Page 4 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • November 26, 2014 FLOW Area Ramapo Indian Hills launches Wellness Weekends by Frank J. McMahon The Ramapo Indian Hills Regional High School Dis- trict is launching a program of “Wellness Weekends” throughout the year to make some time available for fam- ilies to rest, relax, and reconnect. The program addresses the stress overload that affects the school community and communities across the nation. “Our district recognizes that we, as a society, must begin to help people learn how to manage mental and emotional health, as well as physical health,” Superin- tendent Beverly MacKay said. “We spend so much time talking about the importance of good nutrition and exer- cise, but not much time talking about the importance of giving ourselves a break without feeling guilty about it. It’s time we say it’s not only okay, but it is necessary, to slow down, relax, reflect, and rest.” MacKay pointed out that residents in the district have high expectations for academics, athletics, extracurricu- lar activities, community service, and religious educa- tion. “We all have chosen to live here because we value and enjoy this lifestyle,” MacKay continued. “However, if we are to live this lifestyle effectively, we must also help our students and families learn how to manage the pressure which must include taking time to decompress.” She emphasized the effects of uncontrolled stress, anxiety, depression, and overload. “Unfortunately, across our nation, we have seen school shootings, suicides, drug overdoses, alcoholism, school avoidance, eating disorders and other issues,” she noted. “I’m hoping that a small step like Wellness Weekends may help our students, teachers, and families realize how important and necessary it is to take time to relax once in a while.” For students, Wellness Weekends will mean no home- work and no tests or assessments the following Monday. School district staff members will not have to grade papers or enter information into “Genesis” or “School- ogy” on the district’s website. Genesis is the school district’s student information system where all grading and attendance are recorded. As teachers grade assignments and other work submit- ted by students, the students and their parents can see the grades as they are entered online. Schoology is an area on the school district’s website where students can view their assignments and submit their work to their teachers online. MacKay also advised that lesson plans will not be col- lected the week following a Wellness Weekend and par- ents are expected to use the time on these weekends to decompress and enjoy being a family. In addition, MacKay pointed out that increased work- loads are not expected before or immediately following the weekend set aside for rest and relaxation in the spirit of promoting wellness. The first Wellness Weekend will begin at noon on Nov. 26. MacKay said the entire Thanksgiving weekend should be dedicated to the promotion of family health and overall mental, social, emotional, and physical wellness. “While this may mean adjusting schedules, everyone is encouraged to help one another in reducing the stress for the Thanksgiving holiday and to enjoy their time together,” she said. The Franklin Lakes Library, located at 470 DeKorte Drive, will be hosting programs for teens throughout the month of December. For details, call (201) 891-2224. The library invites teens to turn off their computers and cell phones and join friends for Board Game Day on Thursday, Dec. 4 from 3:15 to 4:40 p.m. Participants will play games and enjoy snacks. There will be a Drop-In Movie Blockbuster on Wednesday, Dec. 10 from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The ani- mated film will feature the most accomplished canine in the world and his son who use a time machine to go on adventures. The movie is rated PG and runs for 92 minutes. On Thursday, Dec. 11 there will be a meeting of the Magic Gathering card group. From 3:30 to 5 p.m., attend- ees will learn how to play this card game or improve cur- rent skills. The library will host a Teen Video Games Holi- day Party on Thursday, Dec. 18 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Teens are invited to play the library’s best video games -- Xbox360, Wii, JustDance 2, and Super Smash Bros. -- while enjoying pizza and mozzarella sticks. This party is open to Franklin Lakes students in grades six and up. The Teen Room is open each Friday for a drop-in craft program from 1 to 5 p.m. Sign up for YN5 (Your Next Five), the library’s personalized reading list service for teens. E-mail teens@franklinlakes.bccls.org with a brief description of favorite authors or books, and the library will send suggestions for five new books to try. Library hosts events for teenagers Sports poster sponsors sought The athletic department at Ramapo High School is seeking community sponsors for its sports poster pro- gram. Funds raised by the sale of the posters will benefit athletics at Ramapo High. All American Sports Posters has been contracted to produce the posters. For sponsorship information, con- tact RHS Athletic Director Ron Anello at (201) 556-1500 or All American Posters at (800) 556-1380.