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Wellness Wednesdays are coming back to Henrico County Public Schools, but this year it will have nothing to do with time out of school.
Teachers will be encouraged to prioritize social-emotional lessons and activities during class and advisory blocks through planned content lessons and activities each Wednesday, HCPS Chief of Staff Beth Teigen announced at the Henrico School Board meeting Thursday.
“I think that this is just a testimony on how to end the stigma around mental wellness,” said School Board member Alicia Atkins, who represents the Varina District. "We can move forward in a way that is respectful of our minds."
Teachers will be provided flexibility during the workday to plan classroom time that will provide more opportunities for student-teacher meetings, time to complete makeup work, attend club meetings, and work on "passion projects."
In an effort to support teachers’ mental health, professional learning days will now be optional for all staff, who will have the opportunity to work remotely on these days.
Principals will also minimize the number of required meetings held during planning times and outside of school hours.
“Meeting for the sake of meeting has got to stop,” said School Board member Micky Ogburn, who represents the Three Chopt District. “If it can be sent in an email, send it.”
Calendar adjustments
The School Board on Thursday also approved calendar adjustments that will provide more time off for students and staff.
“I've heard many saying we need a break,” Atkins said. “And it's important that we give these breaks before folks worry whether they're going to break mentally, break physically, and unfortunately get to the point of breaking spiritually.”
These adjustments include four days off in the second semester, and three-hour early release for students on Nov. 19 and Dec. 10 followed by flexible time for staff.
Teachers have repeatedly asked for the Monday and Tuesday of Thanksgiving week off, as some other local school divisions have announced.
“I think that's just something we need to to be honest that we have looked at it,” said Ogburn. “One of the problems with putting all of our eggs in one basket in those two days is that when we come back from winter break... it is a long time from January to spring break.”
New calendar adjustments for the second semester include student and staff holidays on March 11, April 1, May 27 and the last day of school, June 17. These days off will be contingent on whether or not schools will close for inclement weather. Additionally, June 16 is marked for an early release day.
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Anna Bryson is the Henrico Citizen’s education reporter and a Report for America corps member. Make a tax-deductible donation to support her work, and RFA will match it dollar for dollar.
