Students Host Teach-In Day

On Thursday, March 12th, 8th-12th graders participated in our annual Teach-in Day, organized by our Friends Council and Diversity Council (Upper School student groups that facilitate the Quaker life of our school and student diversity programming, respectively). On Teach-in Day, regular classes are halted and students join together for special workshops and activities around a particular topic. This year's Teach-in Day focused on mental health issues and healing. Student planners sought out community members help lead workshops to either deepen their understanding of these complex problems or talk about actions students can take to make change and facilitate healing in themselves and others. It was an educational and empowering day, with adult-led workshops as follows:

• Carolyn Schuyler of Wildrock talked about nature and mental health
• Susie Bruce (Tandem parent) of UVA's Gordie Center talked about bystander intervention
• Darlene Green, an Art Therapist with Hospice of the Piedmont, talked about grief and art therapy
• Gordon Fields, Tandem's Director of Diversity, talked about diversity and mental health
• Bridget Baylin (Tandem parent), a wellness professional, talked about the benefits of ayurveda and taught a yoga workshop

Student leaders offered mental wellness-themed afternoon activities that included yoga, sidewalk chalk, a nature walk, outdoor games on the field, and an open art studio. It was a great day that helped students talk about and learn to manage mental health issues and anxiety.