As another school year begins, we know the back-to-school season can bring a mix of excitement and stress for teachers and school staff. That’s why Kaiser Permanente Thriving Schools is proud to champion the well-being of the entire school community.
Our 2025 back-to-school campaign, We’ve Got Your Back This School Year, highlights how schools and districts can show up for their staff—during the hectic first weeks of school and throughout the year. Because when educators feel supported, connected, and cared for, they’re better equipped to create thriving environments for students.
We know there are many ways teams around the country step up to show staff they matter, so we wanted to highlight a couple of examples – and invite others to share too.
From Break Rooms to Wellness Havens
In Ontario, California, one elementary school principal transformed a corner of the staff room into something truly special.
“This summer, we significantly expanded our Relaxation Station. It started as a small wellness corner and is now a private office space where staff can retreat, relax, and recharge. It includes calming sound machines, comfortable seating, and simple activities to help our educators feel refreshed and supported.”
Creating these small moments of peace amidst a busy school day sends a powerful message: Your well-being matters.
Year-Round Support: Because Stress Doesn’t Take a Break
The same district in Ontario is also leading the way with year-round mental health support for staff, not just students and families.
“We now offer staff access to the same counseling and mental health services as students, whether through our in-house clinicians or external providers. Plus, our Health and Wellness Department launched a 24-hour support line available all summer long. Our staff know they’re never alone – no matter the season.”
SEL in Action: Building a Culture of Care
At a middle school in Manassas, Virginia, supporting staff well-being is part of the school’s culture, driven by its dedicated Social Emotional Learning (SEL) coaches.
“From outdoor yoga sessions to gratitude gifts and mailbox shout-outs, our SEL team has created a culture where staff feel seen, heard, and appreciated. These small acts build strong connections and help reduce stress throughout the year.”
Starting Staff Meetings with Connection
At an elementary school in Madera, California, one teacher shared a simple but powerful way to start the year with gratitude and intention:
“Instead of an ice breaker at our all-staff meeting, we asked everyone to text someone who made their back-to-school experience easier or more joyful. Just a quick message like: ‘Thanks for making this year start off so smoothly. You’re appreciated.’ It created such a warm and uplifting tone.”
Midweek Moments of Care
Not every act of support needs to be big. Sometimes it’s a small gesture that brings the biggest smile, as we heard from an elementary school counselor from Spokane, Washington.
“We do Wellness Wednesdays with treat carts and self-care tips for all staff. It’s a little pick-me-up in the middle of the week that reminds our team to take care of themselves too.”
Let’s Keep the Momentum Going
Every educator deserves to feel valued, supported, and cared for—not just in August or September, but all year long. These stories remind us that small, intentional acts can make a big difference in fostering thriving school communities.
We want to hear from you! How is your school or district supporting teacher and staff well-being? What practices have made a difference for you or your team?
Tag us or DM us on X (formerly Twitter) @thrivingschools or email us at schools.thrive@gmail.com.
Together, we can build schools where every school succeeds, every employee excels, and every child thrives.
