Schools are busy places. Activities, testing, presentations, lunches, assemblies—the daily hum keeps most of the staff on their feet all day, every day. After an exhausting day at work, what could be better than an afternoon of pampered bliss?
That’s exactly what staff members got on Jan. 27 during Staff Appreciation Day at Hilton Central School District’s Northwood Elementary. Mary Mason, district attendance and health aide and member of the Wellness Committee, worked with Dr. Christopher Zastawrny of Integrated Chiropractic, Physical Therapy & Massage, to provide school staff members with chair massages.
From 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., two massage therapists set up shop in an empty classroom and provided 15-minute chair massages. Staff members could choose between a neck and shoulder or lower leg massage. Zastawrny was also around to offer consultations and assessments, and answer questions on specific ailments that a staff member may have.
But the pampering didn’t stop there. Mason wanted to take it to the next level, so she transformed the classroom space—where the massages were being held—into a day spa.
To remove the sense of being in an academic institution, Mason created a soothing atmosphere with a hint of luxury. Tables were covered with off-white linens. Lights were dimmed and the room glowed with flickering, battery-operated tea lights. Employees sipped ice water with lemon slices or grape juice served in wine glasses. Mason provided the final touch by greeting participants at the door and directing them to their massage therapist.
“I wanted to make sure staff didn’t feel like they were in a school environment,” she says. “Everyone was a little taken aback. They were expecting a brightly lit classroom and they found a spa. I got a lot of compliments.”
Kelley O’Connell, Northwood Elementary vice principal, also took advantage of some relaxation time, opting for the neck and shoulders massage option.
“You don’t get that often in school,” O’Connell says. “I could have one of those massages every day.”
O’Connell says she was impressed by the set-up and the atmosphere and felt it was a great way to relieve some stress and be pampered. She says these kinds of events help show the staff how much their hard work is appreciated.
“Our staff members work really hard and they need to take care of themselves. We want them to know they are as important as the kids.”
About 15 people signed up for the massages, which were open to any staff member—teachers, administration, custodial, cafeteria and maintenance. Mason sent out emails and provided a sign-up sheet in the main office.
The biggest challenge in organizing this event, Mason says, is timing it just right for after-school hours. Massages scheduled right after school are convenient but those that are scheduled to last a little later—as was the case with the Staff Appreciation Day massages—require that someone wait around until the end. Still, the event was well-received and Mason plans on organizing something similar for the 2016-17 academic year.
“For next year I’m thinking about a foot massage therapist,” she says. “I think that would feel great.”
