DPS Wellness Day Aims to Boost Student and Staff Mental Health

Durham Public Schools is set to hold its second annual Wellness Day on Friday, April 26, aimed at promoting student well-being. This event is part of a broader initiative to support the mental and physical health of students within the district.

The introduction of Wellness Day last year was driven by student feedback and concerning data from the National Alliance for Mental Illness, which revealed that 67% of teens believe schools should offer mental health days. According to the survey, 64% of teens also think the world is more stressful now than it was for previous generations.

This year, the day will include an early dismissal and a series of activities organized by the DPS Office of Student Support Services, under the guidance of Laverne Mattocks-Perry.

“Our objective is to cultivate an environment that bolsters our students’ sense of community and belonging, educates them in social-emotional learning competencies, and raises awareness of the mental health resources available,” explained Mattocks-Perry.

Tomeka Ward-Satterfield, director of student wellness and advocacy, noted that the day is a testament to DPS’s commitment to every student and staff member’s value.

“By improving students’ connection to their community, they become more involved and show better academic and social outcomes,” she said.

The day’s events will vary, featuring workshops on mental health, relaxation sessions, and discussion groups that allow participants to exchange experiences and strategies for managing stress. These activities are designed not just for students but also for teachers and staff, encouraging a whole-community approach to wellness.

Feedback from the previous year’s Wellness Day was highly positive, with students feeling more connected to their peers and teachers, and parents observing reduced stress levels in their children. Teachers appreciated the chance to address their students’ broader needs beyond academics.

Wellness Days are becoming an increasingly important feature in school calendars across the nation, as they offer essential breaks for both students and staff to recharge and focus on mental health. These days are dedicated to fostering a healthier school environment and are a response to the growing need for mental health awareness and support.

Benefits of Wellness Days:

• Reduction in Burnout: Wellness days help prevent burnout by allowing teachers and students to take a break from the routine stresses of school life.
• Support for Mental Health: These days are designed to support mental health by providing a break to rest and recharge, which can be crucial in managing school-related stress.
• Promotion of Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Schools play a critical role in supporting students to make healthy lifestyle choices, and wellness days can be an integral part of this process.
• Enhancement of Academic Performance: By reducing stress and improving overall well-being, students are more likely to perform better academically.
• Instilling Self-Worth and Wellbeing: Allowing wellness days helps instill a sense of self-worth and wellbeing in students from an early age, encouraging them to value their emotional and physical health.