Spartanburg County School District Six Launches “Family First Wednesdays”
Spartanburg, S.C. โ Spartanburg County School District Six is introducing a new initiative aimed at strengthening family bonds and providing families with valuable time together. The program, named “Family First Wednesdays,” is designed to allow parents and children the opportunity to connect without the pressures of homework or other school-related activities.
What is “Family First Wednesdays”?
Every other Wednesday, students in the district will be free from homework obligations, enabling them to spend quality time with parents and siblings. Superintendent Ken Kiser stated, โThe whole point is to make sure that families know that we prioritize family.โ He emphasized that while academics and test scores hold significance, fostering healthy family relationships takes precedence, particularly for children at a formative age.
Putting Family First
According to Kiser, the initiative encourages families to engage in various activities that foster connection. Suggestions include cooking together, playing board games, or simply spending time talking without the distraction of electronics. This dedicated time is seen as a chance to build trust and improve communication within families.
Iris Holmes, a parent in the district, shared her thoughts on the importance of making time for family. โI think itโs really important just to have those moments together,โ she said. โIt builds trust. Itโs just an opportunity to talk about whatโs happening at school or talk about his feelings.โ
Benefits Observed Post-COVID
School leaders are optimistic about the benefits of “Family First Wednesdays,” particularly in light of challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Kerrie Kish, principal of Fairforest Elementary School, noted, โBuilding that stamina of focus and spending time together can be hard, especially after Covid, so weโre getting back into that.โ
Kish reported that many families are beginning to recognize the positive impacts of this initiative, leading to enhanced understanding among parents about their childrenโs needs and feelings.
Long-Term Goals
Despite the designated days for family time, Kiser pointed out that this program is not intended to limit efforts to those Wednesdays alone. He expressed the hope that families will carry this practice beyond scheduled events, utilizing pockets of time throughout the week to strengthen their bonds. โThe intent is to take time to do it and see how much of a positive impact it has and then continue that,โ Kiser explained.
Sparking Conversations
Since launching the program, school leaders have reported a noticeable increase in family engagement. The excitement can be seen in posts circulating on social media, with children eagerly discussing their time together during Thursday classes. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, indicating that families appreciate this opportunity to reconnect.
Conclusion
The Spartanburg County School District Six’s “Family First Wednesdays” is a meaningful initiative designed to put families at the forefront of childrenโs education and development. By allowing parents and kids to spend more time together without school pressures, the district is fostering an environment where families can thrive. This program demonstrates a commitment not just to academic success, but to the well-being and strong relationships that shape students’ lives.
