Promoting Student Wellness

Boothbay Region High School, Boothbay Harbor- The second “Parents’ Meeting” went underway on April 26, after the previous one that occurred on the first of this month. The two hour meeting was a successful attempt to preserve positivity in the learning environment among the Boothbay Region Elementary School (BRES: K-8) and Boothbay Region High School (BRHS). Issues surfacing around the health and wellness of students created concern for both parents and faculty. This worry prompted community forums. Through the forums solutions have evolved for students to enjoy the educational process.
“We’ve had a really good year; a positive one. We’re tackling challenges as they come.”
- Boothbay Region High School Principal, Dan Welch
As a member of the Alumni of the Boothbay Harbor school system I was greatly pleased to talk with BRHS’ new principal. His enthusiasm for a “positive culture and climate” transpired through the phone and it created one less unsure Alumni member (hopefully many less from viewing this article). More recently, the school has installed twenty-two cameras and limited the access points. The reaction to the new security upgrade appears mixed among a few current students I’ve talked with. Realistically and contemporary speaking, there are very few schools that don’t have surveillance and a check-in point for visitors.
This measure was made because students don’t appear to touch base with faculty and uneasy situations have aroused. Welch assured preserving a positive environment and a comfort zone between students would lessen conflict. Welch also claims that by conducting community forums there will be no “isolated incidents” which will form an integrity-filled educational facility. BRHS is lowering the class duration from eighty to fifty-eight minutes and twelve new elective courses will be in place in the fall of 2011. Among these changes, BRES and BRHS are trying to promote a healthy education from endorsing exercise. Incoming freshmen will be required to take a course called “School Tools.” This class teaches students how to maintain school work and research development.
It was a great interview! Special Thanks to Dan Welch!