Responses to Pandemic-Related Pressures
(Please bookmark this page for future reference)
Back in August 2021, we were optimistic that public education would transition back to "normal". As we have all experienced, this was not the case for 2021-2022. School districts across the nation are still struggling to manage ongoing issues related to the pandemic. Our district has been forced to confront many of these challenges, as well, and many of your have selflessly gone beyond your scope of duties for your students and peers by covering additional classes, lunch, or dismissal duties when needed. This year has truly taken an "all hands on deck" approach.
Over the last several weeks, our district leadership team has been exploring additional ideas and strategies that can be implemented districtwide in an effort to provide you with some relief as we all strive to finish this school year strong. During this work, we have had conversations with principals, the District Advisory Committee, Leadership Academy, Communications Council, PTA/PTO leaders, and students. Below are some of those ideas and strategies that have been implemented or are available to you.
Substitutes
The Human Resources department has increased their efforts to recruit and train additional substitutes to address the concerns with substitute coverage. Several additional training sessions have been offered and will continue to be offered the remainder of the school year.
Additional Staff Work Day
The Board of Trustees approved a recommendation to add a student holiday/staff workday on Monday, March 21 – the Monday following Spring Break. Unless a meeting has been previously scheduled and you are unable to reschedule it, no meetings will be held on campuses for school-based staff. District department staff will receive guidance from their supervisor regarding their work schedule on March 21.
Valuing Your Time Off
The district values your time off and wants you to feel empowered to enjoy your time away by unplugging during Spring Break and holidays. As educators, we oftentimes seem to set aside the importance of self-care. Please use time away from the classroom and office to rest and re-charge.
Wellness Survey
This survey is a short, optional survey for you to self-assess your current level of stress. The individual results are not shared with anyone other than you. Based on your results, you may choose to explore the options available below.
Link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FBXGL6Q
Resources
Bounceback Courses: Bounceback for K-12 is a new
educator wellness platform utilizing on-demand programming to help teachers manage and
reduce stress through evidence-based mindfulness
practices. While they are geared towards educators, they can be applicable to any position in our district. If you are interested in these courses, please sign up at this link: https://forms.office.com/r/scnG81LeRi. You will be set up with an account and access will begin in early March.
Employee Assistance Program: This is a service available. to all MISD employees. Everyone in the workplace is balancing more than just their jobs and the stress of life pulling you in too many directions. EAP provides you with professional help to get you through what might be affecting your mental or physical well-being. Most plans offer guidance that can help you with stress and anxiety at work, depression, substance dependency, grief, job pressures, and so much more (click here for flyer with more information). Contact Teresa Tipton for more questions.
Virtual Relaxation Room: https://www.ehnrelaxation.org/ Here you will find virtual resources meant to help relax your senses. By taking just a few minutes each day to focus on relaxation, you can reduce the negative effects of chronic stress on your overall well-being. We encourage you to take a moment and look around the EHN Virtual Relaxation Room, try some things out, and share these resources with anyone whom you think might benefit from them.
Emergence Health Network: https://ccprelaxation.org/about/ This link will take you directly to the Texans Recovering Together hotline page. It is FREE counseling with and LPC or LPCA for ANYONE who has been affected by COVID (so everyone). It's free, confidential, and not tied to your employment.