Pirate Parrot and friends visit H.D. Berkey students in Arnold to kick off wellness campaign
The purpose of Monday’s assembly at H.D. Berkey Elementary School in Arnold was to kick off a week’s worth of mental health and wellness lessons in the new Chill Mobile RV that’s parked behind the school.
But, when the Pirate Parrot made his grand entrance into the cafeteria, sliding between aisles of students, the atmosphere was anything but “chill.”
Students went wild as the big, fluffy, green Pittsburgh Pirates mascot rolled into the assembly with Sauerkraut Saul, a racing cartoon pierogi seen at Pirates games, and J.T. Brubaker, a pitcher for the team.
But they returned to being silent and listened when PNC Park announcer Joe Klimchak and Emily Bodo, an AHN behavioral health educator, began to share what was in store for them for the week and school year to come.
AHN and the Pirates unveiled the Chill Mobile RV to students at Berkey as part of AHN’s psychiatry and behavioral health institute’s “Chill Project.” The RV will be at the school this week.
Roz Koari, supervisor for the Chill Mobile, said the Chill Project teaches students and teachers evidence-based, mindful exercises to help them identify, discuss and react positively to stress.
According to AHN, schools involved with the Chill Project report a reduced number of behavioral health incidents for students, such as chronic absence and disruptive behavior, an increased access to resources and professional quality of life for educators and students’ families and an enhanced mindful awareness and resiliency across the school community.
Bodo said the Chill Mobile will be at the school this week and for a period of time during the winter and spring. She said lessons will include stress responses and identifying emotions.
During the assembly, Bodo led the students through a deep-breathing exercise.
“I think it’s really valuable. Everybody has rough days, and I think the earlier they can learn these coping mechanisms and skills, the better off they will be,” Principal Brian Heidenreich said.
“The students loved it,” Heidenreich said. “It was great to see smiles. It’s a great start to the week.”
The Chill Mobile RV also will make stops at New Ken-Arnold’s Martin Elementary School this year. On Sept. 5, the school board approved a separate program in which AHN is working with county officials to approve staffing a certified specialist for a chill room at Roy A. Hunt Elementary.
Kellen Stepler is a TribLive reporter covering the Allegheny Valley and Burrell school districts and surrounding areas. He joined the Trib in April 2023. He can be reached at kstepler@triblive.com.
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