Programs

Health & Wellness

April 2022

FACULTY PROFILE
Amanda Kagan

What is your position at Golda Och?
I am a math teacher for 2nd and 4th grades.

What did you do before coming to GOA?
I have been teaching for 15 years! I have taught in Northern Virginia and New York City prior to coming to Golda Och Academy.

What are some of your favorite healthy foods?
Fruit (strawberries, bananas), greek yogurt, Kind Bars, hummus, salads.

What do you like to do in your free time to relax and reduce stress?
I love to run when I have time, I would love to sign up for a race and train for it! I play and walk in the park with my two young kids. Sometimes to de-stress I watch a favorite TV show or cross stitch!

LOWER SCHOOL GARDEN

Springtime in the Garden

Director of Aftercare & Funtracks Jul McCormick-Anesh writes, "In our GOA garden we learn how to grow fruits, vegetables and flowers. According to the National Institute of Health, gardening combines physical activity with social interaction and exposure to nature and sunlight. In our garden, students are able to work in groups and independently on every aspect of gardening. Learning to grow things is a skill these students will carry with them for a lifetime."

Here are a few resources about the healthful benefits of gardening:

Seed, Soil, and Sun: Discovering the Many Healthful Benefits of Gardening

7 Benefits of Gardening That Prove It Helps Your Mind and Body

And ... April showers bring May flowers ... Fact or Fiction?

Watch this short video to find out!

SEL In Action

Recently, Gan has been learning about emotions. After reading the story The Color Monster, students in Gan learned about strategies that can be used to help our minds and bodies calm down when feeling a strong or difficult emotion. One strategy students in Gan have been using is calm cards. Students slowly trace the pattern on a calm card to help their minds and bodies slow down.

Students in 2nd grade have been learning about empathy. They learned that you can have empathy for someone, no matter where they live and no matter what their own relationship to the person is. As a fun activity, students created "Empathy Shoes" to remind them of how important it is to take a walk in someone else's shoes.

Gratitude

Lunchtime Poll

How do GOA faculty find ways to lower their own personal stress levels?

Dr. Klein exercises to de-stress. He used to draw and sculpt, but hasn't in a while. More recently, Dr. Klein enjoys researching possible new inventions, and he likes to work on projects around the house.