One Parker

Between classes and long study sessions across Parker’s campuses, students might notice bubbles drifting through the air, a therapy dog wagging its tail, or classmates gathered around a table with Play-Doh. It may look like just play, but behind it is a thoughtful effort to benefit student well-being.

“Wellness Wednesdays” is an initiative designed by the Student Health and Wellness team to strengthen relationships between students and the counseling team while also breaking down the stigma that can come with asking for support. At its core is a simple idea–students are more likely to reach out when they recognize the people who are there to help. 

“The wellness team is for everybody,” said Head of Student Support and Wellness Dr. Megan Storey Hallam.

Throughout April and into Mental Health Awareness Month, the program will introduce activities and resources that build practical skills and encourage balance. From study sprints that emphasize the importance of intentional breaks to collaborations with the tech and education teams that highlight accessible wellness tools. 

These Wellness Wednesdays are also a reminder that wellness doesn’t have to be serious all the time. Sometimes, it starts with something as simple as taking a breath or playing with friends.  

Upcoming 2025-2026 Upper School Wellness Wednesday events:

April 15, 2026 – Spring is in the Air: April is a reminder that growth is a process. Some days feel bright and steady. Others feel cloudy and heavy. Both are part of becoming who you are.

We will focus on the importance of self-care by encouraging students to think about how they can be kind to themselves during the busy school year and with their various commitments. We will ask them to write down their ideas for self-care, and in return, they will receive a self-care item of their choice (which will be fun giveaways!).

May 6, 2026 – Reset and Refocus: Use Play-Doh to decompress, refocus, and reshape your stress into something more manageable. Small moments of pause can make a big difference.
We will provide Play-Doh to help alleviate stress during AP exams this year.

June 3, 2026 – Cool Down for Summer: Cool off with a refreshing popsicle at our Wellness Wednesday table! It’s a great way to take a breather, enjoy the moment, and celebrate the upcoming summer. 

We will give out popsicles to encourage taking breaks, enjoying the moment, cherishing time with friends, and preparing for summer. We will ask students to share how they plan to restore their energy over the summer. 

Upcoming 2025-2026 Middle School Wellness Wednesday events:

At the Middle School level, Wellness Wednesdays are already making a meaningful impact through student-led efforts. As part of the Francis Barkers Therapy Dog Club, students work alongside their advisor to plan and facilitate monthly Wellness Wednesday activities, often joined by Miso Soup, the Middle School’s therapy dog. 

April 15, 2026 – Bubbles & Breathing: The Barkers will educate students about mindful breathing and will hand out bubbles for students to practice deep exhales. 

May 13, 2026 – Celebrating Teachers: We will celebrate teachers by having students write a message of appreciation on a card that the Barker students will wrap and deliver to teachers. 

June 3, 2026 – Rainbow Club: The Barkers will partner with the Rainbow Club to celebrate Pride Month. Miso will be a "pride puppy," and we're coloring his fur in rainbow colors to celebrate the event. 

2025-2026 Lower School Wellness Wednesday events:
At Lower School, students participated in a Wellness Wednesday before Winter Break, where they made snowflakes to hang around campus. This exercise highlighted the uniqueness of each snowflake, just as we, as individuals, each have special things about us to celebrate: a favorite hobby or skill, our heritage, the languages we speak, or things that matter to us. Once the students cut out their snowflakes, they wrote or drew something on them that made them unique.

In addition to Wellness Wednesday, the Lower School community garden acts as both a service project for the Parker community and a hands-on haven for wellness and social-emotional learning. Supported by the student-led Green Team, every grade level participates in planting and composting. Daily garden care routines—including watering, tending, and carefully looping pea tendrils through the trellis—teach students responsibility and self-management. At the same time, collaborative planting builds essential teamwork and a shared sense of purpose.

Wellness Wednesdays and other student wellness activities reinforce that well-being is not something separate from the school day, but an essential part of it. We appreciate our Student Health and Wellness team taking the time to plan these events across Divisions, along with the other critical services they offer students daily.