SOUTHAMPTON – The COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a strain on the daily lives of teachers, students and staff – especially when it comes to mental health.

During a meeting on Dec. 9, Superintendent Diana Bonneville spoke to the William E. Norris School Committee about the ways the district could boost the morale of teachers and staff during these unique times.

After talking with other area superintendents, Bonneville presented the idea of adding two additional half days at the end of January and March 2022. Within these days, teachers could use the afternoon for whatever they want, including finishing work that they may have to catch up on. “I think morale-wise, it would give them something to look forward to,” said Bonneville, regarding the teachers.

According to Bonneville, students need to go through 900 hours of total learning per year at the elementary level. Schools with over 900 hours of allocated learning normally use those additional hours if there are any delays or snow days. At this moment, Bonneville’s staff is conducting an analysis of all the time-on learning being done at the different schools to make sure additional time is available for two more half days.

The committee did not vote on the matter, but they were the first group to hear of the idea in the Hampshire Regional School District. Aliza Pluta, the principal of William E. Norris, said student and teacher morale was brought up during a past principals meeting. “We said that there are some families who are calling their children in sick, but they’re not COVID-related sick – they just need a break,” said Pluta. “It goes both ways.”

Committee Chair Jon Lumbra stated that he was in favor of finding ways to boost morale among teachers. He added that he would support the idea of two additional half days if families and parents were supportive of the concept. Lumbra and other committee members were generally supportive of the idea, but they were also willing to discuss other ideas for boosting the morale of teachers and students.

“We know that you’ve been working hard since the first day of school … we know that you’ve gone above and beyond … it’s a lot of stress, it’s a lot of work,” said Pluta, regarding the amount of work teachers have had to handle since the pandemic’s inception. “It would help morale if we recognize the fact that you need time, you asked me for time, I’m going to give you time.”

Bonneville said she is considering Jan. 28, 2022 and March 11, 2022 as the two additional half day dates, at the moment. Lumbra presented the idea of a half day right before Martin Luther King Jr. weekend, mainly because families usually go away that time period anyway. This year, that half day would fall on Jan. 14, 2022. Bonneville enjoyed this possibility, as well.

Committee member Julianne Tauscher also presented the possibility of looking at more enjoyable activities and events that could help boost morale in families, teachers and students. Beyond that though, she still supports the idea of teachers and students taking a breather through additional half days, if that is what is necessary.

Currently, William E. Norris features six half days throughout the school year, including three that involve professional development. A decision of this matter will be resolved after other committees in the district offer their own input.