Since first implementing the program in select Beach Cities schools six years ago, a significant number of principals and administrators have reported fewer incidences of bullying, disciplinary office visits and emotional outbursts on campuses where MindUP has taken hold. MindUP provides a framework for kids to clearly express themselves and channel stress, anxiety or anger in a healthy manner.” “We have to teach our kids to be conversant in how they are feeling.
“We as parents and teachers sometimes say to kids, ‘settle down.’ Well, what does that mean?” asks BCHD Director of Lifespan Services Kerianne Lawson, who oversees the program for BCHD. MBUSD is ranked near the top 10 percent of all school districts in the state by the California Department of Education, but is challenged by higher-than-average substance use rates, especially among middle and high school students.ĭirected locally by Beach Cities Health District (BCHD), in partnership with the Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach school districts, MindUP’s research driven curriculum blends mindful awareness practices with the science behind how the brain functions and reacts to stimuli like stress, anger and anxiety – emotions that research shows to be increasingly prevalent among young people today – to help students become emotionally articulate and grow socially.
The nationally-recognized program, developed by the Hawn Foundation, was implemented two years ago in each of the five public elementary schools in Manhattan Beach Unified School District (MBUSD), where officials have voiced growing concern in recent years about the high levels of stress reported by its high-achieving students. Their idea stemmed from Pennekamp’s recent integration of an evidence-based program called “MindUP,” which uses neuroscience, mindful awareness, positive psychology and social-emotional learning to teach students healthy ways to manage their emotions. The unorthodox morning activity began last year as the brainchild of Brown and her leadership team. I run a community-oriented campus, so it’s also an opportunity to connect parents and staff and create a true sense of community.” “But it’s a really great way for our student body to come to a complete stop and gather their thoughts and intentions for the day ahead. “We call it our ‘morning moment’ or ‘mindful minute,’ we’re still working out the name,” laughs Brown, who is in her third year at Pennekamp. When the minute draws to a close and eyes slowly begin to reopen, Principal Toni Brown emerges from the center of the crowd to personally thank the group for starting their day off with a “mindful minute,” before quickly dismissing the students and teachers to their classrooms in a remarkably calm and orderly fashion.
Not a giggle, scoff or even a whisper disrupts the quiet, as the hundreds in attendance - primarily energetic elementary schoolers - pause in concert to mindfully set their personal intentions for the day.
MINDUP MIDDLE SCHOOL FULL
Before the first class bell sounds, nearly 600 students, teachers and parents gather together in organized groups on the blacktop for a full minute of complete and utter silence. By Eric Garner, BCHD Senior Communications SpecialistĮvery morning at Pennekamp Elementary School in Manhattan Beach begins the same way.
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