TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of Contents Page 1

Recommendations Page 2

Council on Youth Wellness Page 3

District Youth Wellness Programming Page 4

District Wide Wellness Highlights Page 5

Elementary School Highlights Page 7

Elementary School External Assets Chart Page 11

Elementary School Internal Assets Chart Page 13

Middle School Highlights Page 14

Middle School External Assets Chart Page 16

Middle School Internal Assets Chart Page 17

High School Highlights Page 19

High School External Asset Chart Page 21

High School Internal Asset Chart Page 22

Appendix: Comprehensive Lists of All Building Wellness Activities Page 24

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Wellness Council members, Wellness Facilitators, and district mental health
staff jointly offer the recommendations listed below. All are supported by the
annual report to follow. We firmly believe incorporating these
recommendations into the short and long-term strategies for the district will
promote healthy lifestyles and produce a positive learning environment for our
entire school community.

RECOMMENDATIONS

We recommend continued support of district-wide wellness staff

development activities. Student awareness, prevention and
intervention programs, as well as opportunities to disseminate
information to parents and the school community at large regarding
asset development is critical. This concept is central to our Youth
Wellness Program. As such, it is essential that asset building be
fully incorporated into every aspect of the educational program in
Williamsville.

We recommend goal setting at all levels (i.e. Board of Education,

Building Shared Decision-making plans) incorporate the asset-
building model. Common language among all members of the
school community is critical to unified efforts to promote healthy
lifestyles.

We recommend the District continue to support the Youth Wellness

Program at current levels and assume funding responsibility in the
event grant funds are either no longer available and/or decreased.

We urge the continued development and expansion of our

community partnership with the Amherst Task Force, the Amherst
Youth Board and the Safe Homes Program.

We recommend continued support and implementation of the

Search Institute survey with our students during alternate school
years. This will add to the longitudinal data that is used to evaluate
and improve wellness programming for students. Focus group
training for Wellness Facilitators should continue. Trained Focus
Group facilitators should be utilized on a regular basis following
completion of the Search Survey for Middle and High School
students to clarify interpretation of the survey questions.

We recommend an increase in the number of school counselors

assigned to each of our Middle schools such that one (1) counselor
is assigned per grade level. Similarly, full staffing in the area of
school psychology services is also recommended. This would be

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 realized through an increase in the number of school psychologists
assigned to each of our Elementary schools. Finally, the Council
believes consideration should be given to an increase in the mental
health staffing at North High School, particularly in the area of
school social work. A needs assessment considering school size,
student population, building needs and best practices will assist in
determining mental health staffing.

We recommend continued implementation of the newly created

health modules offered to 10th graders during the 2007-08 school
year. Two sophomore health modules were offered at each high
school. Continuation of this program is supported by the Wellness
Council though some restructuring may be warranted.

We recommend continuation of funding for Challenge Camp for

both High School and Middle School students.

We recommend focused interventions to curb underage drinking

and initiatives designed to prevent substance abuse.

DISTRICT COUNCIL ON YOUTH WELLNESS

The Williamsville Central School District Council on Youth Wellness oversees
building level youth wellness programs as well as other district wide programs
designed to promote good health and wellness in our school community. The
21-member council of parents, students, teachers, community members and
administrators met monthly during the 2006-2007 academic year. A brief
summary of accomplishments and initiatives completed by all, or select members
of the Council, are as follows:

Reviewed and supported building Youth Wellness Program Proposals.

Participated in a panel discussion with middle school students from

Casey, Heim, Mill and Transit.

Participated in a panel discussion with high school students from East,

North, South and AIM.

Continued to offer strong support for Adventure Learning programs as

well as B.O.C.E.S.-sponsored Challenge Camp and H.E.L.P.
Leadership Training opportunities.

Presented information regarding the asset building model of youth

development to the district support staff (i.e., teacher aides and
clerical staff) as part of the Fall staff development day.

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 Reviewed and recommended changes to the District Code of Conduct.

Assisted in the articulation of the 10th grade health module piloted this
spring and to be instituted during the 2006-2007 school year.

Participated in a preview viewing of the award winning DVD Now Its

Your Turn developed by the Amherst Task Force for Healthy
Community, Healthy Youth.

Facilitated completion of the 2006-2007 Youth Wellness Program

annual report to be presented to the Board of Education and the
Superintendent of Schools.

COUNCIL ON YOUTH WELLNESS MEMBERSHIP

ADMINISTRATION: STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES:

Dr. Anna Cieri, Assistant Superintendent Kelsey Crawford, East
Mrs. Rosa DAbate, Coordinator of Student Services Zachary Marzo, East
Mr. Robert Tubbs, Principal, North High School Alison Mahon, East
Mr. Michael Calandra, Principal, Mill Middle Allison Bauman, North
Ms. Mary Mallon, Principal, Maple East Shanna Rifkin, North
Dr. James Rusin, Instructional Specialist Whitney Miller, South
or Physical Education/Health/Athletics Peter Burke, South
Josh Buch, AIM

