Since the dramatic switch to online classes, Marlborough has added a new way for students to rest and relax during the school week. Wellness Wednesday is a day off for all students and teachers mid-week. It allows students to catch up on work, meet with teachers, pick up new hobbies, and most importantly take time off for their health and wellness. Unsurprisingly, the reaction to Wellness Wednesdays has been overall positive from Marlborough students.

Head of School Priscilla Sands said the idea for Wellness Wednesday originated as a solution to a health issue 

“Increased screen time was giving students headaches,” Sands said, “and we were concerned about the health issues of students and faculty.” Wellness Wednesday provided a break from the Zoom meeting fatigue, that the five-day online school week was lacking. No other schools are allowing their students a day off, but Marlborough made this choice for “the health and wellness of our community,” Sands said. “We wanted to do something different.” 

This is a time where the law is forcing everyone to stay at home, and Marlborough didn’t want to force their students to have to be on zoom 24/7.

Lotus Landau-Levy ’24 enjoys the time to reboot in the middle of the week. With her time off she has been trying to do things out of the ordinary. Wellness Wednesdays have allowed her to sleep in and spend more time with her family. On her first Wednesday off she relaxed and worked 

“I went in the pool and got done with all the homework I needed to without feeling rushed or anything, so it was a really nice day.” This is different from the average school day when she, and most other students, have to cram their homework and studying into the evening. It provides a day to relax. Lotus hopes that if Marlborough continues to stay online, Wellness Wednesdays will stay as well. 

With the future uncertain about school in the fall, Sands thinks everyone should focus on what is in control.

“There is always a chance that school will still be online in the fall. It’s not going to be the doors closed, and now the doors open.” Sands said, “it will be different.” Reflecting on this time is key, and Sands thinks that looking back on the success of Wellness Wednesday will help plan out what is in store for Marlborough’s upcoming year.