Herkimer Central School District recently partnered with various community organizations to present the first annual Building Magic Minds Day for Middle School students.
At the beginning of the day, Herkimer Middle School Principal Zachary Abbe spoke to students about the plans for the day including that everyone in the Middle School would take a walk together in the school halls to symbolize working together to support mental health.
“We’re going to take a walk – every single one of us – through the school,” Abbe said.
The first Building Magic Minds Day took place on June 8 and featured the mental health walk, a presentation by speaker Stephen “Dr. Bird” Birchak, a pep rally, students visiting stations from various community organizations and students participating in a variety of other activities such as yoga.
“I think we’ve got an elaborate and pretty fun day planned,” Abbe said.
Birchak presented “The 3 Keys to Kindness and Student Character” – focused on students recognizing the following about themselves: I have a choice, I can think for myself and I can make a difference. Birchak entertained students with humorous stories and props ranging from a princess crown to Incredible Hulk hands.
The organizers of the event included Abbe, school social workers Jessica Carpineti and Kayla Klink, school counselors Heather Paul and Carolyn Saugh, school resource officer Jessica Alberts and Prevention Coordinator Crystal Gerhardt.
The organizations that visited Herkimer Central School District to assist with the event were the Christopher Newton Memorial Fund, Miles for Meag, Connected Community Schools, Community Health and Behavioral Services, Center for Family Life and Recovery, Herkimer Police Department, Catholic Charities, Elemental Recovery In Motion, Herkimer County Pride Alliance, MCAT, ICAN, C3 Fitness and the Neighborhood Center.
Herkimer Central School District Middle School sixth graders Braeden Crichton (left) and Justin Lamphere (right) participate in a challenge together during the first annual Building Magic Minds Day on June 8 at the school.
Herkimer Central School District Middle School Principal Zachary Abbe speaks to students during an assembly to kick off the first annual Building Magic Minds Day on June 8 at the school.
Herkimer Central School District Middle School students and staff walk together in support of mental health during the first annual Building Magic Minds Day on June 8 at the school.
Guest speaker Stephen “Dr. Bird” Birchak presents to Herkimer Central School District Middle School students during the first annual Building Magic Minds Day on June 8 at the school.
Members of the Herkimer Police Department present to Herkimer Central School District Middle School students about technology they use in their work during the first annual Building Magic Minds Day on June 8 at the school.