By Inquiry Healthy Owl Times reporters | Inquiry students can contribute to a positive school climate.

“School climate refers to the quality of school life,” according to SchoolSafety.gov.

School climate affects learning and attendance, says the National Institutes of Health. The agency helps researchers who study a variety of health-related issues.

Working together, Healthy Owl Times fifth-grade reporters came up with a list of ways that Inquiry students can help support a positive school climate.

• Surround yourself with people you trust.
• Help classmates when they are feeling down.
• Help clean up your classroom and community.
• Use playground equipment safely.
• Use positive energy during recess.
• Make healthy choices at breakfast and lunch.
• Inspire younger students to do the right thing.
• Keep your hands to yourself.
• Encourage your friends to come to school and make smart choices.
• Keep friends out of trouble.
• Help classmates if they’re struggling in class.

Illustration by Tianna, eighth grade, DePaul Catholic School.