FOR THE PRESS TIMES
WEST DE PERE – The West De Pere Intermediate School Student Council, led by co-advisors Toni Smith and Andrea Dernbach, is making a difference in their classmates’ well-being.
Inspired by the success of weighted shoulder wraps in Smith’s fifth-grade classroom, the council spearheaded a project to provide every homeroom and special education classroom in Grades 5 and 6 with these calming tools.
The initiative was sparked two years ago when Smith, approached by her friend, social worker Kari Brooks, decided to create some weighted shoulder wraps for Smith’s class.
The wraps, similar to weighted blankets, use gentle pressure to promote relaxation and focus.
These proved to be very helpful for Smith’s students, particularly those experiencing anxiety or difficulty concentrating.
Current student council Grade 6 representative “Nahea” said that she liked the shoulder wraps when she wore them in the fifth grade.
“It would help calm me and help me center myself, and when I would get very anxious, the wraps would bring me comfort,” Nahea stated.
“The shoulder wraps are amazing tools for all kids. The weight on my shoulders is relaxing during tests. I choose to use the wraps. Why wouldn’t you when it helps you feel so relaxed and ready to learn?” Grade 5 rep “Hailey” added.
C.J., a fifth grade student council member said, “Kids in my class use them when things get stressful, to help them calm down, and to relax.”
When looking for a project to give back, the student council decided to make these wraps readily available throughout the school.
They raised funds through two separate grade-level activity nights, and the students cut out patterns for the wraps which were then delivered to Brooks for assembly.
Each student council representative then chose two completed wraps for their homerooms and presented them to their classmates in the coming days.