Wellness topics such as healthy eating, the importance of sleep, healthy friendships, kindness and mindfulness are woven into a variety of lessons taught each day in the Lower School classrooms. Also, through daily physical education, students work on fitness, strength and teamwork, and they have the opportunity to discuss and practice the traits of empathy, grit, optimism and flexibility – reinforcing lessons learned in the classroom.

Every seventh grade student takes Human Development, a class focused on self-care through stress management, healthy eating, the importance of sleep, building healthy relationships, etc. Students learn about the science behind mindfulness and practice mindfulness at least one time per week throughout the year. During the first week of school, students learn about healthy eating, with an emphasis on the importance of nutrition to help build strength, maintain focus during school and promote growth and development.

Kinkaid offers additional resources to support health and wellness in this particular age group:

Peer Mentors

Seventh and eighth grade students provide support and mentorship to aid our fifth and sixth grade students in their transition to Middle School. Activities include topics such as team building, social relationships, cyber-citizenship and academic skills to foster success for the students.

US2MS Peer Counselors

A small group of Upper School students goes into seventh and eighth grade gatherings to discuss issues of bullying, body image, social media, healthy friendships and stress, while serving as positive role models.

Wellness Assemblies

Middle School students at Kinkaid attend periodic assemblies on topics such as healthy nutrition, hydration, sleep and stress management.

Upon entrance to the Upper School, each Kinkaid student joins an advisory group of 10 to 12 students and one faculty member, which meets weekly until graduation. This advisory creates a safe space to discuss issues including stress, healthy relationships, motivation, leadership, teamwork, social pressures, self-care, responsibility, academics and more.

In addition, Kinkaid offers a roster of specific programs to address Upper School students’ developing wellness needs:

Peer Mentor Program

Each Kinkaid freshman joins an advisory group led by a select group of seniors. Peer mentors plan and implement programming throughout the year on topics such as managing the student workload, the importance of sleep, navigating friendships and peer pressure, social media health and safety, stress and any other concerns the freshmen need to discuss.

Decisions

In this semester-long course in the ninth grade, students read about and discuss healthy relationships, navigating social media, goal setting, depression and resiliency, good study strategies, stress and stress management, alcohol and other drug education and healthy sexuality.

Wellness Week

Planned and developed by the peer mentors, the week-long event addresses topics including stress management, sleep, healthy eating and positive relationships.

Transitions

Beginning after the Interim Term in January, this program focuses on giving Kinkaid seniors the tools to stay healthy as they transition to college life.