“Take Flight”

Stress – A normal part of life

Everyone, no matter age or background, faces stress on a daily basis and while not all is negative, it is important to learn healthy ways to cope.

Throughout a two week residency, approximately 130 Park Forest Middle School students came together to discuss issues around stress and anxiety, healthy vs. unhealthy ways to cope, and ways we can support one another through life.

Taking flight

The Stomper was named “Take Flight” to remind us how these new techniques lift a burden off us and allows us to “fly” after our dreams. We are also reminded that we are grounded by the sneakers. It is important to remember where we came from and who we are.

Our Discussions:

What is stress?

Stress is any change, positive or negative, to which we must adapt.  It is a natural part of everyone’s life, but we must figure out ways to help us relax and regain focus to remain healthy.

 We all deal with stress in different ways. Sometimes we feel angry, frustrated or overwhelmed, other times the stress motivates us to do better.

 We learned that our reactions often depends on our past experiences and our perceptions of the event.  By focusing on what we can control, we can help reduce the unhealthy feelings toward stress and anxiety.

The Park Forest Middle School Stomper was made possible through the generous support of Park Forest Middle School and our partners.

Our Artists: Chris Bittner, Mel Forkner Lesher, Marisa Vicere, Nancy Vicere

Curriculum Development: Marisa Vicere

The Park Forest Middle School Team: Craig Herzing, Jaclyn Fraudorfer, David Eckberg, Howard Pillot, Molly Gazda, Maure Irwin-Furmanek

Our Partners: Pam Monk, Playwright and Journalist; Dr. Peter Montminy, Psychologist; Dr. Dave Yukelson, Penn State University Sports Psychologist; Kindrah Kohne, PSU soccer; Laura Gebhart, PSU Field Hockey; Holly Torbic, Tides; Belle and Fancy, support dogs; Erin Cramer, Art Therapist; Michaela Herr, Art Therapist