parentview
perspective from the parents’ association
Harvey in Good Health
By Karen Walant, Ph.D., President, Parents’ Association We started the fall with great anticipation for the opening of our new athletic center, and wow, was it worth the wait! Our combined ribbon-cutting and Homecoming celebration was a real hit! Our beautiful fitness center and basketball/volleyball courts will provide current and future athletes with even more possibilities for exercise and athletic competition. The signature of a Harvey School education is shaping students to be well-rounded individuals; playing on sports teams or trying new sports is part of what helps students challenge themselves. According to current neuroscience, exercise is good for learning and character development for all teens. During exercise, the brain releases biochemicals called endorphins, which improve sleep and boost feelings of calmness and happiness. Regular exercise can mitigate risk factors for diabetes and high blood pressure, and studies have shown that regular exercise can reduce ADHD symptoms and improve cognition and memory. And lastly, teens who play team sports are less likely to smoke, drink or take drugs, as their commitment to their sport motivates them to avoid risky behavior. These reasons, and many others, make it clear that the addition of our new athletic center will be a great benefit to our kids—as well as an
34 Harvey Magazine Winter 2013
important component for our faculty, staff—and parents too. Who knows? The athletic center might just become a hub for an evening pick-up game between faculty and students, or maybe the Parents’ Association could hold one of the monthly meetings while jogging on the treadmills or curling biceps? Our successful HarveySpeaks, once again, was a wonderful post-Thanksgiving event, with the fabulous production of the Shackleton Experience. Our community has come to look forward to this early winter event, which brings us together for a night of socializing and learning. The Holiday Luncheon, as always, was a feast extraordinaire, to honor our faculty and staff. Harvey parents never cease to amaze me, with their generosity and thoughtfulness. In the months from January through April, our Parents’ Association will focus on the Annual Benefit. It is a Harvey tradition for parents to provide a benefit that raises monies to help our school. Each year, we work hard to present a new entertainment theme, and this year will be no different! Back by popular demand, we are again having a silent and live auction. We are happy to accept any unique or one-of-a-kind donation, such as a summer vacation rental, jewelry, or entertainment