YOUTH WELLNESS FACILITATORS: COMMUNITY

Mrs. Margie Pawloski, Maple West REPRESENTATIVES:
Mrs. Margaret Mendrykowski, AIM Program Judge Mark Farrell, Amherst Town
Mr. Gregory Northway, Mill Middle Court
Rev. Wendy Buckley-Madsen, St.
PARENT REPRESENTATIVES: Pauls Lutheran Church
Mrs. Marcia Bermel Mrs. Sally Yageric, Erie County
Mrs. Vincenza Curcio PTSA Council for the Prevention of Alcohol
Mrs. Mary Ross and Substance Abuse
Mrs. Kristin Puccio Mrs. Kathy Mobarak-Miller, Amherst
Youth Board
Ms. Allyson Odachowski, Registered
Dietitian

DISTRICT YOUTH WELLNESS PROGRAMMING

The Wellness building-level committees are dedicated to providing educational
programs to students that promote resiliency, healthy behaviors and positive
choices. The wellness facilitators provide the leadership and coordination for
youth wellness activities at their respective buildings. Each facilitator also serves
as the chairperson of the building level Wellness Committee, and participates in

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monthly meetings with Dr. Cieri. The scope and breadth of the 2006-2007
wellness-based activities is impressive and can be found in Appendix A. It is
recognized that these activities, along with other school programs, address all of
the internal and external assets needed for healthy development (see Asset
Charts which follow on pages 9-11, 14-16, and 21-22).

The report to follow highlights both district-wide initiatives and building level
activities, and demonstrates the wellness programs contribution to asset
building.

The following individuals serve as wellness facilitators:

BUILDING WELLNESS FACILITATORS

ELEMENTARY MIDDLE SCHOOL

Jennifer Kopp, Country Parkway Patricia Chown, Casey
Tom Lucia, Casey
Denise Dilgard, Dodge
Joette Field, Dodge Mary McBride, Mill
Caroline Berger, Mill
Lisa Seaborn, Forest Greg Northway, Mill (District Rep.)

Nancy Fultz, Heim Elementary Alan Fritzinger, Heim Middle

Sue Calandra, Heim Middle
Diane Shantler, Maple East
Kathy Schiumo, Maple East Kim Styka, Transit

Bonnie Stalica, Maple West

Margie Pawloski, Maple West

HIGH SCHOOL
Dale Bauer, North
Maggie Mendrykowski, AIM
Evan Shussett, East
Cheryl Goldstone, South
Dave Gervase, South

DISTRICT-WIDE WELLNESS HIGHLIGHTS

Internet Safety
The focus of this years district wellness program has been cyber community
citizenship. During the summer of 2006, wellness facilitators and Home and
Career teachers attended a three-day i-safe training seminar. The workshop
covered issues of personal safety, cyber security and violation of intellectual
property rights along with training involving the use of i-safe instructional
materials in our work with students, staff and parents. Home and Careers

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teachers prepared a proposal for consideration by the Curriculum Council to
incorporate these materials at the middle school level. Wellness facilitators were
charged with educating parents, as well as involving middle school and high
school students in the i-safe mentor program and other extracurricular cyber
safety activities. Ms. Katie Koestner, a nationally known speaker, presented a
district-wide parent program targeting internet safety on December 5, 2006. Ms.
Koestner also worked with middle school students, as well as District and
Building-level administrators. Finally, numerous evening parent programs, in-
services for faculty, and student presentations were organized. Many of these
were either offered by Wellness Facilitators or arranged by them. Ms. Patti
McLain, of The Center of Missing and Exploited Children, was a frequent
presenter and provided instruction on this topic to all sophomores as one of the
10th grade health modules.

Search Institute Survey

The results of the 2005 Search Institute Survey were utilized by the wellness
facilitators to develop building plans. Wellness facilitators who are trained as
focus group leaders have begun planning middle school and high school focus
groups to follow administration of the 2007 Search Survey. The purpose of the
focus groups is to clarify student interpretation of Search Survey questions,
thereby adding to our understanding of the survey results.

A pilot focus group exercise was completed with seniors after the last survey
administration. This endeavor was found to be exceptionally informative,
allowing wellness facilitators to clarify and deepen our understanding of the data.
As a result, focus group discussions will be expanded to include 8th and 10th
grades during the next round, sometime in late fall or early winter.

Sophomore Health Modules

Two health modules were offered to all tenth graders in the District. The first,
scheduled in the fall, involved an addictions seminar offered by the building
health teachers. A substitute teacher covered the health education classes while
the health teacher(s) provided the lessons during physical education time. The
physical education staff at each building assisted in this health education
program. While all faculty involved with the presentations felt the information
was useful and well received by the students, some concerns were expressed by
physical education and health teachers regarding either the loss of instructional
time (PE) or missing classroom time with their typical classes (health teachers).

The second session addressed Internet Safety. This seminar was also provided
during physical education time. Ms. Patti McLain of the Center for Missing and
Exploited Children provided an overview of issues such as: cyber danger, cyber
security, and cyber citizenship. Students responded favorably to Ms McLains
message, and positive reports regarding her presentation were uniformly
received.

