Remember how great naptime was when you were younger? How terrific would it be if somewhere in between school, homework, soccer practice, and studying for the SATs there was a required chill-out time? One school in Massachusetts is doing just that, and others are beginning to follow in its footsteps.
Paul Richards, the principal of Needham High School in Needham, MA (a suburb of Boston), has formed a "stress reduction committee" for his students in an attempt to help them combat the stresses and anxieties of high school.
Mr. Richards and his committee came up with a multitude of ideas, like a required yoga class for seniors and a survey to find out more about the stress students feel today. Homework-free weekends and holidays have also been scheduled in hopes that students can take a breather.
Other schools are following in Needham's path. Some are even requiring parental permission before taking Advanced Placement courses, or considering starting school later so students can catch up on some sleep. The goal, Mr. Richards explains, is "to try to help students become more resilient ... so they don't fall apart if they get a B minus."
Not all think the program will work. Could it really be possible that taking a yoga class at school will help you not feel so bad about doing poorly on your math test? Mr. Richards admits that it's all a "work in progress," but remains hopeful that this new attempt to recognize and address the heightened stress that high schoolers feel will help everyone perform better in the long run.
Do you feel tired and stressed? Do you think that mandatory yoga or starting school later would help? Tell us what you think!