Wellness of students and teachers is a top priority of the Benilde-St. Margaret’s community. Students are required to take wellness classes once a week in an effort to better their mental and physical health by participating in activities ranging from basketball to meditation. This simply allows students to change up their daily routine and get active.

The Phy Ed and health departments at BSM saw a need for teachers to be involved in wellness activities, too. They noticed teachers have breaks during the day, but they do not have the time or resources to do different activities to get active during their free time at school. Activities offered range from baking a tasty, healthy treat, walk and talk, participate in BSM earth day and tracking steps. “We wanted to offer something to teachers where they can also get up and move during the day so they don’t have to be stuck at their desk all day,” PE and wellness teacher Mike Johnston said.

Staff members, such as Betsy Van Cleve, have been doing activities throughout the month, making time for a variety of these wellness activities in their busy schedules. “It has allowed me to prioritize activities that I would not usually think about or take the time to do during the school day, it allows us as faculty and staff to take a step back,” Van Cleve said.

Despite Van Cleve’s busy life, she is finding time to participate in the activities during the school day this month. Along with the health benefits, teacher wellness month helps strengthen relationships and encourage others to be more active. “It is good community building, and I think that it inspires others to commit to wellness in their own lives, so I appreciate that Mr. [Casey] Hanson and Mr. Johnston made this an opportunity for BSM faculty and staff,” said Van Cleve 

The staff members who complete seven wellness activities by the end of the month will be entered in a drawing for a gift card, but there is a bigger purpose to all of this––to better the lives of the faculty and staff. “It is really just trying to show that there are other things to do during the day if you have time to do it,” Johnston said.