Smith School’s Pause Days: Prioritizing Wellness and Learning

First conceived of and proposed by a Smith School student, Pause Days are a unique and beloved part of life at Smith that provide an opportunity for students to focus on their social-emotional and educational needs beyond classes. Pause Days begin with an extended study hall, allowing students to catch up or move ahead on any of their work. Next, students attend Book Clubs, where they connect with students and teachers over extracurricular choice reading. Finally, the day ends with opportunities to engage in a variety of activities to support self care, community connection, and academic enrichment. These activities are chosen in response to student interests and have included options like individualized SAT preparation, healthy smoothie making, music enrichment, Dungeons and Dragons games, and more.