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Two considerations were offered by those most directly involved with the health
modules: 1. Provision of instruction/modules - personnel involved suggested
that the district consider one of two options for future provision of instruction.
Specifically, these involved hiring a health teacher who would be assigned
district-wide responsibilities to present the seminars, or contracting with private
consultants, on a fee or gratis basis, to present the sophomore health modules.
2. Scheduling - while the seminars were felt to be exceptionally beneficial, it
was suggested that expanding the program by including additional modules
would result in significant loss of quality instructional time in physical education.

Wellness Website
The Wellness section of the district website continued to be expanded during the
2006-2007 school year. The purpose of the Wellness site is to provide the
school community with details regarding district Wellness initiatives, along with
strategies to promote asset development.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS

The elementary wellness programs are integrated with school improvement

plans. Each program is centered upon the Search Institute Developmental
Assets. These assets are designed to help children succeed in all aspects of
their lives. This proactive approach assists in promoting the development of
social-emotional skills and the ability to resolve conflict in appropriate ways, while
preventing risk- taking behaviors. Data garnered from school improvement plans
and building climate surveys demonstrate the need to continue wellness
programs. All wellness activities are child-centered, and each building plan is
designed to specifically address the needs and goals of that school community.
Specific assets are targeted with the expectation that programs offered will
facilitate growth in the areas identified.

A common theme exists throughout the elementary schools to advance

awareness and development of assets. For example, parental/community
concerns, coupled with world events, prompted all elementary schools to
promote healthy lifestyles and implement safety awareness programs such as
Life Skills training, Internet Safety, and No Put Downs. Individual buildings
addressed relevant topics through a variety of research-based programs and
activities. A random sampling of activities implemented by each school is
articulated in the pages to follow. These descriptions were submitted by the
facilitators to represent the work of their building committees. While a multitude
of initiatives can be found at each and every district school site, these brief
narratives represent only those selected for emphasis. Please refer to the
comprehensive list for a full picture of the breadth and range of building-based
activities.

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Country Parkway:
The Wellness Committee at Country Parkway is, as always, focused on
developing the 40 Developmental Assets in our students. Throughout the year
we planned a variety of events both within the school day and after to foster
healthy lifestyles.

To continue our focus on the 31st asset, Child begins to value good health
habits, the Country Parkway second, third, and fourth graders participated in
the Fun 2 B Fit program offered through Univera Healthcare. As part of this
program, second graders held a food festival in which teachers and parent
volunteers prepared a variety of health foods for students to try. The students
were able to take recipe cards of their favorite foods home. The third grade
students learned about incorporating exercise into their daily lives, as well as
learning the importance of healthy eating and portion control. As for fourth
grade, students traveled to Wegmans for a tour and scavenger hunt of health
foods.

Our students were very fortunate to be able to participate in this fantastic

program.

Dodge:
In addition to continuing Dodges previous school wide Wellness initiatives, we
have expanded our commitment to 40 Developmental Assets by implementing
the following programs:

turn-key education of faculty on the Choice Words philosophy to increase

awareness of positive values
expansion of efforts to foster a smooth transition to middle school by
collaborating with the middle school Social Worker to support a caring
school environment
participation of fourth grade students and parents in a fourth grade play,
using time constructively and creatively
implementation of a bus buddies program to support a caring school
environment
development of the Announcers Club for V-Brick presentations of morning
announcements to empower students
participation in a highly interactive assembly with Glenn Colton facilitating
a more positive school connection
identification of student volunteers to write No Put Downs articles or
poems for our monthly newsletter encouraging empowerment

Our intention with these efforts is to provide a positive venue for every member of
our community within which to increase academic achievement and facilitate
character development.

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Forest:
This school year at Forest Elementary was a year of new endeavors. While we
continued to teach the No Put Downs Program, we incorporated many new
activities into the school year as well. We created a school cookbook and
donated the proceeds of the sales to our playground committee and to the
Variety Club. We also sponsored a family movie night where families cam to
school in their pajamas and watched a movie in our school gym. The families
brought sleeping bags, pillows and blankets and had a great time snuggling
together! Another new endeavor was our Parents Night Out where parents
were able to drop off their children at school in the evening so that they could go
to dinner or a movie. The children participated in many fun stations while their
parents were away so everyone seemed to enjoy the night!

Each year brings new and fresh ideas to the Forest Wellness Committee so we
are eager to start thinking about next year!

Heim:
Heim Elementary School expanded our participation in the Univera Healthcare
Fun 2 B Fit program this year. The program includes taste testing for the 2nd
graders, nutrition and fitness program for the 3rd graders. We hope to include the
4th grade component next year. The program is designed to reduce childhood
obesity by teaching students about the importance of increased physical activity
and making healthy food choices. In conjunctions with this program we
implemented The TV Turn Off Week in which we encouraged students and
families to turn off the TV, computer, and their video games. Each family was
asked to complete a pledge to participate and share alternative fun activities they
engaged in during the week with their families.

Maple East:
Maple East piloted the Life Skills Program with 3rd and 4th grade students this
school year. This program promotes health and personal development by
focusing upon self-esteem, decision-making, tobacco information, stress
management and communication skills. This program was taught by the school
social worker during students lunch period. Some of the activities the students
were exposed to during the course involved completing a Life Skills Training
Guide, role-playing real life situations to practice refusal skills, and completing a
Life Skills training dictionary.

