May is Mental Health Awareness Month but here in Manchester, we prioritize the health, wellness, and safety of our students and staff every day of the year.
Today our staff participated in the school district's annual MTSD Staff Wellness Day. After students left for the scheduled half-day, staff had options for participating in wellness activities in their school buildings as a part of their staff in-service.
Staff in every school building could be found connecting, relaxing, and recharging in different ways. Thompson Healthcare was on-site at Manchester Township Elementary School and Manchester Township Middle School offering muscle relaxation therapies, puppies and kittens were providing stress relief to visiting staff members at Manchester Township Middle School thanks to All Fur One Pet Rescue, physical activities such as field day games, kan jam, corn hole, walking clubs, reading meetings, and even open gym were offered in most buildings, too. That isn't all! Regional Day School staff listened to an incredible motivational speaker, Beverly Burnes: Laughter Wellness, yoga was enjoyed across multiple school buildings, and craft stations were available. Thanks to the Manchester Township Education Association which provided lunch to school staff members across the school district.
"The Manchester Township School District (MTSD) firmly believes that the mental health and well-being of our staff and students is paramount to creating a positive and successful learning environment. When students and staff feel supported and have the tools they need to manage stress, anxiety, and other challenges, they are better equipped to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally," said Interim Superintendent of Schools, Diane Pedroza. "We are committed to ongoing evaluation and improvement of our mental health and wellness programs. By prioritizing this vital area, we strive to create a learning environment where everyone feels supported, valued, and empowered."
The MTSD is committed to promoting mental health and wellness through a variety of initiatives including, but not limited to:
Parent Engagement: Presentations like the recent MTMS parent event address mental health topics and equip families with resources to support their children's well-being. We continually partner with families through open communication channels, school events, and informative resources.
Staff Support: Dedicated staff positions, such as counselors, social workers, and psychologists, provide individual and group support for students. We also offer programs specifically geared towards staff mental health and wellness.
Wellness Day: This designated day allows staff to participate in activities that promote relaxation, mindfulness, stress management, and more!
We hope that our staff members enjoyed the 2024 Wellness Day as well as their Manchester Pride Blue & Gold Day where staff wore our school colors!
Please remember that the school district is closed to observe Memorial Day beginning Friday, May 24 through Monday, May 27. The school district reopens and looks forward to welcoming staff and students on Tuesday, May 28.