On January 5, the Crete-Monee School District 201-U kicked off the new year by hosting its second annual Staff Institute Day Wellness Fair—an energizing event focused on prioritizing employee mental health and wellbeing while recharging staff for the second half of the school year.

Organized by the Benefits and Wellness Team in collaboration with the Office of Teaching and Learning Team, the fair took place during Institute Day and reflected goals outlined in the district’s strategic plan to enhance staff wellbeing by promoting physical, mental, financial, and intellectual health.

“Mrs. Ellis and I are thrilled to continue bringing a focus on wellness to our district through our annual Institute Day Wellness Fair,” said Benefits Coordinator Dana Holman. “While the planning process can be challenging, we are committed to listening to feedback from both staff and vendors to thoughtfully design an event that continues to grow and improve each year.”

Holman said that wellness can be overlooked during busy days, but it plays an essential role in supporting staff as whole individuals.

“The Wellness Fair provides an opportunity for staff to step away from their daily routines, reconnect, recharge, and come together in a meaningful way,” Holman said. “It is a time not only for rejuvenation, but also for building connections and fostering a sense of community across the district.”

The day began with an inspiring keynote speaker, Dr. Joshua Ray, a nationally recognized leader in the Professional Learning Communities (PLC) at Work process. Dr. Ray encouraged staff to pursue balance and sustainability in both life and work, reminding attendees that today’s fast-paced world can easily become overwhelming. Drawing from The Happiness Advantage, he shared that when the brain is in a positive state, individuals are 31% more productive—setting an empowering tone for the day ahead.

“We were excited to build on the success of last year’s wellness fair and thrilled to expand the offerings for our staff this year,” said Superintendent Dr. Kara Coglianese. “Providing additional wellness experiences and opportunities to earn continuing education credit hours reinforces our commitment to supporting our employees both personally and professionally.”

“This event is a powerful way to re-energize our staff as they return from winter break,” said Dr. Todd Hall, Board of Education member. “When we invest in our people, that investment shows up in classrooms every day and positively shapes student experiences. This level of support is truly unique, and it’s something that distinguishes our district as a leader.”

Interactive Activities and Wellness Sessions

The Institute Day Wellness Fair featured a mix of hands-on activities, wellness sessions, a vendor walk, and lunch from local food trucks. Staff were able to customize their experience by selecting four sessions, choosing from an exciting lineup that included:

• Massage Chairs: Relaxing chair massages designed to reduce stress and muscle tension.
• Dance Party and Karaoke: Stress relief through singing, dancing, and high-energy fun.
• Candle Making: Crafting personalized candles with calming scents.
• Cardio Line Dancing: A fun, upbeat workout combining movement and music.
• Cardio Drumming: A low-impact, full-body workout performed while drumming to the beat of music.
• Paint Party: Relaxing canvas painting that requires no prior artistic experience.
• Sound Bath: A meditative experience using sound waves from singing bowls, gongs, and chimes.
• Healing Paws Program: Calming interactions with the district’s therapy dogs.
• Mobile Escape Room: Team-based problem solving through interactive challenges.
• Meal Prepping: Practical tips and demonstrations for preparing healthy meals.
• Fitness Cycling: High-energy indoor cycling focused on endurance and strength.
• Jewelry Making: Hands-on creation of personalized jewelry pieces.
• Game Room: Casual games and activities for social connection and relaxation.
• Quiet Room: A peaceful space for reflection, mindfulness, and decompression.
• Ceramic Painting: Creative painting of ceramic pieces in a relaxed setting.
• 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament: Friendly competition promoting teamwork and physical activity.
• Fieldhouse Activities: Open recreational activities encouraging movement and engagement.
• Spa Activities: Self-care stations featuring an oxygen bar, a salt scrub bar, an essential oil bar, and leg compression therapy.

“Our goal is to offer a wide variety of activities, experiences, and resources to ensure there is something for everyone—regardless of interests, comfort level, or wellness goals,” Holman said. “By doing so, we hope to create an inclusive environment where all staff feel welcomed, supported, and encouraged to prioritize their wellbeing.