Health and Wellness

Foundations in Health and Wellness is an innovative and collaborative program that emphasizes a comprehensive understanding of health and wellness related issues that affect the physical and psycho-social development of young women throughout their lives. Our curriculum reflects our expertise in understanding how girls learn with particular emphasis on each student's unique leadership abilities. The program encourages and supports students in their journey to develop critical thinking skills and self-reflection in a manner that fosters self-advocacy and informed decision-making. Through differentiated instruction, interdisciplinary learning and student-centered teaching approaches, students participate in class discussions, small group activities and role plays. At each tier of the program, students are encouraged to develop and enhance their innate leadership capacities and voice.

Did You Know...

  • The Health and Wellness Department offers meetings for all parents on a variety of topics, such as social-emotional development, how to recognize concerns/risks and what resources are available.
  • Since 2011, the Peer Mediation Program selects and trains seventh- and eighth-grade students to mediate issues around peer conflict and to assist students in the problem-solving process in both Primary and Middle School.
  • One-third of the senior class participates in the Peer Education Leader Program, an opportunity for specially trained senior leaders to facilitate small-group discussions with our ninth-graders about their transition to the Upper School.
  • Our Anti-bullying Task Force has provided a unified faculty/staff training component designed to foster a proactive, preventative, responsive and respectful school environment in which teasing, bullying and cyber-bullying, and micro-aggression in any form will not be tolerated but will be capably addressed through a Four-Step Response protocol.
  • The US Grade 10 Health and Wellness created their own TED Talks based upon a topic of their choice.
  • Learning to lead requires that one is organized and goal-focused, ethical and effective, and inclusive and responsive to oneself and others. Our Leadership, Diversity and Study Skills (LeaDs) components are integrated over the entire fifth-grade curriculum and during both semesters.

View Our Course Offerings

Primary School
Middle School
Upper School

Meet the Department

List of 3 members.

  • Photo of Leslie Jones-Wentz

    Ms. Leslie L Jones-Wentz 

    PS Science & Health Education Teacher
    Stephens College - B.A.
    Sarah Lawrence College - M.A.
    Bio
  • Photo of Barbara Smith

    Ms. Barbara Smith 

    US Counselor
  • Photo of Joan Wilson

    Mrs. Joan E Wilson 

    MS/US School Counselor and Health Education Teacher
    Yale University - B.A.
    Hunter College School of Social Work - M.S.W.
    Bio
42 Norwood Avenue, Summit, NJ 07901   |   (908) 273-0900
Kent Place School is an all-girls K through 12 independent college preparatory day school with a coeducational Preschool, located in Summit, NJ.

  • TEST WHAT'S "EXPECTED."

    That's our mantra in robotics. Try crazy things, be free with your ideas, and see what happens. If you're going to build the future, you'll need to be a pioneer. –Emma, seventh grade

  • LEAN INTO DIFFICULTY.

    When it comes to academics, it pays to challenge yourself. I'm in the Bioethics Symposium, presenting research on the ethics of genetically-enhanced intelligence. At times it's daunting—research, deadlines, time management—but it's also a whole new way of thinking. Very independent and "you-driven." –Isabella, sophomore

  • OWN YOUR OWN EXPERIENCE

    It's one of the "conversation norms" we have at Kent Place, and it's always resonated with me. Everyone has a different and equally valid perspective to bring to the table—so put yourself out there. –Mary, senior

  • DON’T THINK YOU’RE GOING TO GET A LABEL.

    There are no jocks here at Kent Place, no science geeks, no theater nerds. Last month a varsity athlete went to sing at the Vatican. Everyone here has some unique quality — and they’re amazing at what they do. –Claire, senior

  • REACH BEYOND WHAT YOU THINK YOU CAN ACCOMPLISH.

    You'll face plenty of challenges, but push through them. Brilliant women use their resources: their teachers, our studios and library and, of course, each other. If you're stuck, collaboration can almost always get you across the finish line. –Suzanne Carreno-Powers, Math Teacher and STEM Coordinator

  • GET READY FOR RIGOROUS WORK.

    And multiple extracurricular activities. Busy days, and a few late nights. But through it all, don’t lose your sense of fun. –Alessandra, junior

  • MAKE CONNECTIONS.

    KPS alumnae are amazing. I met one alumna after a math and science panel who works in retail architecture. That made me think about a cool way to combine two of my interests — math and fashion. –Amber, junior

  • YOUR TIME AT KPS IS GOING TO OPEN UP OPTIONS YOU HADN'T EVEN THOUGHT ABOUT.

    And when it's time to choose, you're going to know yourself so well, you'll pick the college that's the best fit for you—academically, socially, personally. So don't get tunnel vision. This is your process. Just know that you'll be ready! –Jennifer Simpson, Director of College Advising

  • SOLVING PROBLEMS IS A JOURNEY, ENJOY THE RIDE!

    In the Middle School we do a Science Expo—either two or four people work on a science project for a couple of months and then present it to the entire class. We go into some in-depth projects and it’s incredible what we learn along the way, and how willing our teachers are to help us through the tough parts. –Toni Ann, eighth grade

  • SPEAK YOUR MIND.

    Every girl here learns from an early age how to speak up and speak to adults. You never feel silly raising your hand, and you’re given lots of opportunities to speak publicly. I’m never shy about saying what’s on my mind. –Vittoria, fourth grade

  • ETHICS WILL CHANGE YOUR ENTIRE OUTLOOK.

    Right away, we tackled questions of "right versus right." We're learning to look at every issue from both sides, which helps with everything from homework to friendships. –Elizabeth, eighth grade