OTTUMWA, Iowa — The Ottumwa Community School District recently held a Wellness Week for teachers to ensure they are mentally prepared for the upcoming school year.
The week-long event included a variety of activities designed to help staff relax, recharge and focus on their well-being.
KTVO News spoke with one teacher who explains what activity her class is doing.
“We’re painting a bookshelf,” said Ashley Gruwell, a first grade teacher. “It sounds silly, but they can add their own kind of books. Different colors, different decorations. Like I made a fall one with pumpkins and ghosts and that kind of thing. So, it’s just to let your creativity come out and have fun.”
Teachers can also lead some of the planned activities.
Gruwell shared her reasons for hosting the painting class.
“I like to paint,” added Gruwell. “That’s something that I do for my wellness and health. It relaxes me and this is my second time teaching this class. So, I’ve brought people in, and they come, and they paint with me. We have some coffee, listen to some good music, and just relax after a long day of meetings and before school year.”
Many people recognize that being an educator is challenging, but Gruwell believes that incorporating self-care days can help make the school year a bit smoother.
“As a teacher, you need to focus on yourself first,” Gruwell said. “You have to make sure that you’re happy, you’re healthy, you’re readying yourself before you can get your classroom, before you can get your kids ready to learn. So, I think it’s just really important to make sure that your health and wellness is good. You’re ready. So that way you can make sure your kids, they have good health and wellness and teach them strategies that will help them cope.”
Gruwell hopes the activities will help staff prepare for the school year beginning this Friday.
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