At the Healthy Student Committee yesterday, we were given a quiz by Dr. Matthew Campbell. One of the things that we learned is that when adolescents frequently eat meals with their families and/or parents, they have lower incidence of depression, live healthier life, do better at school, less likely to engage in risky behaviors, have lower substance abuse issues, have better social skills, and more resilient.
We also discussed ideas (besides serving snacks and drinks) which may be helpful to students during their finals’ week. Some of the ideas will require teachers’ support:
Spread out tests so the hard ones won’t all be given on the same day
Multiple choices/questions instead of one or two questions
Offer projects in lieu of final exams
Petting animals
Stress balls / play dough
Post grades on the last day of the finals
No homework assignment during and before the week of finals
Extra credit opportunities
Offer study guides, study groups, final prep groups
Breakfast before schools
Peer support groups
Later start time on test days
Yoga relief
Soothing music
Next meeting will be held on Monday, December 18, 2017, 3:30pm – 5:00pm at Fremont Unified School District Office, Staff Room (4210 Technology Drive, Fremont, CA 94538)
Homework:Read Chapter 1 & 2 of “Overloaded and Underprepared: Strategies for Stronger Schools and Healthy, Successful Kids”
Student Stress Committee meetings will be held at the FUSD District Office (4210 Technology Drive, Staff Room), 3:30pm – 5:00pm on the following dates:
Important and relevant information are discussed at the workshop: meaning of success; problems caused by sleep deprivation (e.g. affecting memory, causing crankiness, increasing bullying behavior, car accidents due to drowsy driving, obesity, anxieties, depression); cheating behavior; busy work vs. homework; how to balance in today’s fast-paced culture; protective factors for kids; media time (www.commonsensemedia.org); strategies for parents….
