In the 2021-2022 school year, staff at IVES have had the opportunity to participate in Health and Wellness challenges on a monthly basis in order to promote healthy lifestyles. Challenges ranged from healthy eating with balanced meals to improving heart health and participating in walking competitions. The IVES Health and Wellness Committee strived to encourage staff with two initiatives this year. Wellness Wednesdays aimed to give staff opportunities to improve their own well-being with movement and healthy eating.

Walking Wednesdays gave staff the opportunity to come together and bond on a more personal level while also moving their bodies. Those involved would walk around the school each Wednesday morning before school, giving the staff at IVES a chance to become more familiar with the people they see and work with each day. The walking group has become a helpful way to start the day on a positive note. 

The Wellness Team was able to use funds from an awarded grant to help provide staff with fresh fruits and vegetables on teacher work days. The grant also allowed for the committee to provide healthy snacks & drinks such as granola bars and calming teas to teachers each Wednesday. Teachers were able to continue enjoying a hot cup of coffee in the two Zen Den lounges. The Zen Den has remained a calm space for teachers to enjoy a quick break and grab a snack or drink. 

IVES is excited to continue to support students and staff with health and wellness goals in the years to come.