“Be Kind to Your Mind”: Roxbury Schools Expand Annual Wellness Fair to K-12, Bridging Community and Mental Health

ROXBURY, NJ (April 22, 2026) — The Roxbury School District is proud to announce the return of its annual Social-Emotional Wellness Fair, an event dedicated to fostering mental health awareness and community connection on Wednesday, April 29th from 5-7pm at the Franklin Pavilion (8 Meeker Street in Succasunna). This year marks a significant milestone as the initiative expands from a K-6 project to a full K-12 district-wide event, bringing together students of all ages to lead the way in social-emotional learning (SEL).

An Evolution of Sustainability and Wellness

The roots of this event trace back to a vision for student-led outreach and a mission to raise awareness of sustainability practices through education, outreach, and hands-on student leadership. In 2019, Roxbury was one of only 11 districts awarded a $10,000 grant from the Sustainable Jersey for Schools Grants Program and the NJEA for the proposal "STEAM Expos: Seeds of Sustainability and Gearing Gaels to Go Green." The first expo, "Seeds of Sustainability," was held in March 2020—just one week before the COVID-19 pandemic—allowing students to teach their peers, parents, and the public about their environmental stewardship projects. While the pandemic shifted plans for the second expo, the initiative morphed into the district’s SEL Night. This transformation, the brainchild of the district counseling team, merges the original mission of "going green" with the vital importance of mental health and social-emotional wellness.

Students Leading the Way: “Be Kind to Your Mind”

Under the student-designed motto “Be Kind to Your Mind,” this year’s theme of “Gaels Going Green” carries a dual meaning: honoring Mental Health Awareness Month (starting May 1) and the district’s focus on responsible, sustainable choices.

Unlike traditional fairs, the heart of this event lies in student interaction. Attendees won't just observe; they will participate in hands-on activities led by student volunteers eager to teach the wellness skills they’ve mastered in the classroom. Each school in the district is hosting a specific SEL station:

• Franklin School: (Self-Awareness) - Creating personal “Gratitude Jars” to take home.
• Jefferson School: Focusing on Social Awareness.
• Lincoln Roosevelt: Building Relationship Skills.
• Nixon School: Demonstrating Responsible Decision Making.
• Kennedy School: Practicing Self-Management.
• Eisenhower Middle School: Navigating Social Media.
• Roxbury High School: Collaborative Team Building.

“Having our younger students work directly with our middle and high schoolers is a powerful way to bridge the gap within our community,” shared our school counseling team. “It allows families to see how these concepts evolve developmentally from kindergarten through graduation.”

Community Resources and Support

Beyond the student tables, families can explore an extensive vendor section featuring local community resources, mental health providers, and school support services. Confirmed attendees include:

• Youth & Sports: Rising Star Soccer Academy, North Jersey Aquatics, and 4H.
• Support & Wellness: Comfort Zone Camp, Center for Family Services, CTRL Care Behavioral Health, and the Bristow Center.
• Community & Education: Roxbury Police Department, Tutor Doctor, and school technology support.

Event Details & Registration

The event will take place at the Franklin School Pavilion. To support busy schedules, food will be available while supplies last.

• Parking: Available at Franklin School.
• Overflow Parking: Available at Lincoln/Roosevelt School and the Meeker Street building. (Note: There is no street parking available).
• Registration: Families are encouraged to register in advance. While approximately 100 families have already pre-registered, the district expects to meet or exceed its annual average of 300 attendees. SEL Family Night Registration can be completed online here.

The district aims to ensure every family walks away with a greater sense of belonging and access to a wealth of community resources.

Vendor Inquiries: The district is still welcoming local organizations that wish to host a table. Interested parties should email sdelrusso@roxbury.org for more information.

About Roxbury Schools SEL: Social-Emotional Learning is a cornerstone of the Roxbury curriculum, with school counselors delivering SEL lessons throughout the year. This annual fair serves as the bridge that connects classroom learning to real-world community application.

PHOTO ATTACHED (courtesy of Roxbury Schools)

• SEL Night Flyer (PDF | JPG)
• Gaels Going Green Logo

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