Maple West:
At Maple West Elementary School, our wellness plan was focused upon building
the 40 Developmental Assets through numerous initiatives during the year.
Specifically, Maple West fully implemented the No Put Downs Program in grades
K-4. This is a comprehensive research-based program, which targets conflict
resolution, self-esteem, and anti-bullying strategies. Daily student
announcements have focused upon the five (5) No Put Downs strategies of:
Think About Why, Stay Cool, Shield Myself, Choose a Response, and Build Up.

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In our school-wide family reunion assembly, each grade level performed skits or
songs that highlighted these five character-building skills. Through the
implementation of the No Put Downs Program, the faculty and staff at Maple
West has been able to promote: Asset #26 - The child cares about others; Asset
#30 The child accepts responsibility; Asset #36 - The child attempts to solve
problems in an appropriate manner; Asset #38 The child develops self-esteem.

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 External Assets and Supporting Activities

External Assets Asset Name Supporting Activities

Support 1. Family support Tag, Youre it
2. Positive Family Asset building booklets for all families
Communications
3. Other Adult 3rd Grade Booster Club
Relationships
4. Caring neighborhood Millard Fillmore Hospital Boo Boo Bear Clinic

5. Caring school Nursing Home Connection

6. Parent involvement in Kids for character assembly programs
school
No Put Downs
Care club packets for new students
Kids Care Service Club
Daily announcements- Conflict resolution and
Accountability
Project Wisdom
Wellness Brochure
Parent Letters
Asset Presentation at Kindergarten Orientation/PTA

Asset newsletters Distributed

External Assets Asset Name Supporting Activities

7. Community values
Empowerment youth
8. Youth as resources
9. Service to others
10. Safety
New student groups for all grade levels
Kindergarten buddies
Community helper visits
Safe Homes Program
Child Safety /Stranger Danger Programs
Escape Schools
Birthday recognition
2 Smart 2 Start
Fun 2B Fit
Fun With Fitness
Tim Hortons Camp
Bike Safety

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External Assets Asset Name
11. Family boundaries
12. School boundaries
Boundaries
and 13. Neighborhood
Expectations boundaries
14. Adult role models
15. Positive peer influence
16. High expectations
External Assets Asset Name
17. Creative activities
Constructive
Use of Time 18. Youth programs
19. Religious Community
20. Time at home
External Assets Asset Name
21. Achievement
motivation
Constructive
Use of Time 22. School engagement
23. Homework
24. Bonding to school
25. Reading for pleasure
Supporting Activities
Code of character
Asset building parent evening
School pledge
Internet Safety
School contracts
Peer club
Supporting Activities
Talent Show
Various after school clubs
Reading and game zone recess
Ice cream social, country fair, fun fair
Family Wellness Nights
Prime time reading
Intramural Programs
TV Turn Off Week
Supporting Activities
PARP
Annual/monthly/weekly themes
Book donations for city schools
Too Smart to Start
Amherst Youth Board Parent program
Successful Use of Agenda Mates
Study Skills Group
Student V-brick Announcements
School theater/musical Programs
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 Internal Assets and Supporting Activities

Internal Assets Asset Name Supporting Activities

26. Caring Red Ribbon Week
Positive
27. Equality and Social Jog-a-thon
Values
Justice
28. Integrity Giving Tree
29. Honesty Snacks and Crafts for Roswell Kids
30. Responsibility Circle of Friends Gift bags (project to welcome new
students)
31. Restraint Goodwill Jr. & other service projects

ACES/Sunrise Exercises
Canned good drives (Food Bank, etc.)
Support for the military
Adopt-a-Family Clothing Drive
Children Giving to Children

Internal Assets Asset Name Supporting Activities

Social 32. Planning and Talking w/T.J. conflict resolution, 3rd & 4th graders
Competencies Decision-Making
33. Interpersonal Bus buddies
Competence
34. Cultural Competence No Putdowns
35. Resistance Skills Social skills groups at every grade level

36. Peaceful Conflict Multi-Cultural Lunch

Resolution
Cultural Diversity Awareness
Friendship Groups
Mix it Up at Lunch
Safe Prom letters to high school seniors

Disability Awareness

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Internal Assets Asset Name Supporting Activities
37. Personal Power Apple a Day Program
Positive
Identity 38. Self Esteem Special Friends

40. Positive View of Banana Splits
Personal Future
Character education assemblies/displays

Citizen, Star or Student of the Week

Lunch with the principal

Integrating character education/asset building
curricula
Student Wellness/Character Ed Committee
Kids Vote USA
Anxiety and Stress Management Groups
Life-Skills Curriculum

MIDDLE SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS

The Wellness programs at each middle school is building-specific, but united in

the goal of developing assets. All Wellness programs utilize a team approach to
provide a comprehensive prevention/intervention/support program. Programs
and activities are directly connected to the asset development model. Although
only a sampling of wellness initiatives offered this year at the middle schools is
presented in this report, additional information is provided in the charts
immediately following the text and in the Appendix.

