AQ: FRIENDS Program
Why are we using this program?
What we find in education today is that students are increasingly unable to deal with the pressures of life. For whatever reason tools for dealing with anxiety and pressure are lacking and life seems to overwhelm our students. Some experts tell us it is due to increased pressure in expectations with curriculum, knowledge overload, communication overload, technology overload, society pressures etc. Our hope in using the program once a week is to give tools for students to deal with expectations put upon them in their life. Student pressures are not decreasing, they are increasing, education is not the same as it was 15 years ago. Our hope here is to build resiliency.
What if my child does not want to talk in class about their anxiety?
Our goal is not to create more anxiety, students can certainly opt out in answering questions. We call this a "pass" when called upon in sharing sessions.
When a school uses culture programs such as this, often the activities will ask students to share about their lives, encourage each other, and talk about struggles they may or may not be facing. This program is not a counseling program. This is a school based culture initiative aimed at providing students with tools for a successful life. Sometimes students may choose not to talk, but to observe and reflect on classroom discussions. Some students will react to what is said in class with distaste, others with apathy, and others in agreement. With any of these reactions it is a great starting point for discussions at home. Keep in mind it is about the discussion, asking questions simply reveals thoughts and emotions that are already present. Helping our children understand and learn how to interpret and deal with emotions is the journey.
Are these types of program new to RVS?
No, programs like this have been used for years. Safe and Caring initiatives are part of our school mandate. All of them support various aspects of student growth and development and this one is no different.
If you have other questions you would like to see on this page, please send them to Westbrook School. Thank you.
