Above: An NSBORO survey is asking for input on how using new Wellness days is going. (image from feedback form)
This year, the Northborough-Southborough Public Schools launched a new way of handling some holidays celebrated in the community. On Wellness Days, teachers were instructed to not assign homework, tests or quizzes. Now the administration is seeking public feedback to provide the school committees when they consider next year’s school calendar.
The survey announced last Tuesday needs to be completed by this Friday. It is targeted to school parents, students, faculty, and staff to find out what worked well and what needs work.
Three of the four special days scheduled for this year have already taken place.
The online feedback form states:
Last winter, The Public Schools of Northborough and Southborough’s Coalition for Equity formed a 2023-2024 School Calendar Working Group, which consisted of Coalition members, members of the clergy, and parents representing various faith groups dedicated to promoting equitable school calendars for all students. As a result of its work, recommendations were created as guiding principles for the development of school calendars. One recommendation prioritized students’ well-being.
As a result, the District introduced four District-wide Wellness Days into the 2023-2024 School Calendar. A Wellness Day is when homework, tests, quizzes, and similar academic demands are paused. Whenever possible, these days were to aligned with various religious observances.
The District is seeking feedback from parents, students, faculty, and staff on what worked well and what could be improved for the 2024-2025 Wellness Days. The information will be used to make improvements.
2023-2024 Wellness Days:
1. Tuesday, September 26, 2023 – Following Yom Kippur
2. Tuesday, October 31, 2023
3. Monday, November 13, 2023 – Following Diwali
4. Monday, April 10, 2024 – Eid al-Fitr (end of Ramadan) – One Wellness Day RemainingThe form closes on Friday, December 1, 2023
To complete the survey, click here.
[Note: For anyone who tried the link on Tuesday and found it didn’t work, the technical glitch was resolved later that day.]
