Tips from parents, teachers, and students for the new school year (Back to school)

The start of a new school year presents opportunities to strengthen spiritual and emotional well-being, setting the tone for a successful and balanced academic journey. However, the new school year is often stressful and anxious for many students and their families. Nine out of 10 parents of children under 18 experience stress during the back-to-school season. This is especially true for those with neurodivergent or diagnosed ADHD, dyslexia, or dyscalculia, according to a 2023 study by  Understood.org, a nonprofit serving 70 million Americans with learning and thinking differences.

Jersey Catholic spoke with parents, teachers, and students from across the Archdiocese to gather their top tips for maintaining faith and enhancing mental wellness during the transition back to school.

Prioritizing family time and prayer

For parents, balancing the demands of the school year with family time and spirituality is essential. Rebecca Nott, a media specialist at Holy Trinity School in Westfield, is also a mother of three children attending Catholic schools in the Archdiocese. She recognizes that the transition to a new school year can be anxiety-inducing for her children.

“It’s important to me that they know they can always rely on God to help with their fears,” she said.  “Whether it’s my youngest starting middle school, my oldest about to finish high school, and the stress levels for my middle child… when any anxiety arises, I want my children to know how important it is to turn to God for help.”

Quality family time is essential for Nott’s family as they prepare to begin a new school year. “As my children grow older, I’m cherishing our time together during the last days of summer,” Nott said. “We’ve been focusing on activities like coloring, talking, and enjoying the outdoors — all while keeping phones down and attention on each other.”

Finding comfort in Mass

William Reiser is an altar server at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Tenafly and a recent high school graduate. He said finding time with God helps him manage stress during the school year.

“I’ve been fortunate to rely on my religious beliefs to help me through tough times in my life and academics,” Reiser said. “Finding quiet moments during Mass or throughout the day allows me to connect with the Lord and use my faith as a guide through difficult situations.”

Reiser will attend Bentley University in Massachusetts this fall. He plans to get involved with the university’s Catholic Association as he transitions into college life. To manage the stress of starting a new school year in an unfamiliar environment, Reiser said, “I plan to remain connected with my Catholic faith.”

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Building a supportive school community

Danielle Roach, an English teacher at Mother Seton Regional High School in Clark, said a supportive community is crucial to emotional well-being among students. At Mother Seton, the Big Sister Little Sister mentoring program connects older and younger students, fostering mentorship and camaraderie.

Additionally, clubs and teams offered at the school provide students with opportunities for service, leadership development, and camaraderie.

“A strong support network can be invaluable for emotional well-being,” Roach said. “Engaging in these extracurricular activities can help develop new skills, build life-long friendships, and happiness outside of academics.”

The school provides students with opportunities for spiritual reflection at monthly Masses and on reflection days. “This can provide spiritual support, build strong bonds, create new friendships, and help manage stress,” Roach said about the importance of integrating faith into daily routines.

Encouraging faith development in the classroom

Marissa Berrios, a religion teacher at Roselle Catholic High School, believes nurturing students’ faith is central to their well-being. She advises students to take advantage of spiritual retreats and volunteer work opportunities their schools offer.

“All of these experiences are extremely important to help them on their faith journey,” Berrios said. Faith-based activities offer students a chance to deepen their faith. They also offer students a chance to reflect on their relationship with God during challenges, she said.

Berrios has witnessed firsthand how students grow through these faith-based activities. “I have found that many students find these experiences important and rewarding, especially regarding their spiritual wellness and faith formation,” she said.

Addressing mental health with a targeted approach

In recent years, mental health among youth has become a critical focus in schools. Susan Jotz is a veteran teacher at Saint John the Apostle School in Clark and the 2023 Archdiocese of Newark Teacher of the Year. She highlights her school’s comprehensive approach to supporting students’ mental wellness.

Jotz explained that the school uses a “multilevel approach to promote a growth mindset with social and emotional competencies.” Parents and teachers unite to support students identified as having mental health challenges, she said.

Jotz notes that faith can be a valuable resource for students facing challenges like social media pressures and bullying. “Emphasizing the importance of faith, service, and community is also influential in achieving positive mental health outcomes for students,” Jotz said.

Featured image: A teacher greets parents and new students at back to school drop-off (Canva)