Spartanburg County School District Six Promotes Family Time with New Initiative
Spartanburg, S.C. โ Families in Spartanburg County School District Six are being encouraged to reunite and strengthen their bonds with the introduction of a new program called “Family First Wednesdays.” This initiative aims to provide parents and children with the opportunity to spend quality time together, tackling the common struggle of finding enough hours in the day.
What is Family First Wednesdays?
Every other Wednesday, students in District Six will have a homework-free evening, allowing them to enjoy uninterrupted moments with their siblings and parents. Superintendent Ken Kiser stated that this initiative is a response to the overwhelming busyness that families often face. He remarked, “The whole point is to make sure that families know that we prioritize family.”
Why is Family Time a Priority?
Kiser emphasized the significance of family relationships over test scores, especially during the formative years. He explained that while academic success is crucial, it should not come at the expense of emotional well-being and family connections. “We want to make sure that our families know that while academics are very important, itโs not the top priority for kids if they donโt have the right kind of relationship with their family,” Kiser added.
Encouraging Connections
The school urges families to engage in interactive activities such as cooking, board games, or simply having conversations without the distractions of electronics. District parent Iris Holmes shared her thoughts, stating, “I think itโs really important just to have those moments together. It builds trust.” She noted that these interactions provide opportunities for parents to discuss their childrenโs feelings and experiences at school.
The Impact of COVID-19
Principal Kerrie Kish from Fairforest Elementary School acknowledged that rebuilding family connections has been especially critical in the aftermath of COVID-19. She remarked, “Building that stamina of focus and spending time together can be hard, especially after Covid, so weโre getting back into that.” Families are beginning to see the positive effects of prioritizing time together, with many feeling they understand their children on a deeper level now.
Sustaining Family Focus Beyond Wednesdays
While the district promotes these designated days for family connection, Kiser mentions that the initiative encourages families to adopt these values consistently. “The intent is to take time to do it and see how much of a positive impact it has and then continue that when they have pockets of time,” he noted. Acknowledging the inevitable busyness of life, the district hopes families will recognize the value of regular quality family time.
Positive Community Feedback
Feedback about the initiative has already started pouring in. Community members express delight when they see posts on social media showcasing family activities on these Wednesdays. Kiser reported that enthusiasm continues as children share their experiences at school the following day, indicating a successful response to the program.
Conclusion
Through the Family First Wednesdays initiative, Spartanburg County School District Six is taking a significant step towards encouraging family bonding in todayโs fast-paced environment. As families respond positively, the district hopes to foster deeper connections, making family time a fundamental part of their community culture.
