Health and Wellness

Peabody School is committed to providing a school environment that enhances learning and development of lifelong wellness practices. We believe well-being has a direct impact on student success and the stewardship of a healthy, safe and vibrant learning community. All Peabody faculty recognize the importance of supporting students’ academic success and health and wellness, but we take it a step further with a dedicated Student Wellness & Support Services Leader and full time School Nurse.

Students in grades 4-8 engage in a weekly class called Health & Wellness. Acknowledging the natural turbulence of the pre-adolescent years, this class provides students with a safe space to reflect on their academic, social, and emotional experiences. The Health & Wellness class covers topics based on five core competencies of social emotional learning and health: self-management, self-awareness, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. With opportunities to practice open communication and active listening, students build their capacities for empathy, intra-and interpersonal problem-solving and support, taking the perspective of others, and assuming shared responsibilities as a class community. Furthermore, the class strives to instill a deep sense of belonging in our student body.

Students learn about their neurodevelopment and executive functions as they journey through the middle school years. Middle school students also spend time exploring what it means to be a “digital citizen,” equipping young people with the healthy habits and tools to manage technology’s impact on their lives. At the end of eighth grade, students will finish their middle school career by preparing for the adjustment to high school, including substance use prevention education and assertive communication for maintaining healthy boundaries and dealing with peer pressure.

The Human Development & Sexuality Education program at Peabody occurs during the Middle School years and focuses on the science of human reproduction and sexuality, on building healthy relationships, and on responsible decision-making. The program follows a developmental sequence from 5th-8th Grade and includes the following topics: puberty and adolescent development, the anatomy and physiology of human reproduction and pregnancy, personal safety and self-advocacy, understanding and preventing sexually transmitted diseases, sexuality and identity development, healthy relationship boundaries, being safe online, establishing positive mental health habits, and eventually preparation for high school culture. At each grade level, students complete assignments that involve parent participation, encouraging communication between young people and their caregivers. Furthermore, parent education is offered to the community so families can continue these important discussions at home.

Peabody staffs a full-time registered nurse who supports our students’ health and wellbeing. Our School Nurse also pushes into classrooms to provide instruction in nutrition, exercise physiology, and other related health topics.