Page 8 - EdViewptsSpring2021

leave school grounds, study in the ins” by the students, are a students, which includes a Yoga &
Learning Commons (library), go chance for students to catch up Stress Management course. Yoga
to the cafeteria, or visit a teacher on their school assignments or is a mind-body practice that can
if available. sleep a little longer while the aid in reducing stress and anxiety.
• No Substitutes: When teachers faculty engages in professional It can also enhance one’s mood
are absent for less than three development. and overall sense of well-being.
days in a row, they assign • Homework-Free Breaks: As a • Co-Curricular Activities: A
classwork that needs to be school policy, assignments are not wide variety of co-curricular
completed online. With a 1:1 given over, or due immediately activities, athletics, arts, and clubs
Chromebook environment, after, major religious holidays and allow students to pursue their
teachers communicate with their school recess breaks. This allows interests and excel outside of the
class electronically via Google students to decompress over a classroom. These activities help
Classroom, and students are longer period and enjoy precious to balance out the day while also
held responsible by submitting time with family. serving as sources of enrichment
the assignment at the end of • Graded Assessments Policy: and enjoyment. Coaches and
the period, day, or the next In an ongoing effort to keep the advisors do their best to strike
class meeting depending on the student workload manageable, a balance between student
parameters set. Students have and to ensure that students are personal, family, academic, and
the freedom and responsibility given ample time to do their co-curricular time.
to complete the assignment on best work, policies are in place • Summer Blackouts: Two
their own. This virtual learning regarding when assessments “blackout” periods with no school
environment helps prepare and assignments can be given. events are scheduled during final
students for their future when they Qualitative assessments can exams and typically the first week
take online classes in college only be administered during two of August to allow students time
and work remotely in their future of the three periods that meet in to prepare for exams and have a
occupations. the morning and afternoon. This week free from school during the
Wellness policy prevents students from summer to plan for family time
together.
having six graded assessments
School initiatives can contribute to or tests on one day. There is no one solution to the many
reducing student stress and increasing • Academic Enrichment: After issues teenagers face. However,
student wellness. With some of these school, through an optional empowering students, giving them
initiatives, the hope is that families can 25-minute period, teachers freedom and choices, and supporting
plan time together and take advantage provide a supportive environment them throughout their journey will
of these precious years and that where students are given every enable them to succeed. Schools must
students use these respites to relax opportunity to succeed. This is a strive to maintain an educational and
and enjoy their youthful days. part of the school day where all social environment that promotes the
• Enrichment Mornings: Certain teachers, counselors, and grade academic and personal welfare of its
times during the school year, advisors are available for help in students. Accepting this responsibility
on a weekly or monthly basis, their designated room. allows students to reach their fullest
the school day for students • Stress Management: The potential so they are prepared to live
begins with a one-hour delay. Physical Education and Health healthy and productive lives.
These Enrichment Mornings, Department offers a Wellness
affectionately known as “sleep- Curriculum for 11th grade

About the Author
Dr. Thomas Gorman, Superintendent of Schools, Ridgewood, has worked in public education as a
social studies teacher and administrator for over 20 years. He earned a B.A. from Muhlenberg College,
a M.A. from Montclair State University, and an Ed.D. from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey.
His wife, Maggie, has been a physical education and health teacher at Ramsey High School for 25
years. Together they have three children. He can be contacted at tagorman58@gmail.com.

Educational Viewpoints -6- Spring 2021