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healthy balance at the high school

A Healthy Balance at the High School

Kirby Wiley '10
From rigorous academic schedules and homework to arts, clubs, and athletics, high school students have a lot on their plates. That’s why Ensworth intentionally built its program to offer students a schedule of classes, athletics, and activities that encourages a healthy balance between school and non-school life.
One way Ensworth helps students to maintain a balanced lifestyle is through its Academic Support Team. “Ensworth built a system that encourages a balanced life,” says Dean of Academic Support Kate McGlasson. “What we try to do is help a child build a life around that.” 
 
The Academic Support Team helps students with their academics in a variety of ways. They offer afternoon tutorials so that students can get extra help from teachers and faculty outside of class. They also help students with test-taking strategies, time management, and organization. 
 
But the impact the team has on students extends far beyond the classroom. “Students know they can come to us, and we care about their world whether it’s academic or social, or whatever it may be. That’s our name, support, and it’s not just academic, it’s overall support,” says Assistant Dean of Academic Support Krystle Horton.
 
Kate McGlasson says she believes that students perform better in the classroom when they feel their teachers see them for more than just the number on their report card. “Kids start to believe that they are their grade, and if their grade is not optimal, then they start to feel bad about themselves. I always tell kids ‘this does not define you. These numbers on this paper don’t now and will not ever define you.’” 
 
That’s one reason you’ll find Kate McGlasson in the stands at sporting events of all kinds, and in the audience at most school plays, musicals, and concerts.
 
“Kate goes to every game, event, concert, anything you can think of, she is there…kids see that and see her and also the other faculty members at the different events, and I think that helps them to feel cared for and loved. It builds the relationship between students and teachers,” says Horton. 
 
The Peer Support Team is another unique asset at Ensworth that promotes a positive and supportive environment. The group is made up of eleven students who serve as a supportive presence for the student body and the community.
 
This year, the team has tried some new initiatives to become a more visible presence in the community, including using bulletin boards to create community engagement. One board encourages students to show their gratitude to a fellow student or teacher by filling out a card and posting it on the board. The Acts of Kindness bulletin board invites students to pick up a card and do whatever kind act is listed on there.
 
“I’ve always felt like Ensworth is a positive, welcoming environment, but what we do is find ways to build that in even more,” says the Peer Support Team’s key sponsor Matt Kaminski. “We focus on initiatives that help create enjoyment and connection in the community and that encourage people to get to know each other and have fun together. These initiatives are just small pieces that lead to a healthier community.” 
 
Exercise is also a vital part of living a healthy lifestyle, and Ensworth is committed to encouraging students to be physically fit. In line with this objective, the high school offers an individualized fitness program for each and every student. Regardless of whether someone is an academic scholar, an art student, or an athlete, all students are required to take a fitness course each semester that meets four times per week during the school day.
 
Bryan Van Vleet is the Director of Strength & Conditioning at the High School. He says the main goal is the same for every student: to graduate physically fit and to prepare them to know how to take care of themselves. “There are so many studies out that show that having a balance that includes a healthy diet and regular exercise will cause an increase of blood flow to your brain, and the release of endorphins promotes a healthier, happier life. So we are promoting those healthy habits that are going to keep them healthy and happy throughout their lifetime,” says Van Vleet.
 
Through fitness classes, students are also introduced to different styles of physical fitness including yoga, strength training, and aerobics, which help them discover approaches to exercise that they enjoy and can sustain beyond their time at Ensworth.
 
Like the Peer and Academic Support Teams, Ensworth fitness instructors also believe in supporting students both in and outside of their fitness classes. “We are going to push them, we’re going to hold them accountable, we are going to love them as hard as we train them,” says Associate Athletic Director Megan Mitchell.
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Red Gables Campus (K–8)

Nashville, TN 37205
(615) 383-0661

Frist Campus (9–12)

Nashville, TN 37221
(615) 301-5400
Ensworth is a coeducational, kindergarten through twelfth grade, independent day school.