Wellness Weekend #2: Self-esteem, Body Positivity, and Social Media

In a happy coincidence that will get everyone moving to start the weekend, the Junior Class Walk, benefiting Martha’s Table, is scheduled for Friday at 3:30pm. Wellness programming begins at 7pm with a screening of the documentary Like, which explores the impact of social media on our lives. “By understanding the effects of technology and social media on the brain, on our lives, and on our civilization, we can learn how to navigate it more safely together,” say the movie’s makers.

 

Saturday morning’s keynote session features Mary George and Claire Neary, the co-founders and directors of My Remarkable Self, an education and empowerment program that helps youth develop communication and problem-solving skills that foster positive social, academic, and personal lives. George and Neary will conduct an all-school workshop on understanding, cultivating, and nurturing self-esteem entitled “#selfesteem” to kick off the day and, later, facilitate special workshops on peer mentoring and the transition to college, for juniors and seniors, respectively.

 

In addition, Tuttle has put together morning breakout sessions on topics such as mindfulness and meditation, bullet journaling, and cell phone safety. In the afternoon, underclassmen will choose from among a variety of physical breakout sessions such as yoga, pilates, hiking, climbing, and core work. Additional afternoon and evening activities will round out the weekend. 

 

Foxcroft’s Wellness Program, launched in the fall of 2015, seeks to prepare girls for lifelong wellness by engaging topics from health, nutrition, and stress management to financial literacy, healthy relationships, and digital balance. Its centerpiece is a required semester-long class for freshmen, but regular age-appropriate seminars through the other three years are also presented. The idea of the entire school devoting an entire weekend to wellness emerged last year, and Dr. Tuttle has worked with the Office of Student Life to create an outstanding program.

 

Friday 

3:30 pm Junior Class Walk to benefit Martha’s Table

7pm Screening and discussion of the documentary Like  

 

9:30-11am Keynote Session — “#selfesteem”

11:15-12:15pm Stepping Up and Stepping In: Preparing for “Senior” Leadership (juniors)

11:15am-12pm Breakout Sessions for 9th-10th graders (some led by seniors)

12-1pm Lunch

1:00-2:30pm Strong Girls, Strong World: Reflection & Moving Forward (seniors)

1:00pm Physical Activity Breakout Sessions (9th-11th graders)

Additional afternoon and evening activities to be announced.