The start of a new school year can be such an exciting time as students move up into new grades and even into new schools entirely. While many parents are busy with back-to-school shopping and teachers are finalizing lesson plans, it is important to consider health and safety as we enter the 2024 – 2025 school year. Changes in environment and routine can often lead to back-to-school illnesses as students and faculty alike are quickly exposed to an abundance of germs. Coupled with the transition from summer to fall, students end up coming home with pesky common colds, coughs, and other ailments picked up from their classmates.
At Cubix, Inc., we understand the importance of starting the school year on the right foot. We are the pros that many Florida schools trust for deep cleaning and restoration services, so we KNOW schools. A clean and hygienic environment is the foundation for academic success and overall well-being. In this article we will be reviewing key strategies and tips to help schools navigate wellness and back-to-school safety, ensuring a healthy start for everyone.
1. Promote Health and Wellness Practices
The first step to solving a problem is defining what the problem is. In the case of creating healthy enviroments, that step highlights the gap in knowledge students may have when it comes to instilling practices that cut down germs and other bacteria.
Promoting fundamental healthy habits such as frequent handwashing, covering mouths when coughing, and avoiding touching one’s face is essential. These practices are simple actions and crucial in maintaining a safe and productive learning environment. Schools play a critical role in teaching children these lifelong health habits. Early education on hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette helps instill these practices, promoting a culture of health and wellness that extends beyond the school environment.
To further encourage a culture of wellness and healthy habits, consider installing hand sanitizing stations. These stations can be placed at key locations such as entrances, classrooms, cafeterias, and restrooms to effectively cut down the spread of germs. Including sanitation stations can be critical during the dreaded flu season, which, unfortunately, begins to climb in October and peaks between December and February.
2. Prioritize Cleanliness and Hygiene
Maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in schools is essential for developing a healthy and conducive learning environment. A clean school reduces the spread of germs and illnesses, leading to fewer absences among students and staff. It also promotes better mental well-being, as a tidy and organized space can significantly reduce stress and anxiety. Removing needless clutter not only cuts down on dirt and grime but has also been linked to improving one’s mental health. These small adjustments can foster a positive change in the classroom, leading to happier and healthier students.
Additionally, a well-maintained school environment creates a sense of pride and responsibility among students, encouraging them to take ownership of their surroundings. This sense of community is an essential component in helping young adults, and teens feel included in the greater community as a whole. In turn, students become more involved both in the classroom and outside of it.
3. Consider Commerical Cleaning Services
The janitorial and support staff at our schools have an endless to-do list, with new tasks constantly being added. To better assist school personnel, consider commercial cleaning services to help staff stay one step ahead.
Cubix, Inc. offers a wide range of services from carpet cleanings to tile and grout restoration. Our team takes great pride in partnering with schools all over Florida to aid in cultivating safe and healthy learning spaces in which both students and staff can thrive. Schedule a consultation today to create a plan that best suits the needs of your building.
