HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-03-27-Bridge-min
SITE COUNCIL 3/27/15
(14) ATTENDANCE: Bronte Abraham, Lynnette Allen, Russ Bosbach, Angela
Chang, Betsy Conway, Julia Mabuchi, Susan Orenstein, Naomi Priver, Wendy
Riseborgh, Deb Sabin, Deidre Schadler, Roxana Spitaleri-Risso,
Guests: Kristin Grey, Julie Fenn
I.(approve minutes)
II.Anxiety Ä Julie Fenn
A.Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS)
1.national survey a majority of high schools do; LHS has participated since
1993
2.looks at healthy and risky behaviors
3.this year middle schools will participate in MS survey
4.share info with students, faculty
5.10% children report anxiety
6.extreme stress 80% kids report (may look different what causes that stress Ä
academic homework), goes up 9th, 10th, 11th grade; for seniors it goes down,
survey is given in February
7.66% pressure from teachers
8.83% feel atmosphere of school encouraged stress
9.78% atmosphere of town encouraged competition
10.24% students felt teachers were aware of the stress
11.81% felt pressure from parents to get good grades
12.did ask questions about coping skills and self-reliance
13.more students are showing better coping skills
14.84% students did report they can go to their parents to report problems
15.Lexington has higher #s than state and national numbers; not all towns similar
to Lexington collecting data on anxiety and stress so hard to compare to Ålike
communitiesÆ
16.#s are lower than national #s in self-harm behaviors or thinking about hurting
themselves (1-8%)
B.She is impressed with students who come forward when concerned about a
friend
1.if depressed/anxiety Ä kids donÈt always look sad, but can be angry, tired all
the time, not hanging out with friends (more isolated), sporadic attendance
C.? what to do at a younger age Ä survey of 3rd graders are anxious about MCAS
scores, SAT scores, ÅAm I going to get into a good college?Æ Ä attention on
testing/whatÈs ahead
1.parents are focused on achievement, forget to work on healthy relationships
2.looking now at the dinner table, dialogue between teachers and parents about
how to minimize stress for students
D.recess for moving
1.GoNoodle is site teachers K-5 use for indoor movement activities for indoor
recess or during the day
2.teachers are paying attention to
E.mindfulness is being looked at in the district
1.in middle and High schools using mindfulness at the beginning of phys ed
classes (1-3 min activities)
2.mindful teaching being offered for teachers, some went last summer more this
year for professional development
F.opening conversation with younger students about what success looks like
1.last year highest % of students took a gap year then next # community
college
G.District is increasing guidance support to elementary school
1.Bridge will have full time guidance, and a part-time guidance/part time social
worker
H.Director of PE and wellness lobbying to bring comprehensive wellness back to
elementary schools, 6-8 lessons/year
I.need to bring the joy back into learning
1.like in sports shift back to kicking a ball around not about competition, winning
the medals, not orchestrated by adults, open spaces for pick-up games
J.? about looking at transition time i.e. 5-6th grade
1.have support before and after school, trying to increase time during the day
so it doesnÈt feel punitive
2.if elementary school feels some students will have troubles transitioning, the
guidance counselors talk with middle school and help with transition
III.Digital Literacy Ä stay tuned¼.
Next Meeting Fri 4/17/15