Transit Middle School

All seventh grade students participated in a new event held on Thursday, April
12th, 2007. Challenge Day is a powerful and transformational day that can
change the way people perceive others. It is a day of fun, friendship and new
opportunity. The Challenge Day addressed a wide range of issues such as
leadership. self-esteem, social oppression, violence, racism and teasing. Events
included: team building activities, an anti-bullying video, small group activities
including If you really knew me, you would know that ., and large group
activities including Cross the Line. The program was empowering, eye opening
and emotional for all participants.

Our annual Community Day will be held on June 2, 2007. The day will include
a variety of events including a Fun Run, a Car Wash, a Pet Wash, an Art Show,

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carnival games and Transits Got Talent competition. All proceeds will be
donated to a Community Center in the city of Buffalo.

Heim Middle School

In 2006-07, Heim Middle has continued our commitment to internet safety
programming through an ongoing partnership with the National Center for
Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). We have worked very closely with
Patti McClain, regional director for NCMEC, to educate parents, students and
faculty about the dangers on the internet. This has been accomplished through a
variety of programs, including: an Open House presentation, a PTA meeting,
student assemblies and a charity run to benefit NCMEC. Additionally, a group of
twenty eighth graders have been trained as certified i-Mentors through the i-Safe
program, and their expertise augments the school-wide efforts.

We also focus on asset building throughout the school year in a number of ways.
This year, the Wellness Team has worked in cooperation with the Heim Middle
Shared Decision Making team to promote positive messages to the student body
using the V-Brick system and the morning announcements. Every Tuesday from
January through May, a 3-5 minute video announcement was made on a
Wellness or asset-related topic. These were student generated and produced,
and they have had a positive impact on the school environment.

Mill Middle School

During the 2006-2007 school year, wellness activities focused upon developing
student-empowered initiatives. The central theme (supported collaboratively by
the building Wellness Team and the student leadership group) involved
encouraging students to work with adults to create a safe and inviting
environment. Some of the activities included, but are not limited to, No Name
Calling Week; assemblies focusing upon awareness of the 40 Developmental
Assets; beautification of student bathrooms and hallways; the Wall of
Acceptance, the study of the nutritional value of the meals offered to students;
as well as creation of lessons using the Seven Connecting Habits to improve
interpersonal relationships.

Casey Middle School

The foundation for Caseys wellness activities was the No Put Downs Program.
Assemblies, daily announcements, classroom activities, posters and participation
in an overnight leadership camp were all considered to be integral components of
this program in our building.

Other initiatives included: special presentations by Tony Williams designed to

promote positive peer relationships; development of a healthy lifestyle campaign
for staff; cyber bullying prevention programs, and asset building to facilitate
student attachment to school and surrounding community.

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 External Assets and Supporting Activities

External Assets Asset Name Supporting Activities

1. Family Support Family Nights
3. Other Adult School Spirit Projects
Relationships
Support 5. Caring school Challenge
6. Parent involvement H.E.L.P.
in school
Community Day
N o Name Calling Week
National Make a Difference Day

External AssetsAsset Name Supporting Activities

Empowerment 8. Youth as resources Peer Mentoring Programs
9. Service to others Trees for Compass House
10. Safety Lackawanna Boxing Club Drive

Challenge/HELP/WIN Student Leadership Groups

Toy Drive for Childrens Hospital
Peer Educator and Mediation Program
i-Mentoring
Student Generated Announcements
Internet Safety Programs

External Assets Asset Name Supporting Activities

12. School boundaries Team Awards

Boundaries
14. Adult role models Study Skills Programs
and 15. Positive peer Presidents Award/Breakfast
Expectations influence
16. High Expectations Homework Club

Posting Merit & Honor Roll Students

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External Assets Asset Name Supporting Activities
17. Creative activities Red Ribbon Week

Constructive 18. Youth programs Beautification of Building

Use of Fund Raising
Time
Family Fun Night
Hoops for Hearts
School Dances
Fun Run

External Assets Asset Name Supporting Activities

21. Achievement Book Club
motivation
22. School engagement 4th grade Transition Program
Commitment 23. Homework Silent Reading Time
to Learning
24. Bonding to school Student Initiated Announcements
25. Reading for Study Skills Program
pleasure
Homework Club

Peer Mentoring Program

Choice Theory-Connecting Habits

Internal Assets and Supporting Activities

Internal Assets Asset Name Supporting Activities

Positive 26. Caring Adventure Learning

Values 27. Equality and Social Challenge/H.E.L.P. Leadership Programs

Justice
28. Integrity Character Education Program
29. Honesty Casey Community Cares
30. Responsibility School Spirit Projects
31. Restraint No Put Downs
Wellness Night
Community Service Projects
Advisor/Advisee Program
Casey Leadership Camp
Play Honk

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Internal Assets Asset Name Supporting Activities
Social 32.Planning and Advisor/Advisee
Competencies Decision-Making

33. Interpersonal Tony Williams Positive

Competence Peer Relationships
34. Cultural Peer Monitoring Programs
Competence
35. Resistance Skills Talent/Air Band Shows
36. Peaceful Conflict Peer Educator Programs
Resolution
Play Honk
Study Skills Program
National Foreign Language Week
Peer Mediation/Conflict Resolution
District Art Show
No Put Downs
Channel 2 student and staff Interviews on bullying

