Mount Pleasant Magazine Sept/Oct 2020

30 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.VOICEforMP.com feature The school held separate, voluntary sessions for seventh and eighth graders during recess, as well as another for interested parents after school. “He walked through conversations with kids to validate their concerns; helped parents identify what is normal, healthy stress, versus what is not; and went through coping mechanisms, such as designated worry time, deep breathing exercises and setting positive routines,” Trottier added. Morris pointed out that student stress is a widespread issue, certainly not specific to Mount Pleasant. “There is a definite trend, but we believe having a conversation takes away the stigma that something is wrong,” she emphasized. “Having workshops like these show that, as a school, we are listening to our kids and are not going to let them go down a dark path alone.” Blum, who was happy to help, said: “I have a background in disability services, and I am an autism specialist. I see a lot of depression and anxiety issues with those kids and in general. It is my impression that most middle school kids are dealing with some anxiety component, due to academic pressure.” He encourages parents to take steps to discern the issue. “Look for changes in behavior, such as dramatic outbursts, abandoning outside interests to focus exclusively on homework or the opposite — wanting nothing to do with school.” The next step is for parents to talk to kids and find out what is bothering them, which can be challenging, according to Blum. “Parents aren’t always comfortable having honest conversations with their teenagers, who, by virtue of their age, are trying to be more independent and don’t always see the value in talking it out. They end up in counseling when parents are at the end of their rope.” There has to be a balance between letting kids be kids and not letting school fall by the wayside. Blum suggested developing a schedule that works and sticking with it. “Time management is not taught in school. It’s hard for kids to find time to study appropriately, and, when they do, they are multitasking. Just watch your children doing homework and see how many screens are around them,” he pointed out. That’s why Blum works with kids on forming routines and not procrastinating. He helps them self-monitor and learn “how to be in the moment and not worry about the future” with methods like yoga and deep breathing. Anna Dassing, principal at the new Lucy Beckham High School, brandishes a copy of a Washington Post article with a headline that sums it up: “Students in high- achieving schools are named an ‘at-risk’ group, study says.” Because Lucy Beckham High opens this fall, Dassing and her team are already rethinking how students can have more control over their day and, hopefully, less stress. They have a three-step plan. “Every day, students will alternate Independent Learning Time (ILT) with health or personal finance. ILT will allow them to catch up on homework; make up a test; see a teacher or guidance counselor for extra help; go to the media center for yoga or mindfulness; or visit the student center for a snack. Health and personal finance Ashlin Blum, a Licensed Independent Social Worker of Clinical Practice (LISW-CP) in South Carolina.