Northside School Utilizes Art For Wellness Program

Students at Northside Elementary School in Wolf Point capped a special program with their special art show on Thursday, Dec. 10.

The Art for Wellness program featured fourth-graders, who are now fifth-graders, working to complete monthly wellness activities, nutrition information and an art project.

Dr. Julie H. Alexander-Ruff, Montana State University’s College of Nursing, and Christine R. Hodgson, Ph. D. student at the University of Arizona, conducted the program in Wolf Point.

Alexander-Ruff explained that a goal was learning culturally responsible behavior.

“We learned a lot during the year,” she said. “We learned as much as the students.”

The program was made possible due to a Montana State University grant through the Center for American Indian and Rural Health Equity. A total of 72 Wolf Point students participated in the learning process.

Students finished seven projects throughout the program. They received certificates at the end of the process. The students’ creations were displayed in booths to be viewed by parents and teachers on Thursday.

“Today, we celebrate their yearlong work,” Alexander-Ruff said.

Sections included: “What I love,” “Crayons, Markers and a Letter to My Future Self,” “How I Stay Active,” “Take Home Art,” “Clay Pinch Pots or Coil Pots and the Concept of Resilience,” “Buffalo Bags” and “Ledger Art.”

Alexander-Roff noted that nutrition, exercising and relaxation were some of the lessons learned during the course.

“The schools asked us to continue,” she said. “We have some partners in the community, so we would like it to continue.”