In education today, there is growing recognition to support the whole student — mind, body, and spirit, writes DonDre Harris, a school social worker in Denver, in a Chalkbeat essay. Academic success is only one piece of the puzzle. Neglecting mental, emotional, spiritual, physical, and social well-being can affect a student’s ability to thrive academically, he writes.
The small alternative high school where I work as a social worker has started hosting Community Wellness Night events for students and families. Since the spring of 2024, we’ve been organizing these gatherings once a semester.
Chair and table massages, massage guns, acupuncture detox, sound baths, fresh juice, nourishing food, games, and wellness kits are all offered in the space they trust the most: their school.
This is important because many of our students and their families face barriers to accessing essential wellness services. The demands of daily life, financial constraints, and mistrust or unfamiliarity with outside service providers can make seeking self-care intimidating or unavailable.
The Community Wellness Nights eliminate those barriers because established relationships though schooling create a comfortable setting for families to experience holistic care.
These supports for well-being are impactful. Stress, anxiety, and emotional challenges can affect a student’s ability to focus, engage, and perform academically, according to research.
Also, when students feel run down, disconnected, or physically strained, learning takes a backseat to pushing through the day. Access to wellness practices such as massage and acupuncture offers an opportunity to release physical and mental tensions that may be restraining them.
Spiritual and emotional health are often the most overlooked aspects of student wellness. We use practices like sound baths to foster relaxation, mindfulness, and a deeper connection to oneself. Today, young people must negotiate societal pressures and personal struggles such as cyberbullying, the comparison culture, unprocessed trauma, safety concerns, and more. Creating space for reflection, inner peace, and emotional balance is essential. I’ve seen how these practices can be transformative, giving students the tools to manage stress, build emotional resilience, and cultivate self-awareness.
The social aspect of our gathering is essential, too. Families bond over games, wellness kits, and trying something new. Strengthened family relationships and student support systems are the result. The Community Wellness Nights connect students and families to a broader network of community resources so they feel less isolated and more empowered to take control of their health and well-being, Harris concludes.
Chalkbeat
