The Linden Public Schools Student Services Department has created Wellness Wednesdays to put emphasis each week on students’ social and emotional well-being during stressful times.
School counselors and social workers from around the district are each recording a video every other week on wellness topics and sharing through social media. The first two videos were about the power of positivity and setting goals. The videos are meant to inspire and provide support for our entire school community – including parents, students and staff.
At Linden High School, social workers and school counselors are partnering with the Navy Junior ROTC and physical education classes to focus on themes such as respect, kindness, emotion, and coping skills during class each Wednesday. Students watch a short video, followed by a discussion with their peers and staff, then independently respond to a topic-related question through an online survey.
On Friday, the survey closes, and a random student is selected from those who responded. The following week, the student who was selected gets a pizza delivered to their house by the Student Services team. The pizzas are donated by Pies on Stiles in Linden.
“Our goal is to provide an additional layer of support to our students during virtual learning, along with providing opportunities to educate the whole child – academically, emotionally and socially,” said LHS social worker Ryan Devaney.
Wellness Wednesday is set to run through the spring.