Nurturing Emotional Growth through Middle School Health & Wellness Programs

“Middle School is a complex time of emotional, social and physical development, especially in these turbulent times in which we live,” says Middle School Principal Rabbi Yehuda Oratz. “Fortunately, BT seventh graders have Guidance Counselor Vicki Hervitz ‘05, LCSW-C, and grade advisors Coach Marc Burkom ’98 and Mrs. Ayelet Steiner. Together, they are helping our seventh grade students navigate those challenges and facilitate their positive growth, all through the lens of the important Jewish values of “derech eretz” (respectful behavior) and “tzelem Elokim” (we are all created in G-d’s image).”

Seventh grade students participated in programs specially developed to address their emotional needs: Real Men and Stones for Strength, spearheaded by Mrs. Hervitz. Real Men is designed to help the boys define the characteristics they believe a “real man” has; Stones for Strength offered the girls an opportunity to explore the meaning and complexity of inner personal strength.

What is a “Real Man?”
During their program, the boys split into groups and interpreted related quotes using skits and songs that were “both meaningful and hysterical,” said to Mrs. Hervitz. According to our seventh grade boys, a “Real Man” is respectful; he uses thoughtful conflict resolution; he is accountable and takes responsibility; he is brave; he tries to new things; he shares opinions and feelings; and he works to uphold a good reputation.

Following their session, the boys were asked to consider several questions with their parents: which characteristics of being a “real man” they relate to most, and which ones they struggle with the most; what they learned from the other groups’ presentations; and what they have done recently that makes them feel like a “real man.”

Helping Girls Find Inner Strength
The girls explored the meaning and complexity of inner personal strength during the Stones for Strength program. After analyzing quotes such as, “Strong is the new pretty” and “You are stronger than you think you are,” they discussed the definition of strength, what it looks like in the real world, and what to do when they or their friends are having difficulty finding that strength. Some of their definitions included: keeping your head up when you feel like putting it down; knowing that you can get through anything; valuing yourself and feeling “worth it”; having and exhibiting confidence and well-balanced self-esteem.

The girls each created their own personal “soothing stone” with words, pictures and designs that help them anchor their inner strength daily or when really needed. They also created a community jar of soothing stones for fellow Middle School students that will be housed in Mrs. Hervitz’s office.

The girls’ experience also continued at home, where they discussed several questions with their parents: how they chose their word or design for their stones; how they replenish their inner strength when the supply feels low; who can help them foster inner strength; and what aspects of their inner strength they are most proud of.

We know that our parents will find ways to have meaningful conversations with their children, building upon these important programs.
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Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community School

Learning together. For life.
Baltimore’s only Jewish independent preparatory school serving PreSchool through Grade 12.