New Haven Public Schools
A dance party, spoken word performances, meditation, a student panel: New Haven Public Schools (NHPS) hopes to have something for everyone on Wednesday, the district’s first “Day of Hope and Healing” in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Wednesday’s schedule of virtual events is part of a campaign the district is launching, called “WeConnect,” to address feelings of loneliness and anxiety among students and staff during the pandemic.
“We recognize that not everything is for everyone. Someone just needs to hear a thank you. Some need information,” said Director of Student Services Typhanie Jackson.
The number of people reporting symptoms of depression and anxiety nationwide has increased during the pandemic. New Haven students have spoken specifically about how pandemic school has strained their mental health and asked the district for more flexible work loads, shorter days and more mental health support.
The district’s “WeConnect” campaign started with school social worker Maciel Filpo. Filpo asked how the district could promote wellbeing during the pandemic and floated the idea of signs in windows, like the Yale New Haven Health “Heroes work here” campaign. A student suggested a virtual mental health day be part of the campaign.
To figure out exactly what to include in the campaign, Jackson’s team surveyed around 300 students, plus school staff and parents. Students often asked for time to talk with one another, time for fun and time away from the computer.
Wednesday’s Day of Hope and Healing schedule incorporates these ideas. The district released a video to launch the campaign and emphasize the campaign message: “We are all connected. You are not alone.” Click the video below to watch.
Read more details here about the schedule, which lasts from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
"Jackson's team surveyed around 300 students, plus school staff and parents. Students often asked for time to talk with one another, time for fun and time away from the computer.". And the response is....MORE time on the computer!!
If you want to instill hope in these older kids-GIVE THEM A TIME LINE as to when they will be back in person. At this point, it is nothing more than neglect to have them out of school for one year.