Time Change Tips, MES Health topics

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5th and 6th grade students play soccer in PE on Tuesday morning. At the same time next week, the sun will be higher in the sky thanks to the shift back to Standard Time.

Last week in MES health class, all students focused on mental health and stress-management skills, reinforcing the learning they’ve explored in Wellness class. Later this semester, we’ll make connections to this work when we discuss healthy coping skills as alternatives to using harmful substances like alcohol or drugs. We also highlighted how habits that help our physical health — such as getting enough sleep — also support our mental and emotional well-being.

Speaking of sleep — as we approach the time change, I emphasized the importance of maintaining a consistent bedtime routine. Many students shared that their routines already include things like reading, a snack, or a song — such great habits! For expert tips on helping students adjust to the time change, click here: Avoiding Sleep Problems with Falling Back: Your Child and the End of DST

This week in MES
health class:

  • Kindergartners welcomed a visit from the Tooth Fairy and learned about dental health — a perfect reminder to brush after sweet treats ahead of Halloween.

  • 1st and 2nd graders explored the muscular, skeletal (another fun Halloween tie-in!), circulatory and respiratory systems — and learned healthy habits tied to those systems.

  • 3rd and 4th graders studied the nervous, digestive, immune and integumentary (hair & skin) systems — with the consistent reminder that not smoking is a habit that supports all body systems we’ve reviewed.

  • 5th and 6th graders focused on balance: rest, relaxation, and activity — learning how to optimize health by moving when it’s time, and resting when it’s time.

Looking ahead: Next week, all K–6 classes at Moretown will shift focus to the reproductive system. As part of the broader health education curriculum for both Moretown Elementary School and Waitsfield Elementary School, students will receive age-appropriate sexuality education. Every grade level will also include lessons on personal safety and sexual abuse prevention as required by Vermont state law.

We’ll be using the Advocates for Youth “Rights, Respect, Responsibility” sexuality education curriculum as our framework. An outline of topics as well as video links by grade level can be found here: Curriculum Outline

It’s important to note that exact lesson plans shared above may adapt and change to accommodate each class’s unique learning pace and needs. All instruction will be age-appropriate and aligned with Vermont state standards and national health education benchmarks.

At Moretown Elementary School, we recognize that you, the parents/guardians, are your child’s primary sexuality educators. We are committed to partnering with you and providing supplementary resources to support you in this role. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

Thank you for your support as we guide students toward healthy habits, strong knowledge, and responsible decision-making.

Best,

Ms. Zaino

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