[ARTICLE] Back-to-School Wellness Checklist for Maximizing Student and Staff Success

Preparation

• Stay Informed
  Familiarize yourself with the latest legislative changes regarding wellness in schools. For those in Washington State, note that the state mandates a wellness board policy and support for staff burnout and compassion fatigue (refer to SHB 1363 and RCW 28A.300.825 for more information).
• Leadership Vision
  Admin and School Leaders discuss the wellness vision and goals for the upcoming school year.
• Meeting Planning
  Schedule regular staff meetings, incorporating 10-15 minute refresher sessions to practice wellness activities and remind staff of available resources.
• Toolkit Review
  Admin and School Leaders review the Generation Wellness Toolkit and decide when to allocate 90 minutes for staff to complete the online training included in the toolkit.  
  
  

Staff Training and Collaboration

• Kick Off Staff Meeting
  • Admin and School Leaders lead a kickoff meeting to introduce the Generation Wellness Framework to all staff.
  • Share the school’s wellness vision, goals, and implementation plan.
  • Engage in a few Generation Wellness Connection activities to build rapport among staff, and pair them with Accountability Buddies.
  • Highlight the benefits and features of the Generation Wellness Toolkit.
  • Provide details on how and when to access the Generation Wellness Toolkit.
• Toolkit + Resources
  • Ensure that all staff have access to the Generation Wellness Toolkit.
  • Encourage staff to complete the 90-minute online training.
  • Guide staff in developing their morning and afternoon routines with a focus on wellness.
  • Articulate the importance of staff committing to facilitate at least five connection activities with students during the first three weeks of school. Then can download plans for these activities straight from the toolkit.
  • Ensure staff access the “First 3 Weeks” PPT slides available in the toolkit.
• Set Up the Environment
  
  • Create a welcoming and calming classroom environment, being mindful of lighting, wall decor, and seating options.
  • Designate areas for mindfulness, movement, and reflection within the classroom.
  • Ensure essential supplies are available, including stress-relief tools, sensory items, and emotional regulation aids.
    
    

 Professional Development

• Ongoing Training
  • School Leaders meet with Generation Wellness once each quarter and receive ongoing resources in the School Leaders Program.
  • Consider sending staff members to in-person Generation Wellness Training throughout the year. Your School Leaders should have already attended these trainings, but if not, please send them to the next one.
• Collaborative Planning and Practicing
  • Encourage collaboration among teachers to align wellness practices across all classrooms.
  • Plan joint activities or school-wide events to reinforce wellness practices and build a cohesive wellness culture.
  • Begin each staff meeting with deep breathing, the chime, and setting intentions.

Sustainability

• Data Collection
  Regularly track behavior referrals, attendance, and student engagement to measure the impact of the Generation Wellness Framework. 
•  Celebrate Successes 
  • Acknowledge and celebrate milestones or positive changes within the classroom and school community.
  • Share these successes with the broader school community to foster and sustain a culture of wellness.
• Review + Reflect
  • At the end of each term, review the effectiveness of your current practices.
  • Make necessary adjustments and refinements to the approach based on feedback and observed outcomes.