Why Roxbury schools are giving everyone an extra day off to 'take a breath'
ROXBURY — School officials will give students a day off next week to "take a breath" and de-stress.
Three days before Thanksgiving, Superintendent Loretta Radulic sent a letter to parents informing them of an extra day off on Dec. 10. The district will count it as one of its five emergency days for the year.
"It is our sincere hope that our families will be able to use this gift of time to take a moment to enjoy the season, take a breath, and enjoy a long weekend amidst the bustle," Radulic wrote.
Staff and teachers will also get the day off.
Last month, the Department for Children and Families (DFC) reported calls for help to the New Jersey children's mental health hotline had increased compared with last year as parents sought help, especially during the morning hours.
The overall call volume to the Children's System of Care increased, with the most calls coming from parents as their children experience stress before school hours, Commissioner Christine Norbut Beyer said in early November.
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It is typical to see a rise in mental health reporting from K-12 students during October, when educators become familiar with their students and are able to assist parents in reporting complaints and concerns. But this year, the uptick in calls occurred in September, with more than 10,000 calls, peaking in the morning, and particularly on Monday mornings, said Jason Butkowski, a DCF representative. Such calls in the morning usually have to do with school-avoidant behavior.
The department has also seen a sharp rise through October in the number of Mobile Response dispatches to homes, sent within an hour of the parent calling for assistance to help stabilize the child and likely place them into an ongoing clinical treatment plan, Butkowski said.
Educators in some North Jersey schools agree the hurdle of getting students back into the rhythm of regular in-person school has been nearly as difficult as operating while following COVID-protocols, but they have been preparing for it. In addition to emphasizing wellness through "social-emotional learning" in The Road Back, the state-issued guide to public schools reopening this year, the federal government’s COVID relief packages have provided funding for mental health.
Radulic said the announcement was made in November so parents would have enough time to arrange for child care if necessary.
"While this school year has brought us closer to a more typical experience, we still have a way to go before we truly feel back to normal," Radulic added.
The Roxbury district has seven schools that serve about 3,500 students.
To reach the Children's System of Care helpline call 877-652-7624 or visit the website.
Staff Writer Mary Ann Koruth contributed to this report.
Jessie Gomez is a local reporter for DailyRecord.com and NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
Email: jgomez@gannettnj.com
Twitter: @jessiereport
This article originally appeared on Morristown Daily Record: Roxbury NJ schools give extra day off to 'take a breath'
