Back to the Classroom

Paducah KY

01 November, 2021

10:28 PM

Description

A Game Plan for Reducing Anxiety Thirteen-year-old Alyson Stockwell found herself in a different world when she returned to Murray Middle School this August after more than a year of virtual classes. On top of COVID-19 restrictions, when she reached the entryway the seventh-grader's bag and person were scanned for weapons and contraband. Once in her classroom, windows which had formerly passed the glow of sunlight were now shrouded by blinds, doors were kept locked, there were frequent lockdown drills, and two policemen patrolled the hallways. "It wasn't long ago that weapons and ammunition were found in a student's truck in a school parking lot," Alyson's father, Justin, explained. Justin and his wife, Victoria, appreciate the increased security. Nevertheless, they acknowledge that the safety measures also add an element of anxiety. “But it's the new normal,” Alyson interjected. Nearby at Murray High School, Alyson’s 16-year-old brother, Jonas, encountered a “new normal” as well. Students were using more aggressive language than before, and many conversations revolved around divisive political or gender issues. Eighteen months had also changed his world. Jonas and Alyson are not alone. Students across Kentucky are facing back-to-school anxieties associated with contagious COVID variants, the threat of violence, and difficulties in socializing with their peers. Navigating that environment can be a challenge. "I often come home from school discouraged," Alyson said. "I'm glad I have parents I can talk to.” The Stockwells foster that confidence by holding regular family worship sessions with Alyson and Jonas. During that time, they allow their children to express concerns and then consider ways to address them. As a family, the Stockwells also attend weekly Zoom meetings with the local congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses. Those meetings also help reinforce the family bond. Alyson also has another unique way to calm her stress using the official website of Jehovah's Witnesses, jw.org. "I begin every morning watching a music video on jw.org. I love them," she said, pulling out her cell phone and reciting titles of her favorites such as "With Eyes of Faith" and "I Keep Your Reminders." Alyson added that beginning her day on a positive note helps lower her stress. Jonas uses the jw.org website in another way, for seeking answers. On one recent search, Jonas found the article "How Can I Get Along with My Teacher?" which contained helpful reminders now that he's back in the classroom. Jonas and Alyson attribute their success in dealing with back-to-school challenges to their upbringing. Having caring parents and Bible-based tools to help them cope with the "new normal" keeps anxiety in check.