Nonprofit gives Roosevelt High educators a back‑to‑school boost with free wellness event

The Mark Cuban Heroes Basketball Center recently hosted a free wellness event for teachers and staff at Franklin D. Roosevelt High School of Innovation. 

Massages and haircuts are just some of the free services they received. 

Organizers say it's a rare chance for educators to focus on themselves.

Video specialist Yesha Davis says that it can be hard to do at the start of the school year when so much of their time and attention is focused on getting ready for students.

"They're putting in that overtime, they need it, they deserve it," she said. "We need to cheer them on and let them know that it is all worth it." 

At a time when districts are working hard to recruit and retain teachers, events like this can help educators feel appreciated.

"We have a dozen plus schools that we work with," Mark Cuban Heroes Basketball Center CEO Trina Terrell-Andrews said. "Roosevelt is our neighbor. I think the biggest thing is it takes a village. Just the teacher morale overall has been changing with us doing this the past three years consistently." 

For Davis, it's a welcome boost.

"I just kind of need that little extra this morning, this afternoon, to get me on my way," she said. 

Principal Abram Joseph says this investment in educators ultimately reaches beyond the staff.

"Ultimately, the students are at the center of everything, so when you can give the best, you can get the best out of the students," he said. 

The hope is that a little extra care will pay off in the classroom.