By James R. Lowell Healthy Lion reporters | It’s important for a school to be a positive place for children to learn and grow, according to Mr. Moore, Lowell Elementary’s climate manager. His job is to make sure that the staff, students, and families in the school all work together.
Reporters for the Lowell Healthy Lion interviewed Mr. Moore about the school climate and how everyone can play their part. His responses have been lightly edited and shortened for clarity.
Question: What are ways our school helps students stay healthy mentally?
Mr. Moore: We ensure that every student knows that they are sup- ported. Every student has a grown-up that they can go to when they need help.
Q: How does our school help keep students safe?
Mr. Moore: We have safety drills to teach students how to create safe habits and stay calm in an emergency. Safety drills include fire drills, as well as shelter-in-place and lockdown drills.
Q: How do you keep our school healthy?
Mr. Moore: I help kids learn to work on how to keep a positive mindset. I believe that being positive is the heart of healthy minds of students.
In order to help students keep healthy mindsets, we have monthly meetings where we focus on well-being. We center our days around topics like mindfulness, being respectful, self-awareness, self-management, and others.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like the school staff to do to promote a healthy school environment?
Mr. Moore: I would like to see teachers inviting and having lunch with more challenging students. I would also like to see them take more of a lead in messaging parents and setting up parents meetings to bridge the gaps between home and school.
Q: Is there anything you would like to see the students do to promote a healthy school environment?
Mr. Moore: I would like students to be mindful of what they say. They should spread peace, love, and positivity. Students can do wonderful things. But it starts with leaders, teachers, and staff by helping by example. Together we can make Lowell a healthy environment for everyone.
Illustration by Allison, fifth grade, East Norriton M.S., 2023–24.