Internal Assets Asset Name Supporting Activities

Positive 37.Personal Power Challenge/H.E.L.P. Leadership Programs
Identity

38. Self Esteem 8th grade Career Fair

39. Sense of Purpose Wellness Assemblies

40. Positive View of Red Ribbon Week
Personal Future
Community Service Program

Tony Williams Positive Peer Relationships

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 HIGH SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS

East High School

East High School implemented a number of initiatives during the 2006-2007
school year. A sample of these activities are as follows:
1.) Reinforcement of the Asset Model and sharing the 2005 Search Survey
results with all the Williamsville East HS stakeholders. Specific events
included:
Presentation to the PTSA at an evening meeting in cooperation
with the Amherst Youth Board.
Presentation to the WEHS faculty during a faculty meeting in
cooperation with the Amherst Youth Board.
Student Assembly and small group discussion. The Asset Model
and the Search Survey results were shared with students in the
form of a game show called Risk or No Risk. Following the
assemblies, student facilitators lead small group discussions
focused on four areas of the Search Survey results. This program
was a cooperative effort that included the WEHS Shared Decision
Making Team, Wellness Team, Student Leadership Council and the
Amherst Youth Boards Youth Consortium.

2.) The second annual Wellness Fair was held. This event featured
numerous exhibitors focused upon healthy lifestyles for the physical,
psychological and emotional health of adolescents.

3.) Internet Safety Presentations all freshmen and sophomores were

presented i-Safe information in small group settings led by Patti McLain
of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

4.) Peer Educators students presently enrolled in 11th grade were trained to
lead class discussions with 8th grade students at Transit Middle School. A
myriad of topics, designed to facilitate the transition from middle school to
high school, are addressed.

5.) Community Service over 150 students were involved in a variety of

ongoing service learning projects. The Hike for Hospice is one of the
major events held this year.

6.) Stress Free Day a wide range of fun activities and educational
information is offered to students to facilitate the development of ways to
cope with stress. This event was a Challenge Team activity.

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 7.) New Student Welcome Program various activities focused on
welcoming and integrating students who are new to WEHS were designed
and implemented. This also represents an initiative promoted by the
Challenge Team.

North High School

North has had an active year as we worked on assets of personal power, self-
esteem, sense of purpose and positive view of personal future. We had a
number of students attend our Wellness meetings on a regular basis. This was
helpful in planning and enabling students to further build their own assets. We
sponsored two Veteran Rookie events for the freshmen and upperclassmen that
volunteered a pizza party and a Sabres Night. The Sabres Night was such a
success that we sponsored a 2nd one! We have also had a Wellness Fair,
continue to conduct the invisible mentoring program, and sponsor thank you
grams to adults in the building. We were fortunate to have Patti McLain from the
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children present to all our students in
gym classes as one of our health modules dealing with cyber safety. These
classes received favorable reviews and provided students with valuable
information. Finally, we have continued to work actively with our Challenge club
students to implement many of the Wellness initiatives as they showcase their
own sense of purpose and leadership.

South High School

This year Souths Wellness Team continued to focus on promoting healthy life
style choices. In doing so, the Wellness team supported the Internal Asset of
Positive Identity; giving the students a sense of Personal Power and an
optimistic, positive view of his/her own personal future. Students continued to
develop social competence through good (healthy) planning and decision-
making.

The highlight this year was the development and implementation of a very
successful Wellness fair. Approximately twenty-five community organizations,
businesses, and agencies provided students with information regarding choosing
healthy lifestyles, foods, and fitness. In addition, school nutrition personnel
continued to explore and offer a variety of healthier eating choices and the PTSA
School Store converted completely to healthier snack and drink options. The
South b-healthy student group helped plan and organize a Taste of South
Cookbook, which will be completed and ready for sale and distribution this fall.

Many of Souths clubs, groups, and organizations continue to organize and

promote charitable events and fundraisers to help our community. Efforts were
further expanded this year with the introduction of Rachels Challenge, a program
designed to help stem the tide of school violence and bullying, as well as
promoting kindness and understanding.

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AIM Program
In keeping with the district wellness focus for 2006-2007, we began the year with
internet safety presentations for parents and students utilizing i-safe educational
materials. Periodic reminders to students about cyber safety and citizenship
have provided follow-up to the September program.

Developing and maintaining healthy relationships has been another focus of the
AIM wellness program. A fall scavenger hunt at the Amherst Museum allowed
teams of new and returning AIM students to get acquainted (and learn some
local history). The first annual AIM Day of Caring enabled small groups of
students working at four sites time to get to know each other while providing a
service to others. Other AIM traditions were also continued, such as daily
homeroom, Friday breakfasts, small group discussions and field trips help
students develop a positive social network. In the spring, AIM girls and boys
worked separately with Tony Williams, a local presenter and Director of the NW
Buffalo Community Center, on issues of healthy boy/girl relationships. We will
continue to discuss dating and healthy relationships in small groups. Mr.
Williams will return for a wrap-up session prior to the administration of June
exams.

