Well-being and being well in the garden that is LRSD

I can tell you that when I was a senior years student, being and staying well—especially mentally—was not a prioritized topic of conversation. Thank goodness things have changed.

When I talk about student and staff well-being, I’m talking about the essential foundation for success in our schools. I believe that supporting employee wellness directly nurtures student wellness, and when our people are well, our schools thrive. That’s why advocating for classroom supports that ease daily stress—keeping the focus squarely where it belongs, on student success—remains a top priority for me.

My commitment is to encourage the conversations and decisions that ensure every student and staff member is equipped with the tools and support they need to succeed; that everyone in our school division has what they need to:

• Be well: Fostering healthy, inclusive environments where students and staff have the energy, resources, and everyday support to learn, teach, and excel.

• Stay well: Providing ongoing tools, practical resources, and supportive environments to maintain balance and keep momentum through everyday challenges.

• Know what to do and who to reach out to when they aren't: Creating a clear, welcoming environment so that anyone needing extra support knows exactly where to turn without hesitation.

When we prioritize the physical and mental well-being of our students and staff, we create the conditions where everyone feels valued, supported, and ready to reach their full potential.

Dutch author Alexander den Heijer said: "When a flower doesn't bloom, you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower."   This is what I want for our schools: an environment where everyone flourishes. I bring the right tools to the job—advocating, pressing for accountability, and doing the hands-on work—so every student and staff member in our LRSD garden has what they need to bloom.