness at our school is our Mentoring Program. Upperclassmen mentors are paired with freshmen to help them navigate the transition from middle school to high school. This mentorship program allows mentors to practice important leadership skills while offering freshmen support as they adjust to the challenges of high school life. Our current focus is self-advocacy and goal-setting, which empowers freshmen to take charge of their education and personal growth. 

As part of our ongoing efforts to build stronger, more positive relationships between students and staff, we are currently focusing on Restorative Justice Practices in our discipline approach. Restorative justice helps us address conflicts and challenges in a way that encourages accountability, empathy, and community building. 

We also understand that part of supporting wellness is guiding students toward healthier life choices.  We are doing this by offering healthier and more diverse food options for our students in the lunchroom, and we look forward to continuing to explore these options. We also brought in Ashley Gerda from Kids Escaping Drugs to present to students who have been identified for past infractions involving vaping, drugs, or alcohol. This presentation focused on the long-term effects of how substance use and other risky behaviors can impact their health. By engaging students in open discussions about their choices, we aim to empower them to make healthier decisions that will benefit them throughout their lives.

Maryvale High School is committed to improving our efforts to foster a healthy, welcoming, and affirming environment for all students. From flexible seating and healthy food choices to mentorship programs and restorative justice practices, we are working to create a space where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. We look forward to seeing the positive impact the initiatives will have on our students as they continue to grow, learn, and make healthy, informed choices about their futures.