External Assets and Supporting Activities

External Assets Asset Name Supporting Activities

Support 1. Family support
2. Positive Family
Communications
3. Other Adult Relationships
4. Caring neighborhood
5. Caring school
6. Parent involvement in
school
Parent Presentations Rachels challenge
and Search Survey results
Internet Safety i-Safe parent program and
presentations by Katie Koestner and Patti
McLain
New Student Welcome Programs, Newsletter
articles
Mentoring program
Beautification Project
Community Service Activities
Parent Representation on Wellness Teams

External Assets Asset Name Supporting Activities

Empowerment 7. Community values youth
8. Youth as resources
9. Service to others
10. Safety
Peer education programs
Service Club
Focus Groups
Leadership training
Outdoor Ed/Team Building

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External Assets Asset Name
Boundaries And 11. Family boundaries
Expectations
12. School boundaries
13. Neighborhood boundaries
14. Adult role models
External Assets Asset Name
Constructive Use 15. Positive peer influence
of Time
16. High Expectations
17. Creative activities
18. Youth programs
20. Time at home
External Assets Asset Name
Commitment To 21. Achievement motivation
Learning
22. School engagement
23. Homework
24. Bonding to school
25. Reading for pleasure
Internal Assets and Supporting Activities
Internal Assets Asset Name
Positive Values 26. Caring
27. Equality and Social
Justice
28. Integrity
29. Honesty
30. Responsibility
31. Restraint
Supporting Activities
Sexual harassment education Newsletter
articles
Safety messages to parents re: proms, post
H.S. life
Promoted Safehomes
Staff In-services
Supporting Activities
Freshman Transition programs
Cultural awareness clubs
Leadership programs (Challenge, Help)
Team building programs
Mix it up Day
Stress Free Day
Students participating on Wellness Council &
Building Wellness Committees
Supporting Activities
Study skills summer workshop
Student tutoring program
Motivational speakers, Sabres Night and
Movie Night
Student of the month program
Student recognition program
Supporting Activities
Service activities
Invisible children program
Renaissance House program
Tolerance of Individual differences program
Black history month
Cultural awareness assembly/club
World AIDS week
SAAD
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Internal Assets Asset Name Supporting Activities
Social 32. Planning and Decision- Cultural awareness assembly
Competencies Making
33. Interpersonal Student representation on wellness council
Competence and committees
34. Cultural Competence Stress Free Day
35. Resistance Skills Senior Seminars
36. Peaceful Conflict Freshman program on asset building
Resolution

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 APPENDIX
Please Note: Unless otherwise indicated, all six elementary schools participated
in the programs listed.

Asset Building/Character Education

- No Putdowns Programs and Displays *
- Character Education Concert/assemblies
- Character Pledge (MW)
- Kids for Character Assembly Programs (H, MW)
- The Inner "I" Program (D, H)
- Integrating Character Education/Asset Building Curricula
- Character Education Themes
- On-going Character Education displays
- Random Acts of Kindness
- Student Wellness/Character Education Committee
- Accountability plan (D)
- Character Ed-related Announcements
- Kindness Weeks/Tag Youre It (CP, F, MW, ME)
- Rules Brochure (CP)
- Before and After School Clubs *
- Life-Skills building programs (H, ME)*
- V-brick announcements (D)*
- Apple a Day (D, ME, MW)
- You Can Make a Difference brochure for parents
- Asset Newsletters

Child Safety Program

- Local Fire Department
- Safe Homes
- Child safety skills program
- Stranger Danger (CP)
- Escape School (H, MW)
- Internet Safety*
- Bike Safety

Conflict Resolution
- No Putdowns Program *
- IDEAS Grades K-4
- Social Skills Groups
- Friendship Groups
- Special Friends
- Talking with TJ (CP, ME)
- Cooperative Play Group

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 Disability Awareness
- Classroom lessons/grade level programs*

Drug Awareness
- Apple a Day (ME, MW, D) *
- Red Ribbon Week Activities
- 2 Smart 2 Start (ME, CP, D)
- Persuasive letters to seniors*

Family School Community Connection

- American Legion coloring contest
- Amherst Task Force Involvement
- Amherst Youth Board
- Asset Building Communication/Presentations
- Birthday Recognition
- Cultural Diversity Activities
- Family Celebrations: Mother, Father, Grandparents
- Ice Cream Social, Country Fair, Fun Fair, Fall Fest
- Community Service Clubs
- Parent Speaker Series
- Parent Volunteers
- Business Partnerships
- PARP/BEAR Parent/Community Readers
- Family Poster Program (MW)
- Fun 2 B Fit
- TV Turn-off Week
- School theater/musical programs

Health Lifestyles Emotional, Physical, Nutritional

- Fitness/Wellness Programs
- Fun with Fitness
- Healthy Habits Curriculum connection
- Intramurals
- ACES (All Children Exercise Simultaneously) (MW)
- Nutrition Awareness design menus for wellness lunch, nutrition
- Healthy Heart
- Healthy Snack Distribution
- Cafeteria Recognition/Lunch Bunch
- Apple a Day (MW, ME, D)
- Mix It Up Day (CP, D)
- Healthy Cookbook (CP)
- Take Stress in Stride
- Health and Wellness Months
- Banana Splits
- Family Wellness Nights *
- Fitness with FritzInger (D)

