The following is a story about our Middle School Mindfulness Group - Enjoy!
Once a week, Leah Stover can be found in the Middle School’s Innovation Center... head down, eyes closed, and breathing slowly.
And for about a half hour, she will listen to soothing music and focus on breathing exercises along with more than 20 other students in a Mindfulness Group.
“It gives me a breather and a chance to relax before I start the day off,” Leah said. “I always try to do this now in the mornings to start myself on a good note and sometimes when I get home from school in or my room or outside. It puts me and everything around me at ease.”
When the pandemic first hit the United States, teachers and staff looked for new ways to connect with students while they were remote, which is how the Mindfulness Group was introduced at Deer Lakes Middle School.
“At that time, things were so uncertain and we wanted kids to have a way to occupy their time but also to be able to connect to some of the support staff and faculty,” Middle School Counselor Ms. Jackie Jaros said. “We wanted to be able to get support to students and families that may be in need during such a difficult and uncertain time.”
The Mindfulness exercises have become a common practice for Ms. Jaros, Library Media Specialist Ms. Beaufort, and students.
The group launched remotely with a handful of students and toward the end of last school year included nearly 30 students. Ms. Beaufort often uses the Calm app, which she downloaded prior to the pandemic, for the sessions offered to students.
“I learned about the Mindfulness group online and thought it could help for when I get nervous in the mornings about a class or a test and things like that,” Grace Moore said. “Now I feel like I’m more able to focus on what I need to focus on. It helps you take care of yourself for your everyday life.”
Ms. Beaufort and Ms. Jaros have also introduced Mindfulness practices into anti-bullying and Connections 6 class lessons.
“It allows kids who may not otherwise come to a mindfulness session experience the process,” Ms. Jaros said. “Many seem to enjoy it and get something out of it.”
The Mindfulness Group will gathers once a morning every week prior to classes. Students may attend as early as 7:40 a.m. and may enter the Innovation Center for any session until they are dismissed for first period.
“Mindfulness allows me to start my day off right, to focus, to practice gratitude, and how to take care of myself, which is something that we often lose focus of in a busy day,” Ms. Jaros said. “I love to spend time with our students and support them in their quest to be the best version of themselves.”
For more information on resources available to students and families, go to Mental Health Supports (deerlakes.net).
*Some pictures taken in May 2021