It’s important now, more than ever, that we determine ways to gather in community in our schools. Our teachers need it and our leaders need it. Mental health and stress levels have been challenged significantly these past few years, and never has it been more evident that we need to fellowship in community in order to thrive.
In the Upper School at Woodward Academy, we’ve tried to think creatively about how we can safely gather and engage in community during this pandemic. Thanks to the leadership and direction of Andy Cunningham, our visual arts department chair, the Upper School hosted a community wellness event series this past spring and this fall. It consisted of optional after school offerings in which faculty could sign up to learn about topics of interest in the arts department. We had everything from ring making classes to a ceramics workshop. This was such a huge hit in the spring that our arts department faculty offered this event series again this fall! We just wrapped it up and I’m hopeful this will be something we continue.
To learn more about what was offered, see our google sites below and check out the pictures from some of the sessions!
I created a simple google form that allowed faculty to sign up for the offerings, and I emailed them a few days in advance to remind them. If you have any questions about this or starting this up at your school, please reach out and let’s chat!
Alex C. Bragg 