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 - Special Friends
- Tim Hortons Camp (D,F)*

Resource Library:
- On-going expansion of library for students, parents, and staff consisting of
books, videos, charts, games and computer programs

Study Skills:
- Agenda mates, assignment sheets
- Study Skills Lessons/Groups

Values of Helping People

- Bus Buddies (ME, CP, D)*
- Care Club (D, H)
- Third Grade Booster Club(MW)
- Circle of Friends/Friendship groups
- Millard Fillmore Hospital Boo Boo Club (ME)
- Nursing Home Correspondence cards, letters, visitations
- Food Drives
- Veterans Connection
- Roswell Connection (CP, D)
- Care Packets for new Students
- Support for Immigrants coming to WNY (F)
- Correspondence and Collection of Active Service People
- Clothing Drive
- Transition to New Grade Projects
- Kindergarten Buddies
- Reading Buddies
- Book Donations
- Variety Club Telethon (ME, F)
- Child Helpers (CP)
- Good Will, Jr. (ME)

* This indicates new initiatives in some elementary buildings.

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 Comprehensive List of Middle School Wellness Activities

Appendix:

Please Note: Unless otherwise indicated, all four middle schools participated in
the programs listed

- Parent Wellness Presentations

- Channel 2s Student and Faculty interviews on bullying
- Red Ribbon Week
- Houghton Adventure Learning Trips/Activities (M, T, C)
- Team Building
- Casey Community Cares Program (C)
- Rules and Boundaries Assemblies
- Run for NCFEMC (H)
- Peer Educators
- Big Brother/Big Sister (M)
- Peer Tutoring
- Joy Drive Toy Drive for Children
- Lackawanna Boxing Club
- Have a Heart
- Trees for Compass House
- BOCES Challenge 2006 Leadership/Wellness Program
- Study Skills Program
- Informational Brochures and School Newspaper Articles for the
Community
- Wall of Acceptance (M)
- Internet Safety Programming (H)
- Healthy Education/Promotions
o Nutritional Values Study
o Healthy Life Styles
o Faculty Healthy Life Styles
- Silent Reading Time
- No Put Downs (C, M, H)
- Glassers Seven Connecting Habits to Improve Relationships (M)
- 8th Grade Career Exploration Day
- Hand Washing Programs
- Car Wash (M)
- TV Turn Off Week (H)
- i-Mentor Program (H)
- 100 Mile Ride NCMEC Rest Stop at Heim Middle
- Positive Peer Relations Tony Williams (H, C, T)
- Weekly V-Brick Announcements on Healthy Lifestyles/Assets
- Club Fair (H)
- Student Beautification of Buildings

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 Comprehensive List of High School Wellness Programs

Please Note: Unless otherwise indicated, all high schools participated in the
programs listed.

- Peer education programs

- Freshman program to teach importance of developmental assets (S)
- Cultural Awareness Club (N, E)
- Cultural Awareness Assembly (E)
- SADD (E, S, N)
- Community Service Clubs/Programs/Interact
- SPEAK Club-addresses issues of diversity and tolerance (E)
- Environmental Club (N, S)
- New Student Welcoming Initiatives
- Grade level Parent Meeting series (E)
- Wellness Resource Center for students in Health Office
- Resource Center/Lending library for Staff and Parents
- Wellness articles in PTSA newsletter
- Freshmen Group seminars (E, S)
- P.R.I.D.E. program (Peer Partnering with BOCES Special Education
Students) (E, AIM)
- Safety message to senior parents re: proms
- Faculty/staff presentations on Wellness topics
- H.E.L.P. (Having Empowered Leaders for Peers) in area of HIV, STD
prevention
- Challenge Leadership camp
- School Beautification Project involving staff, students and parents (S, AIM)
- Organize campus blood drive for Red Cross (AIM, S)
- New Parent Orientation
- SEARCH Institute Survey results presented to parents, staff and students
- Focus groups regarding next Search Survey
- Seniors only movin on presentation and alumni panel discussion (N, E)
- Classroom presentations by social worker on mental health topics
- Homeroom life quotes and stories around character issues (AIM)
- Student-of-Month recognition (S, N)
- Faculty member of month (N, S)
- Poster program advertising where kids can go to get help (N, S)
- Community resource guide in student handbooks
- Signs in lavatories and about where to go for help
- After School Forums on Wellness Topics (N)
- Small Group Processing of Assembly Programs (E)
- Invisible Mentoring Program introduced (N)
- Prison visits (AIM, S)
- Essay contest re: an important person in your life (S)
- Mix It Up Day (N)
- Welcome back presentation on power of teachers (N)

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- Fund raising activities for Katrina victims, Haven House, Hospice,
Compass House, Renaissance House, Cornerstone Manor
- Canned Food Drive
- Stress free day (E)
- Wellness Fair
- Healthy Lifestyle Building Initiative (S)
- Project Appreciation thank you grams to veterans (N)
- Internet safety parent program (AIM)
- School violence prevention program Rachels Club (S)
- Invisible children assembly (S)
- Internet safety student program
- Sabres night (N)
- NCCC career day (AIM)

29
WELLNESS COUNCIL

REPORT

2006 - 2007

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