Peaceful Mind, Successful Child Kits

School:: Barron Collier High
Subject:: Other
Teacher:: Milagros Lee
Students Impacted:: 331
Grade:: 9-12
Date:: September 16, 2021

Investor

Thank you to the following investor for funding this grant.

The Cappello Family - $165.89

Impact to My Classroom

# of Students Impacted: 323

The calming kits were a success!! I was able to share with students within my alphabet/caseload, students that came to our offices in crisis mode (not part of my alphabet), and those that meet with other school staff and specialist. The students were set up into individual and group sessions according to their comfort level. They were exposed to a variety of strategies and allowed to select which ones best helped them calm down, notice things that triggered them before they went into a panic attack, and how to use these strategies in and out of school. The students kept their individual kits in their book bags rather than their desks (not enough space with laptops and other items). Their teachers allowed them to take out items from the Calming Bag during class time as needed and use the different items. If the student initially was unable to calm down, they were allowed to come to my office and seek further assistance. Students reported that they really enjoyed the journaling, drawing/doodling booklets, calming bottles and the breathing pads. They shared that they showed their friends their kit and some even shared them or sent other students to see me to receive their own kit and discuss their circumstances and even add them to our groups or sessions.

I had originally though that the students would try and conceal these items, but I was wrong, they really enjoyed them. I also thought that due to Co-vid, the students would not want to share their kit, but no, once again they brought them out and helped each other find calm in the storm. Overall, students learned how to better manage their stressors. We know that their lives brings many ups and downs but now they have some items and strategies they can use and share with others to help them out until they can seek further assistance as needed. Thank you for funding this project and for helping our youth. Due to the nature of this grant and confidentiality, pictures were not taken.

Original Grant Overview

Goal

The goal of this intervention is to assist students experiencing stressors and anxiety. This intervention will provide students with a variety of helpful strategies and techniques, which in turn will help them determine which ones are most effective for them and how they can put the strategies in place to assist them as their anxiety levels rise. Teaching them to rewire their thoughts, using their smarts not their fears is important. The tremendous exposure our students have encountered with the pandemic, social media, and personal tragedies, has created fear and anxiety levels as never before.

What will be done with my students

I will meet with students to carry out a variety of activities throughout five sessions. The first session will include a pre-test to determine the student's stress perception along with breathing exercises and sharing. The next few lessons will provide the student with a variety of coping skills, stress management strategies, resiliency building, gratitude journaling, stress journaling, art therapy, walk and talk sessions, nutritional information, virtual activities and stay well techniques. Students will be able to develop and walk away with a set of stress and anxiety techniques they can apply in a variety of situations. The student will also have a Peaceful Mind Zen Kit that they will put together and keep at their desk or in their book bag to use as needed. No materials will be shared between students as a means to keep germs contained. The fifth session will include a post-test which will help collect data and assess student progress. If any student needs additional support or practice, it will be provided through me.

Benefits to my students

These skills will help students and their families to be mindful and transformative. The strategies and techniques they acquire and personalize, will help them be engaged in the here and now. It is a way for them to ground themselves in acceptance. Students will learn how to focus and be aware of their emotions and how to respond to situations throughout their lifetime and be able to bring themselves to a better, more well controlled space. Strategic planning on their part, will enable them to become engaged with others and help them branch out to be successful within their communities. Effectively managing stress and anxiety will allow the student to be successful management a way of life.

Budget Narrative

These materials will be used with approximately 331 students throughout this school year as we see an increase in the number of students that are readjusting to in person learning.

Items

#	Item	Cost
1	loose leaf rings	$25.00
2	lamination sheets-2 packs	$60.89
3	oil and balloons	$10.00
4	clear plastic mini bottles	$20.00
5	sketch pads	$50.00
	Total:	$165.89

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