Students utilizing the Zen room to color and unwind

Perth Amboy Magnet School recently held its first Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Day, organized by the school’s Health and Wellness Team. The event highlighted initiatives made possible through the School Health NJ Grant and aimed to support both student and staff well-being.

Leading up to SEL Day, teachers shared a video in classrooms to spark conversations around the importance of social emotional learning in daily life. On the day of the event, community partners helped bring various wellness experiences to the school. NJ Spine and Wellness provided staff wellness activities, and “Scream Truck” offered ice cream to both students and staff—a connection made possible through the Supervisor of Special Education. Empower Somerset coordinated with Olympic athlete Joetta Clark-Diggs to lead a physical activity event with participating freshmen and junior students.

Students completed a reflection survey at the end of the day, with many reporting that the experience allowed them to connect with peers they don’t normally speak to and gave them a chance to relax. One student shared, “I haven’t had a day this good in a while.” Staff feedback was similarly positive—over 51% reported they strongly enjoyed the day, and nearly 92% took part in at least one activity. Among students, 75% said they either enjoyed or strongly enjoyed the day, with comments such as “this was much needed” and “we should do more days like this.”

Events like SEL Day are part of the school’s ongoing efforts to build a stronger sense of community and improve school climate through wellness-centered programming. More initiatives are planned as the Health and Wellness Team continues its work in the upcoming school year.

Students with their free ice-cream from the Scream Truck

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How funds were used:

  • Funds were used to purchase ice cream for the students
  • Remaining funds will be utilized to enhance the faculty room next year

“Best practices”

  • Celebrate the success of interventions through the Teen Connection Project
  • Promote prioritizing health and wellness for students and staff
  • Promote physical fitness and well-being with speaker Joetta Clark-Diggs
  • Encourage students to embrace the power of mindfulness through activities held in the Zen Room
  • Encourage employee wellness by joining with NJ Spine and Wellness to provide free 5-minute massages and lunch

People Involved

  • Grace DiMarco, Brian Bilal, Rhonda Baskerville, Renee Davis, Guy Johnson, Yadelin Vargas, Lee Resto, Elizabeth Mullican, Karen Cretella, Ashley Liriano, Aleyshka Calderon, Marquise Jones

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Name of school and town/school district: Perth Amboy Magnet School- Middlesex County Magnet Schools

Name and credentials of the contact person: Grace DiMarco, LSW

School Address: 457 High St, Perth Amboy, NJ 08861

E-mail: dimarcog@mcmsnj.net

Joetta Clark-Diggs (4-time Olympian) doing a physical activity program with PAMS students

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