QUINWOOD, W.Va. (WVDN) — Students at Crichton Elementary School traded traditional textbooks for interactive lessons recently during a hands-on health initiative designed to bridge the gap between classroom instruction and real-world wellness.
The program, organized through a partnership between Greenbrier County Schools and several community organizations, brought together medical and nursing students to provide mentorship and practical health education to young learners.
Second-year students from the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM) joined nursing students from New River Community and Technical College to lead the activities. The collaborative effort was coordinated by Aetna Better Health of West Virginia and the Greenbrier County Family Resource Network.
Organizers said the initiative aims to empower students to take ownership of their physical and mental well-being.
“The initiative aims to connect classroom learning with real-world health practices and empower students to make informed choices about their well-being,” Greenbrier County Schools said in a social media statement.
The event featured a variety of interactive stations, including a popular appearance by Dr. Ted E. Bear, a mascot used to engage younger children in health discussions. The activities focused on reinforcing healthy habits that students are introduced to during their regular curriculum.
To ensure the lessons extended beyond the school day, students in grades 3–5 received take-home bags. These kits included health resources intended to help families continue the conversation about wellness and preventative care at home.
The program is part of a broader effort in Greenbrier County to utilize local professional resources to enhance the educational experience for elementary students.
