WCDS Wellness Plan
Westchester Country Day School has launched a wellness plan for the 2023-2024 school year to highlight the importance of the topic in the school community and provide educational programs to benefit parents, students, faculty and staff.
Mary Keever, interim head of school, introduced the plan as one of her goals for the school year following listening sessions held with faculty throughout the summer. She said faculty are noticing differences in the social and emotional wellness of students, a trend that educators across the country have observed.
"We are navigating life with some challenges that didn't exist before," said Keever. "During the two to three years of the pandemic, families experienced uncertainty and challenges to their well-established daily routines and social interactions. Children sensed the tension and stress in the adults around them. This has impacted the social-emotional development of students."
For students, the wellness plan includes guidance and advisory lessons and activities for grades PK-12, grade-based health and wellness lessons by the school counselor and school nurse, and student clubs bringing awareness to mental health. Faculty wellness activities and discussions will also take place throughout the year.
The wellness plan also includes a parent education series emphasizing a different theme each quarter. The series will include book discussions, expert panel discussions and other resources to support parents as they help their children grow academically and socially.
| Parent Education Series Topics | |
|---|---|
| Quarter 1 | Mental Health in Today's Child |
| Quarter 2 | Social Media and Technology |
| Quarter 3 | Supporting Learning from Home |
| Quarter 4 | Caring for Physical Health |
