In Boston radio interview, Beacon school nurse and health teacher Peggy Quilty gives students “License to Chill”

Beacon High School nurse and health teacher Peggy Quilty, RN, MSN, was recently featured on the radio program Kids Health Reservoir on AM 1510 Boston, a show that provides holistic health resources for kids and families.

Broadcast from Reservoir Family Wellness in Acton, Massachusetts, Peggy’s discussion with host Maria Broderick focused on her stress-reduction initiative at Beacon, “License to Chill“, and the success she has had helping Beacon students find healthy ways to deal with stress and other health challenges. The initiative is uniquely suited to Beacon’s ongoing committment to the  integration of therapeutic support for students throughout the academic schedule.

Students at Beacon who are experiencing high levels of stress, anxiety, or other emotional issues  benefit from skills that improve self-regulation such as yoga, meditation, visual imagery, relaxation breathing, and acupressure. To facilitate this, Peggy has created a Wellness Room at Beacon, a dedicated space where students can practice these techniques and even learn to incorporate elements of feng shui to their learning environments. Peggy also leads a “License to Chill” therapy group for Beacon students, where they are encouraged to explore their own self-regulation techniques as a group.

On May 7^th, Peggy presented “License to Chill”: Stress Reduction and Feng Shui in the School Setting to educators and school-based staff at the annual conference of the Massachusetts Association of 766-Approved Private Schools. Her presentation cited a recent study showing that students exposed to a relaxation response-based curriculum experienced higher grade point averages, increased self -esteem, decreased psychological distress, less aggressive behavior, improved work habits, and better attendance.

Earier this year, Walker developed a grant proposal for an Oasis Grant, seeking funding to create additional space and resources at Beacon for students to learn to better manage the stress and emotional disregulation that can impede academic success. “I love the idea of an ‘oasis’ for students,” says Peggy, adding “I hope this idea takes root in all high schools, because kids who are relaxed and focused are much more ready to learn.”

You can listen to a recording of the radio broadcast here. [mp3 format]
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Photo by Luke Bruffee

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