During the Festival of Learning event on Oct. 3, teachers from both Saratoga and Los Gatos High attended sessions to help them improve as educators. But even more so, many of the sessions on methods to reduce student stress.
As part of an ongoing effort to reduce stress over the past five years, the school has had over 20 stress-reduction initiatives, according to assistant principal Brian Safine,.
Some of these initiatives include the adoption of the Counseling and Support Services for the Youth (CASSY), a new schedule featuring daily tutorials, administrative training on dealing with student stress and a new tutoring center.
Staff members have also been trained to create a stimulating learning environment that keeps students emotionally in balance rather than one constantly surrounded by stress.
The administration’s efforts have proven to have a positive effect on students. For example, in science teacher Kirk Davis’ AP Physics class, a course known to be one of the hardest offered at the school, Davis tries to keep his students engaged by including demonstrations and anecdotes. While the class is still difficult, students have noticed a decrease, albeit slight, in stress.
“Mr. Davis definitely makes AP Physics a more fun environment which allows me to forget about my stresses and worries,” said senior Kha Nguyen, who is in Davis’ fourth-period class. “Overall, I would say that he has made the class a lot less worrisome than it has been before in past years.”
Safine has also noticed that many of the changes are helping.
“Whether we are working as a whole school to teach and learn in a student-friendly bell schedule or including a support class targeted at a smaller number of students, I believe students see and feel the benefits of this important work,” Safine said.
Besides emotional and mental support, the administration also decided to expand on the theme of physical exercise this year. In order provide a source of relaxation for students, the school implemented its first ever Move-Ember events, where over a span of three weeks, students had the opportunity to participate in various physical activities during tutorial or lunch.
Seniors who are battling the burden of college applications along with a tough school workload have found the Move-Ember events to be beneficial in alleviating stress.
“Last month, I went to dodgeball during lunch, and it made me think of things outside of school,” senior Bala Balasubramanian said. “I thought the event was pretty interesting as it allowed me to forget some of my worries.”
According to Safine, while many stress causing factors are out of the school’s control, such as the stress of getting into college or the stress of parent pressure, the administration has taken an effort to make meaningful changes.
“I would love for the school community to continue to grow as a supportive network with parents, students and staff pulling together in the same direction,” Safine said. “I want students to know that it is OK to make mistakes because those are growth opportunities.”
