LANGDON — Each year Fall Mountain School District focuses on health topics relevant in today’s society. In the first year of programming we brought in speakers who addressed substance abuse. Last year we discussed mental health and healthy relationships.
This year the focus of Promoting Healthy Lifestyles at FMRHS will include topics of physical activity, injury prevention, goal setting, and resilience. The district has announced that students will hear from multiple speakers throughout a four-week period. This year multiple classes will get involved. An art student has created an exceptional design for the championship kickball team T-shirts. The marketing class helped create the logo for those shirts. A student from graphic arts created outstanding posters that have been hung up throughout the school. A student from one of the metals classes is constructing a trophy for the winning kickball team. The student body has contributed numerous ideas and suggestions that have helped develop this month’s theme.
On Monday Oct. 1, Jonathan Delizle a New Hampshire game warden will discuss outdoor safety. Students will be educated on the importance of following the rules and regulations for recreational activities, and protecting yourself in the elements. Topics may include but are not limited to ticks, insect bites, wild animals, frostbite, sunburn, and ATV, snowmobile and boating safety, tips and strategies that could help save a student’s life if injured. Jonathan will also discuss his career path and what it takes to be a N.H. game warden.
On Monday Oct. 15 Randy Pierce will be talking to students about life lessons, managing adversity, goal setting and choosing a path toward a successful positive life. For well over a decade, Randy has been visiting schools throughout New England, delivering his essential message to people of all ages: to believe in ability — most importantly their own. At age 22 Randy lost his vision in two short weeks. Still a sports enthusiast, Randy found a way to still be active. At age 39 a neurological disorder that took Randy’s vision attacked in other ways, leaving him confined to a wheelchair. He worked for two years and was fully back on his feet so he set a goal to be the first blind hiker to summit all 48 of the New Hampshire 4,000 foot mountains in ten years. He accomplished this in two years. Randy will discuss the importance of setting goals, Randy’s passion for new experiences continues to encourage him to turn adversity into growth and opportunity, inspiring others to reach their peak potential as Randy has and continues to do.
On Monday Oct. 29, psychologist and comedian Matt Bellace will discuss healthy coping mechanisms to help reduce stress and increase productivity. Students will learn about positive social support, healthy forms of self-expression and creative ways to express emotions. “Young people are growing up in an on-demand, smartphone and Uber culture, where everyday life is rarely full of disappointments,” said Bellace. “However, when life intervenes and a test is failed or a game is lost, many young people show little resilience.” A Fall Mountain High School senior who had heard him speak at another school district recommended Bellace “I saw him in middle school,” said the student. “This guy is really good. I can show you I still follow him on Instagram.” Bellace will also be addressing the staff after school.
After each speaker presentation students will attend advisory where they will talk in small groups with the faculty about the day’s topic. Along with these speakers, students are also able to sign up for different activities being offered during the school day throughout the month of October. “I signed up for a bunch, because there were so many cool choices,” said FM High School sophomore.
The activities are listed below:
CPR on Oct. 5: We would like to thank the Walpole Fire Department who is volunteering their time certifying 36 students in CPR, this knowledge could help save a life.
NAMI Training on Oct. 8: NAMI training is suicide prevention training, this training will be offered twice. Students are required to get parent permission to complete the training, 34 FM students signed up for this training.
Kickball Tournament on Oct. 12: There are 124 FM students who are playing in a kickball tournament. The winning team will receive t-shirts designed by a FM student.
Hike up Mt. Monadnock on n Oct. 17: A group is hiking up this 3,165 foot mountain. 104 FM students signed up for this activity.
Rock wall on Oct. 24: A portable rock wall is coming to the high school.
Nutrition for the Physically Active Individual on Oct. 11: Personal trainer Amy Hazeltine Schaefer owner of Flex Fitness in Bellows Falls, Vermont, is coming to speak to students about proper nutrition when working out, playing sports, etc.
Boot camp on Oct. 19: Mrs. Gendron is leading boot camp, a whole body workout.
Yoga will be offered on Oct. 2, 16, and 23: Students can come relax, stretch and also learn about deep relaxation.
Zumba on Oct. 4: Students can dance to great music with great people and get a good workout doing it.
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