D-R receives the “2020 Excellence in Wellness Award for a Regional School District”

Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School District Supt. Dr. Azar is honored and proud to announce that D-R has been recognized by the MIIA Health Benefits Trust Wellness Department the winner of the “2020 Excellence in Wellness Award for a Regional School District”. "This wonderful honor was recently bestowed on us on behalf of the entire district!", said Azar.

MIIA, Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association, serving over 400 public entities, recognized D-R for “overall excellence and ownership of a growing wellness program that capitalizes on the integration of their own services and resources as well MIIA’s services and resources.” Elise DuBois, Asst. Principal at Palmer River Elementary School and lead coordinator of the program said, "Dighton Rehoboth was one of only two wellness recipients to be acknowledged at the 2020 Virtual MMA Annual Meeting and Trade Show on January 22, 2021."

"This award reflects Dighton-Rehoboth’s commitment to a spirit of wellness and success in growing a terrific employee wellness program! With the continued support of Business Administrator, Paul Kitchen and the MIIA wellness contacts, Elise DuBois and Gail Fisher, the Dighton-Rehoboth school district has been able to garner its employees to become cultivators of their own wellness", Azar continued.

"With the support of MIIA, over the past years, Dighton-Rehoboth has continued to grow its offerings to include live fitness programs (presently on hold with COVID), a live online yoga platform, Ompractice, a MIIA health literacy program, Quizzify, and a new “COVID friendly” Webinar Buffet initiative including zoom wellness workshops", DuBois added.

"There have been many other initiatives across the district at our varied schools. For example, Palmer River Elementary focused on a “Year of Wellness” teaching good health and mindfulness strategies to the staff in preparation for their later work with students. The staff at the Beckwith Middle School has been very competitive in their own version of the "Biggest Loser" which has become an annual Spring tradition aimed at shedding winter weight gain. Even our school nurses across the district do extraordinary work to promote food free incentives/celebrations and allergy safe routines. For our newest employees, our teacher mentoring program has its roots in balance, wellness and mindful leadership", according to Azar.

"Dr. Azar and Mr. Kitchen continue to be very supportive of our varied health related initiatives. In tandem with the school committee, they also guide the development of targeted health and wellness committees as necessary. Most recently we have been active in a robust “Phase IV COVID Committee" led by Kristin Donahue; here district staff, school committee members, parents and representatives from local boards of health partner to discuss our practical and logistical responses to DESE and CDC recommendations", DuBois said.

"Despite the challenges of COVID, Dighton Rehoboth has continued to maximize our relationship with MIIA to promote wellness in our district. Most recently, we have received a MIIA grant to create an outdoor walking trail on the Rehoboth campus. We look forward to the Spring when the one mile loop will be ‘constructed’. During the school week, the trail will be utilized by staff and students who can walk the “Mindful Moment Trail” gleaning some messages of positivity and elect to challenge their fitness with a heart healthy activity every tenth of a mile. The trail may be accessed by the community on the weekends. We are enthusiastic and energized by all that our partnership with MIIA has afforded us", Mr Kitchen added.

"The Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School District is committed to keeping wellness a number one priority", Azar concluded.