On Sept. 13, 2025, Utica Community Schools hosted its second annual Family Wellness Fair at Eisenhower High School, welcoming students, families and staff to explore more than 30 community vendors and connect with the UCS THRIVE team. The event highlighted ways families can support wellness at home and in daily life.

The fair’s main goal was to bring the UCS community together while promoting the importance of living a healthy, balanced lifestyle. With the support of local vendors, the THRIVE team shared resources and activities that encouraged physical health, mental and emotional well-being and social connection.

“Teaching aspects of wellness is important to all of us in UCS and helps promote the idea of whole child learning,” said Shelby Junior High school teacher Erin Chambers. “If we want to educate the whole child, then we must think outside the box to meet the needs of every student.”

To make the event engaging for all ages, vendors were encouraged to bring interactive demonstrations, ensuring students had fun while parents explored valuable resources. Inside the library, the THRIVE team hosted an activity space where children could color, enjoy face painting, dance and more. The district’s Food and Nutrition Services department also joined the fair, offering families a closer look at how UCS works to provide nutritious meals that support student health and learning.

“Events like the Family Wellness Fair give us the opportunity to connect families with valuable resources while building a stronger sense of community,” said Kim Charland Executive Director of Secondary Curriculum and Programs. “When students see wellness prioritized at school and at home, they are better equipped to thrive academically and personally.”

The Family Wellness Fair not only celebrated healthy lifestyles but also reflected the commitment of UCS to support the whole child through community, creativity and care.