MANCHESTER – Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, the township school district had a very proactive approach toward social-emotional learning (SEL), finding it essential to student success. Since mental health is not something to address only once, the district held several student, family, and staff wellness events.
The School District continued its commitment to focusing on the social-emotional well-being of the entire school community by hosting its first district-wide SEL Family Night for all township families and a district-wide Staff Wellness Day for every staff member.
Staff Wellness Day events which are a collaboration with the New Jersey Education Association and the Manchester Township Education Association were held to implement the “Road to Wellness” program.
“The well-being of our school community has been a primary focus of the Manchester Township School District long before it was a trend. We take the health and well-being of our staff and students very seriously,” Superintendent John Berenato said.
“Supporting and aiming to improve the health and well-being of our students and staff is a large reason why our school community is a desired place to go to school and come to work. We are proud to continue keeping the social-emotional well-being of our students and staff at the forefront of all we do here in Manchester,” he added.
Director of Curriculum Diane Pedroza said, “our goal has always been to build a culture of resiliency, through incorporating social-emotional learning strategies to our classroom, and by extending social-emotional family events to our school community.”
“We strive to add to each teacher and parent’s toolbox of social-emotional mindfulness strategies, to provide students with their own toolbox of social-emotional mindfulness strategies, to provide tools for reflection and self-regulation exercises and to always continue professional development for our staff in areas of mindfulness,” Pedroza added.
Families in the district were invited to Manchester Township Elementary School for the SEL Family Night with Sarah Stevenson of Mindful Education Services. This group supports teachers through professional development, addressing social-emotional learning and character development.
According to administrators, Stevenson also supports township students in making positive and constructive decisions. The event proved a fun way for the school community to come together through an interactive workshop that included songs, movements, and more that continues to recognize and support students and their mental wellness.
Later in the week, the district recognized those who provide support in the area of mental wellness for their students as well as district staff. In lieu of a standard professional development day, Staff Wellness Day featured kitten therapy provided by All Fur One Pet Rescue, visits from Thompson Healthcare with relaxation services such as acupuncture, chiropractic care.
Other stress relief activities included Guitar Hero, zumba, and yoga. They also made stress balls and baked desserts. It was noted that ‘stressed’ spelled backward is ‘desserts.’ Other bonding activities included cornhole, spikeball, volleyball, kickball and scavenger hunts.
