LYNNFIELD — The Health Department has been hosting a back-to-school celebration every Monday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. since Aug. 5 and will continue through Sept. 23 at the Lynnfield Assembly Hall.
Health Director Coral Hope and Dr. Jennifer Barnes, a member of the town's crisis prevention team, are hosting the activities for students ages 12 to 15.
This is the first year the health department has hosted the program, Hope said.
The aim, she added, is to give students an “awareness” of what they will face in high school.
“Going to high school is a big thing, and I thought just giving them some tools would make it a lot easier for them,” Hope said.
The weekly programs focus on stress relief and stress management tools, time management skills, health and fitness education and relationship building, she said.
Monday nights combine crafts and education classes, Hope said.
Hope said Dr Burns will lead a mindfulness workshop next week on September 2nd.
Dr Burns said she will be explaining skills to help people give themselves positive feedback and check in with their own mental wellbeing.
The following week, on September 9th, the police department, fire department and town elected officials will be invited to join the students for an ice cream party.
The goal of the night is for students to build and develop relationships with adults in the community who can support them, Hope said.
“It's nice to get to know them now and build relationships with them,” she said.