FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Correction to workshop schedule)

The Colorado Springs School Launches Innovative Wellness Conference for Middle School Students

Kodiak Compass Conference Reimagines Post-Winter Break Transition with Professional Development Model

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO – The Colorado Springs School will host its 2^nd Annual Kodiak Compass Wellness Conference for middle school division during J-Term 2026, replacing traditional classroom schedules with a comprehensive wellness program designed to help students transition back to campus after winter break. This innovative approach to student wellbeing represents a distinctive program unique to The Colorado Springs School.

The full-day conference transforms the typical return-to-school experience by adopting a professional conference format, offering students the opportunity to choose from eight specialized workshops focused on health, identity, and wellbeing.

"This conference uses a format that professionals use to learn and grow," explained Erin Cerezo, Director of Lower and Middle School. "Students will attend sessions led by different facilitators, each offering unique perspectives and activities tailored to middle school developmental needs."

Conference Structure and Format

The Kodiak Compass Wellness Conference features:

• Student Choice: Participants select three workshops from eight available options
• Small Group Learning: Each workshop accommodates approximately 9-10 students
• Interactive Sessions: Hands-on activities designed for active participation
• Community Building: Day begins with group morning yoga and ends with drum circle sessions

Workshop Offerings

Students can choose from the following wellness-focused sessions:

1. AI Workshop (facilitated by Dr. Hayes, Director of STEM and Innovation)
2. Portrait of Self (Erin Cerezo, Director of Lower and Middle School)
3. Mind, Body, Mirror (Emily Warren, School Counselor)
4. Health & My Body (Jose Galvan, Anthony Osroff, and Emily Fuller)
5. Stress: Friend or Foe? (Dr. Pernick, Director of Upper School)
6. Sleep Hygiene
7. Identity Beyond Achievement

Daily Schedule

The conference runs from 8:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. and includes:

• Morning yoga flow for all participants
• Three 45-minute workshop sessions
• Lunch break
• Drum circle activities (split into two groups)
• End-of-day reflection

Each student receives a keep-sake conference booklet for note-taking, reflection, and applying workshop insights to their daily lives.

Whole Child Approach

The initiative aligns with The Colorado Springs School's mission of "Guiding the Whole Child," providing middle school students with tools and knowledge to support their physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing during a critical developmental period. This type of comprehensive, student-centered wellness programming is unique to The Colorado Springs School.

"Students will explore topics related to their health, identity, and wellbeing in an environment that encourages curiosity, openness, and presence," organizers noted.

The conference's professional format introduces middle schoolers to self-directed learning and personal development practices they can carry throughout their academic careers and beyond.

About The Colorado Springs School (CSS)

The Colorado Springs School is an independent day school serving students from PreKindergarten through grade 12. Through superior academics and mentoring, CSS prepares students to think independently and to meet the needs of a dynamic world with leadership, ingenuity, problem-solving skills, and personal integrity through hands-on learning. Visit css.org. The school is located on a historic estate property of 28 acres at 21 Broadmoor Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80906.

Media Contact: Marie Newbrough, Director of Communications and Marketing, The Colorado Springs School