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Medway Public Schools concluded its Community Book Read on Wednesday, Dec. 4. Dr. Peter Gray, a research professor at Boston College and author (second from left), led the panel discussion. He was joined by fellow panelists Medway High School Principal John Murray (left), District Social Worker Joanna Cyr (second from right), and McGovern Elementary School Adjustment Counselor Angela Galivan (right). (Photo courtesy Medway Public Schools) |
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Medway Superintendent Armand Pires and Director of Wellness Ryan Sherman have announced that Medway Public Schools has completed its Community Book Read following a vigorous discussion on Wednesday, Dec. 4. The initiative began at the start of the school year, when the district organized a community read of "The Anxious Generation" by Jonathan Haidt. The community was invited to pick up the designated "Community Book" in September, read it and ultimately participate in Wednesday night's Community Book Read event. The books were purchased by Medway Public Schools' support partner, the Medway Foundation for Education (MFE), through a grant. The district purchased and distributed more than 200 books. "The goal of the Community Book Read and the culminating event with Dr. Gray and panelists was to open a dialogue about how we can more effectively support students," Superintendent Pires said. During this year's final Community Book Read activity, about 40 parents and guardians gathered to discuss "The Anxious Generation," which explains how a generational decrease in youth free play and an increase in mobile device use has sparked a child's mental health crisis. The book also offers parents and guardians practical strategies to flip the script to improve youth mental well-being. “I think the parents were really engaged,” said Director of Wellness Sherman. “They asked a lot of good questions and were invested in the topic.” Dr. Peter Gray, research professor at Boston College and author of "Free to Learn," led the panel discussion. Other panelists included Medway High School Principal John Murray, District Social Worker Joanna Cyr, and McGovern Elementary School Adjustment Counselor Angela Gallivan. “Dr. Gray offered some practical tips for parents,” Director of Wellness Sherman said. “Like giving children independent tasks to promote self-efficacy and mental well-being. He also provided strategies beyond just letting kids play. Some of the parents I spoke to after felt validated. And some felt a greater sense of freedom to let kids spend more time independently; to let them make their own choices.” “Together, we can work to create an environment for our youth that promotes free play and less mobile device use,” school officials wrote in a note included with the book. “We believe that supporting student mental health goes hand in hand with helping students achieve academic success, which is why each leadership team member read the book this summer." The schools also provided a list of steps the district has taken to increase opportunities for free play and decrease mobile device use. Since 2016, Medway Schools have been implementing the following policies in an effort to increase free play among students:
Medway Public Schools thanked parents and guardians for participating in the community book read. |
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Medway Public Schools concluded its Community Book Read on Wednesday, Dec. 4. Dr. Peter Gray, research professor at Boston College and author, led the panel discussion. (Photo courtesy Medway Public Schools) |
