The Lafayette Parish School System (LPSS) is excited to announce the return of "Wellness Wednesday," now in its second year as a cornerstone of the district’s comprehensive 8-Point Retention Plan. After last year’s successful launch, this initiative continues to prioritize the health and well-being of LPSS employees, fostering a more balanced, productive, and supportive work environment.
As employee wellness remains a top priority, LPSS is committed to cultivating a culture that empowers staff to maintain a healthy work-life balance. The "Wellness Wednesday" program plays a key role in the district’s 8-Point Retention Plan, which focuses on improving employee engagement, satisfaction, and retention by addressing the physical, mental, and emotional needs of the workforce.
“Wellness is not a destination but a journey of self-discovery and growth,” says Jacque Toliver, Diversity and Equity Talent Coordinator, who spearheaded the initiative. “Caring for employees' well-being and fostering a supportive culture aligns perfectly with the goals of Wellness Wednesday.”
In addition to bi-monthly virtual wellness webinars that cover topics such as stress management, mindfulness, self-care, and anxiety management, several LPSS schools have developed their own wellness programs inspired by this district-wide effort. Live Oak Elementary has introduced a Wellness Room, providing teachers with a dedicated space to de-stress. Schools like Northside High, Alice Boucher Elementary, and Carencro Middle offer on-site health clinics, making healthcare services more accessible to staff and students alike. Ernest Gallet Elementary has even established a Wellness PLC Room, where staff can collaborate and focus on well-being in a supportive environment.
The first virtual wellness webinar of the year is scheduled for October 23, during Wellness Week, which runs from October 21-25, 2024. All members of the LPSS community are encouraged to participate in the week’s activities and promote wellness across the district.
Through the expansion of "Wellness Wednesday" and the promotion of wellness initiatives at the school level, LPSS reaffirms its commitment to creating a positive, supportive work environment that enhances employee well-being and retention, allowing its workforce to continue thriving.