Middle School Wellness

Wellness Education in the Middle School is dynamic and explicit.

Based on the five TAS values of honesty, respect, responsibility, kindness, and courage, it combines the daily efforts of students and teachers in an ongoing promotion of the need to be caring and moral individuals who do the right thing even “when nobody’s looking.” Our efforts to teach, model, and give opportunities to practice good character are supported by daily homeroom, Student Wellness Action Teams, weekly class lessons, camp, and community service. Walk the hallways of our Middle School and you will see our walls covered with frequent visual reminders our five values promoting positive habits of mind, habits of heart and habits of good health.

Homeroom

Every morning the students meet with homeroom teachers, to ensure their day gets off to a great start. The focus is on positive team building and promoting successful individuals – all helping each other to make the best of each day. The daily bulletin is discussed, assessment reminders are given, personal news is celebrated, and wellness lessons and activities are shared. Responsive Classroom strategies are used to promote social and emotional skills, as well as academic competencies.

STUDENT WELLNESS ACTION TEAMS

Several times per month meetings are held with the Student Wellness Action Teams for each grade level. These councils are comprised of approximately 20 students, two from each homeroom and are sponsored by faculty. Their goal is to promote the well being of their class as a group and as individuals The students discuss any wellness issues and initiate activities based upon the current needs and interests of their class.

Camp

All students and faculty in the Middle School attend in September. We travel away from Taipei for a week of experiential learning that includes implicit and explicit character education. It is action packed, loads of fun, and gives the students and faculty endless opportunities to put the TAS values into action.

Community Service

Giving back is a critical action and belief that all students experience each year they are in our Middle School. The expectations vary from year to year with a range of recipients benefiting from this student initiative. Our annual food drive is completed by each homeroom over the Lunar New Year producing a much needed gift for a family in need.

Summer Reading

Even when the year is complete and the students and faculty are heading away for a long, hot summer vacation, the learning continues. Each summer all students and faculty are encouraged to read and a list of recommended books is shared. The list is compiled by our MS librarian and includes a range of content both fiction and non fiction on a wide variety of topics.