CPS Wellness Collaborative to encourage leading healthier lifestyles

Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) has an initiative designed to support student wellness across multiple dimensions of health. The CPS Wellness Collaborative brings together teams of students and faculty to identify challenges and opportunities related to well-being, with the overarching goal of promoting healthier lifestyles throughout the district.

The initiative focuses on eight key dimensions of wellness: Physical, Emotional, Occupational, Intellectual, Social, Spiritual, Financial, and Environmental. By addressing these diverse areas, the collaborative aims to provide a holistic approach to student well-being, helping students adopt healthier habits and improve their overall quality of life.

As part of the program, student teams will design and implement an annual  wellness capstone project tailored to the specific needs of their school communities. These campaigns will focus on issues most relevant to the student population and aim to inspire positive changes that promote well-being throughout the school environment.

Shelly Conrad, Student Engagement Specialist, shared, “What made this experience truly special was that the Wellness Collaborative students specifically requested more activities centered on mental health and relaxation techniques.” She continued, “They voted for art therapy, and it was a hit! The students were able to unwind and practice calming the nervous system through art.

The program kicked off this year with an impactful event led by Soul Palette, a group painting experience that focused on nurturing emotional and social wellness. This event gave students a chance to express themselves creatively while connecting with their peers in a relaxed, supportive atmosphere.

“Soul Palette did an amazing job bringing the students’ creativity to life while fostering a sense of calm. One Western Hills student even mentioned on their way out, 'After the week I had, this was much needed,” Conrad said. 

The Wellness Collaborative underscores CPS's commitment to supporting not just academic success, but also the overall health and well-being of students. By addressing a wide range of wellness dimensions, the initiative seeks to equip students with the tools they need to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives—both inside and outside the classroom.