From the Principal's Desk
Dear Members of the CHS Community:
As the father of a high school student, I read this article abstract and had the thought, “This explains some things.” I hope it helps you make a little more sense of what drives your son or daughter as they navigate life at Chantilly HS and beyond. Have a good weekend.
Scott
Insights on Teenage Behavior
In this Edutopia article, Stephen Merrill says that recent research has given us important new information on the adolescent brain.
- The limbic system (the seat of primal instincts like fear, hunger, lust, and pleasure) is hyperactive during adolescence, while the prefrontal cortex (the seat of self-control, planning, and self-awareness) is still developing. “It’s not youthful irrationality or a flair for the dramatic at work,” says Merrill; “teenagers actually experience things like music, drugs, and the thrill of speed more powerfully than adults do.”
- The brain’s neuroplasticity at this stage of life makes kids sponges for learning. “The same emerging circuitry that makes teenagers vulnerable to risky behavior and mood swings also confers significant advantages on adolescent learners,” says Merrill.
- Being with peers increases risk-taking, most dangerously with automobiles and alcohol consumption. “It’s never been a question of feeling invulnerable,” says Merrill; “for teenagers, there’s just something about the presence of peers that is transfiguring. They understand the risks, and take them anyway.”
- Kids at this age respond well to direct explanations. “Talking to teenagers frankly about their brain development can provide useful context for their emotional worlds,” says Merrill, “and reset their expectations about their potential for continued intellectual growth.” This includes explaining the limbic system, the malleability of their brains, and the peer effect.
- Similarly, teens are receptive to learning about self-regulation, managing stress, and considering the feelings of others. Instruction in these areas is more effective than trying to scare kids about risky behaviors.
- Peer culture and teens’ keen sense of fairness and justice can be powerful levers. Preaching about smoking’s health consequences is usually ineffective, but talking about bad breath, peer disapproval, impact on younger children, and the way the tobacco industry hooks and exploits people can change teens’ attitudes and behavior.
“Decoding the Teenage Brain (in 3 Charts)” by Stephen Merrill in Edutopia, January 31, 2019,
https://www.edutopia.org/article/decoding-teenage-brain-3-charts
News around Chantilly HS
Congratulations to Ms. Teresa Clawson-Keeton for earning the Shining Star Award for Excellence in Career and Transition Services. She met and exceeded the ten standards of excellence to earn this award. Ms. Clawson-Keeton was honored at an award ceremony on March 8, 2019 with family, students, supervisors, and staff present.
Opportunities in the Community
Free Screenings of the movie "Angst"
There are 2 upcoming opportunities to attend a free screening of the movie “Angst”. Angst is an IndieFlix original documentary which is designed to raise awareness around anxiety. The film includes interviews with kids, teens, educators, experts and parents.
Tuesday, March 19 at 6:30 pm at Fairfax High School. This is the link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/angst-raising-awareness-around-anxiety-rescheduled-tickets-55522861373
Saturday, March 23 at 2:00 pm at Floris United Methodist Church
Recognitions
Congratulations to Annie Wang, a recipient of the 2019 Student Peace Awards of Fairfax County, designed to recognize young people who work as peacemakers. Annie Wang writes rap songs on recognizing the contributions of teachers, encouraging a positive body image, and overcoming depression and negativity while attaining success. She is a member of the FCPS Student Advisory Council and performed an original rap on female empowerment at the Virginia Girls State Conference.
FBLA
Congratulations to the following additional FBLA students that placed at the NOVA Regional Conference on Thursday, March 7th:
Graphic Design – Emerson Dunham & Victoria Re – 2nd Place
Mobile Application Development – Arvind Ramesh and Joshua Manuel – 1st Place
Computer Applications – Lindsey Lim – 2nd Place
Word Processing – Zachary Sisung – 1st Place
Show Choir
Show Choir competed in Richmond at Manchester High School and did well in the Open Division earning:
Champion
Best crew
Best costumes
Best vocals
Best choreography
Best show design
Charge Guard and Indoor Drumline
The Charge Guard and Indoor Drumline competed at AIA Woodgove:
Charger Guard- 2nd Place Scholastic AA
Chantilly Indoor Drumline- 1st Place Scholastic Open
Recent Student Successes
This is the next installment for the school year of what has become a weekly segment aimed at recognizing students for demonstrating recent improvement or achievement in academics, behavior or citizenship. At the end of each recognition, you will see the name of the nominating teacher or staff member. On a rotating basis, departments will nominate students. I meet with recognized students each week to congratulate them in person.
|
