P.J. Gelinas Junior High School’s new ninth-grade Hands on Health course is designed to enable students to participate in activities and lessons centered on myriad health and wellness topics. 

As part of a recent unit on mindfulness and stress relief, the students conducted presentations for their peers based on comprehensive research. They delivered 10-minute activities and then organized push-in lessons for the seventh-grade classes, which included PowerPoint presentations and different activities pertaining to health-enhancing behaviors. Additionally, the entire class participated in a yoga workshop during a field trip to Avalon Park. 

Other units included as part of the course were teambuilding, communication, mental health and relationships. The class will conclude the year with lessons on hands-only CPR and presentations on the many careers in the health field.