and habits that will see them through a
lifetime of challenges.
How does this manifest itself in the
classroom?
Students are learning strategies that
help them focus, relax, make healthy choic-
es and be aware of how their brains op-
erate at much younger ages than earlier
generations.
At Liberty High School, for instance, at
least one Friday a month students entering
the building are welcomed by peers with
a smile and a high five. Student leaders,
ambassadors and administrators greet stu-
dents with uplifting posters and words of
encouragement. It is a simple way to build
up students and model positive behaviors.
Liberty students also offer a student-led
yoga class on Thursdays that is open
to all students. The class provides time
for students to take a break from their
busy schedules and relieve stress through
exercise.
Many other campuses use yoga or
various exercise or breathing techniques
to help students and teachers de-stress
and refocus. Frisco ISD Child Nutrition pro-
motes healthy choices as ways to improve
brain function, and physical-education
teachers empower students and staff
to use exercise to keep both mind and
body fit.
“The teachers like that they can just
clear their mind for that 30 minutes and
not worry about anything,” said physi-
cal-education teacher Derek Rodriguez,
who hosts regular yoga sessions for both
staff and students at Purefoy Elementary.
“The kids enjoy getting to start their day
getting focused before heading down to
their classrooms.”
Mindfulness is a technique being uti-
lized throughout Frisco ISD to help students
focus and be aware of their surroundings
and their own emotional state, said James
Caldwell, FISD safe schools coordinator.
“Being in the moment is important,”
he said. “Teachers may ask students to
take a minute and become aware of their
surroundings. They may ask students to
close their eyes and be aware of how they
feel and the sounds they hear. This short
moment of being mindful of yourself and
your world can help people refocus on a
task, clear their minds of stress and be
more situationally aware.”
Part of the responsibility of incorporat-
ing the Whole Child concept into Frisco
Students and staff organize a range of
activities on FISD campuses to help
students connect with peers and cope
with stress.
ISD falls to the School Health Advisory
Committee (SHAC), which is made up of
school and community representatives.
SHAC meets throughout the year to de-
velop activities that support campuses in
implementing the Whole Child philosophy.
Student ambassadors at each high
school also help establish a positive school
climate. Curriculum lessons for elemen-
tary students educate them on how deep
breathing helps the brain work better.
Students at all levels receive anti-bullying
lessons. All of these efforts fall under the
Whole Child initiative.
As students deal with technology, anx-
iety and the high expectations of family
and educators, Frisco ISD hopes that each
student will graduate fully developed in
body, mind and spirit and ready to tackle
the challenges of the future. n
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