A Healthy Balance at the High School

Healthy Balanced Lives in the High School

A HEALTHY BALANCE at the High School

From rigorous academic schedules and homework to arts, clubs, and athletics, high school students have a lot on their plates. That’s why Ensworth intentionally built its program to offer students a schedule of classes, athletics, and activities that encourages a healthy balance between school and non-school life. One way Ensworth helps students to maintain a balanced lifestyle is through its Academic Support Team. “Ensworth built a system that encourages a balanced life,” says Dean of Academic Support Kate McGlasson. “What we try to do is help a child build a life around that.” The Academic Support Team helps students with their academics in a variety of ways. They offer afternoon tutorials so that students can get extra help from teachers and faculty outside of class. They also help students with test-taking strategies, time management, and organization. But the impact the team has on students extends far beyond the classroom. “Students know they can come to us, and we care about their world whether it’s academic or social, or whatever it may be. That’s our name, support, and it’s not just academic, it’s overall support,” says Assistant Dean of Academic Support Krystle Horton. Kate McGlasson says she believes that students perform better in the classroom when they feel their teachers see them for more than just the number on their report card. “Kids start to believe that they are their grade, and if their grade is not optimal, then they start to feel bad about themselves. I always tell kids ‘this does not define you. These numbers on this paper don’t now and will not ever define you.’” That’s one reason you’ll find Kate McGlasson in the stands at sporting events of all kinds, and in the audience at most school plays, musicals, and concerts. “ Kate goes to ever y ga me, event, concer t, anything you can think of, she is there…kids see that and see her and also the other faculty members at the different events, and I think that helps them to feel cared for and loved. It builds the relationship between students and teachers,” says Horton.

“Students know they can come to us, and we care about their world whether it’s academic or social , or whatever it may be.”

Dr. Krystle Horton

The Peer Support Team is another unique asset at Ensworth that promotes a positive and supportive environment. The group is made up of eleven students who serve as a supportive presence for the student body and the community. This year, the team has tried some new i n it iat ives to become a more visible presence in the community, including using bul letin boa rds to create community engagement. One board encourages students to show their gratitude to a fellow student or teacher by filling out a card and posting it on the board. The Acts of Kindness bulletin board invites students to pick up a card and do whatever kind act is listed on there. “I’ve a lways felt like Enswor th is a positive, welcoming environment, but what we do is find ways to build that in even more,” says the Peer Support Team’s key sponsor Matt Kaminski. “We focus on initiatives that help create enjoyment and connection in the community and that encourage people to get to know each other and have fun together. These initiatives are just small pieces that lead to a healthier community.” Exercise is also a vital part of living a healthy lifestyle, and Ensworth is committed to encouraging students to be physically fit. In line with this objective, the high school offers an individua lized f itness program for each and every student. Regardless of “We are promoting those healthy habits that are going to keep them healthy and happy throughout their lifetime.”

Bryan Van Vleet

“We are going to push them , we’re going to hold them accountable, we are going to love them as hard as we train them .”

Dr. Megan Mitchell

whether someone is an academic scholar, an art student, or an athlete, all students are required to take a fitness course each semester that meets four times per week during the school day.

Bryan Van Vleet is the Director of Strength & Conditioning at the High School. He says the main goal is the same for every student: to graduate physically fit and to prepare them to know how to take care of themselves. “There are so many studies out that show that having a balance that includes a healthy diet and regular exercise will cause an increase of blood f low to your brain, and the release of endorphins promotes a healthier, happier life. So we are promoting those healthy habits that are going to keep them healthy and happy throughout their lifetime,” says Van Vleet.

Through fitness classes, students are also introduced to different styles of physical fitness including yoga, strength training, and aerobics, which help them discover approaches to exercise that they enjoy and can sustain beyond their time at Ensworth.

Like the Peer and Academic Support Teams, Ensworth fitness instructors also believe in supporting students both in and outside of their fitness classes. “We are going to push them, we’re going to hold them accountable, we are going to love them as hard as we train them,” says Associate Athletic Director Megan Mitchell.

High School Seminar

At the High School, students take part in required Seminar classes in Grades 9 and 10. These semesterlong courses build upon the developmental and social issues introduced in Life classes and help students hone Harkness skills. Active listening, self awareness, collaboration, patience, confidence, compassion, and empathy are values integral to the course.

T he H i g h S cho ol C u r r ic u lu m Gu ide refer s t o the Seminar program as “academic and persona l, intellectual and relational.” As students move through Seminar 9 and 10, they learn to lead and participate in discussions, think critically, and reflect upon important issues pertaining to Identity, Diversity & Inclusion, and Health & Wellness.

Seminar Department Chair Brooke Morgan states, “Our goal with the Seminar program is to foster happy, healthy, whole young people who will lead purposeful and productive lives...both now and into adulthood. This starts with developing a strong sense of identity, purpose, and belonging in both the Ensworth community and society at large. We host honest conversations around a number of issues, teaching students to find and honor both their inner truth and the diverse perspectives of fellow classmates. In Search of Truth is truly the governing mantra in Seminar, where students discover who they are and how they can grow to be empathetic, compassionate contributors to society.”