Preserving Wellness with Dr. Rashidah Bowen White
Big thanks to Barnard College for hosting our recent return to an in-person RIISE Parent Power Conference!
Thank you to thought-leaders for sharing their intellectual and experiential capital regarding scholar wellness while navigating and negotiating both recruitment and enrollment at independent schools
Ruth Jurgensen, CEO of Prep for Prep, Danica Moore, Parent & Wellness Practitioner, & Psychologist Dr. Rashidah Bowen White
**Critical responses from Dr. Bowen White below
Big Ups to independent schools and sponsors that participated with us:
Horace Mann School, Westover School, The Browning School, Lycée Français de New York, Riverdale Country School, Fay School, BASIS Independent Schools, Greenwich Academy, Rye Country Day School, Pomfret School, Avenues: New York, Marymount School, St. Hilda’s & St. Hugh’s.
We were totally inspired by the feedback from our attendees and schools too!
I wanted to thank you for hosting the event yesterday, and for providing us with the opportunity to share time and space with such a wonderful group of families. I loved the energy in the room! Gretchen - St. Hilda's & St. Hugh's
listen to HOS Virginia join us on Articulating podcast!
Thank you again for hosting such a wonderful event this past weekend. Zoie and I really enjoyed hearing the wisdom of Independent School parents who have been on this journey -- and meeting with admissions coordinators. Mom
"The State of Mental Health for Children and Adolescents
We all know the pandemic has had a profoundly negative impact on the mental health and well-being of our children and adolescents. This is a period of unquestionable stress and hardship resulting in a mental health crisis for young people. And, Educators, mental health clinicians, medical providers, and other professionals like yourselves are intimately aware of these sobering trends observed even before the pandemic.
Children who are diagnosed with depression and anxiety-related disorders have increased steadily over the last decade. Research suggests each year twenty percent of all children have an identified mental health condition. Of significant concern is the alarming increase in suicide attempts and death by suicide-which is now the second leading cause of death for young people ages 10-24 representing a nearly 60% increase since 2007. Notably, the suicide death rate among Black youth has increased faster than any other racial/ ethnic group. People are sounding the alarm! It is clear that we are in a state of emergency when it comes to the mental health and well-being of our children.
School Practices that Support Social and Emotional Wellness in Independent Schools
Many institutions are examining their systems, policies, and practices that have created oppressive environments and experiences for POC. Schools, and independent schools, in particular, are no different as many are (or should) assess their policies and practices that lead to inequities for children, families, and faculty of color. For example, disciplinary practices and trends, course placement processes (i.e., how do schools make decisions about course placement (e.g., math, honors classes, etc.) and who makes these decisions are these processes clear, equitable, and transparent); admission policies, financial aid practices, curriculum
One tremendously impactful way of doing this is an examination and redesign of curriculum and teaching practices to ensure it is culturally relevant and responsive or even community responsive. Culturally relevant teaching develops students academically, nurtures and supports cultural competence, and develops a sociopolitical or critical consciousness. And, an essential element of a community-responsive approach is to transform school climate and culture by prioritizing youth wellness thereby requiring an intentional focus and commitment to building and nurturing deep relationships between students, teachers, and peers. These positive, developmental relationships are essential to creating a sense of connection and belonging which are necessary for both psychological and physiological health and wellness.
This pedagogical shift or change also requires educators to engage in a process of deep self-reflection to examine their own biases and blindspots and the way in which that may influence teaching practices and curriculum. Many independent schools are committing to this effort, a process that cannot be completed in a few days, weeks, or months, but is necessary to begin to develop and nurture a school environment that is identity-affirming for all students, particularly minoritized individuals.
Ways to Preserve Wellness
Schools should be a place where students feel a sense of safety and that includes psychological and emotional safety as well. Experiences of micro (and macro) aggression, inequitable or oppressive institutional policies and practices, and lack of connection and/or representation can undermine the emotional health and wellness of POCs and, in turn, have deleterious effects on physical health, cognition, academic, and school success. It can be helpful to join with a group of parents who are committed to holding the school accountable for its mission and its goal of creating safe, equitable and joyful communities for all children. Parents can develop relationships with school administrators to express their concerns and/or uplift the things that are supportive. These connections are key in making sure your voices are heard. In turn, school administrators should make a genuine effort to encourage and invite such partnerships. Many schools are implementing programs, policies, etc. to address various observed inequities and promote diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and access. Parents can ask how the school measures the effectiveness and impact and feel empowered to share their own experiences, reactions, and concerns. The wonderful thing about independent schools is that there is a prioritization on building and sustaining a community of learners-which includes all stakeholders, especially parents and caregivers!