Assemblyman Gregory Koenig poses with students and staff.
Provided to the LVN
BRAINPOWER AND SELF TALK
Molly Dahl spent Dec. 9 with Oasis Academy high school students and spoke to them about the differences between the brain and the mind, and the unlimited potential of both. She explained to students the link between instinct, intellect, and intuition.
Students also taught students about the power of quality of mind and mindsets, and how those determine the outcome of experiences.
Another key point was breathing and imagining it through the soles of your feet to help focus.
“The lessons were very interesting and eye opening. I will definitely be using the breathing techniques to help focus in class,” said Caidance McCart.
Dahl continued to explain how your mind is limitless, and how you can do anything you put your mind to because of it. She elaborated and said the brain and mind working together can be unstoppable.
Daily nutrition was covered as well with Dahl teaching the students about brain health, and how they feed their brain can play an important role. Good fats and protein are necessary for brain function and sugars can have a detrimental effect on it.
“Molly Dahl is fantastic, and I truly appreciate her approach to everyday mental health,” said Andy Lenon, high-school counselor. “It emphasizes the fundamentals and aligns perfectly with our teachings here at Oasis.”
Lenon knows the benefits of what Dahl teaches for students when it comes to nutrition and mind health.
“We can all benefit from focusing on the basics: nutrition, hydration, exercise, and sleep. It's important to assess these aspects and be mindful of shopping along the perimeter of the grocery store, as that is where the most nutritious foods can be found, especially at Walmart,” he said
The goal is for students to have a holistic approach to their health.
“Eighty to 90 percent of our serotonin is produced in the gut. The key takeaway is to care for both your brain and your gut, as well as your 'three-pound supercomputer,' since they are interconnected through the gut-brain axis,” he added.
— Taylor Sowersby
WE THE PEOPLE AND CIVICS LESSONS
Civic education has been at the forefront of history classes this week in Oasis Academy Middle School history classes. Christine Hull and Denise Paxton with the Nevada Center for Civic Engagement visited with students on Dec. 9 with valuable lessons.
Civic education helps students develop a sense of belonging to their country and community, fostering self-worth and collective responsibility. It’s a critical piece in the history curriculum and ties in with lessons from the Revolutionary War, the foundation of America, and to the present day.
Hull, Paxton and the history teachers also introduced Nation History Day to the students. This is Oasis’ first year participating and the theme is Rights and Responsibilities. Oasis will host a showcase of students with their projects on Feb. 6. Qualifying students may be selected to move on to the regional competition in Reno.
“If any of those students qualify for the state competition, our teachers will continue to coach them to digitize those projects for state,” said Kelly Nott, seventh grade history and We the People teacher. “This can lead to the national competition in June at the University of Maryland. This is such an excellent opportunity for our students and school.”
Assemblyman Greg Koenig was also on campus for an Ask the Expert session with students that participate in the middle school We the People Program. He explained processes in the Nevada Legislature including drafting bills, districts and district mapping, and answered questions from the students.
The Nevada Center for Civic Engagement has graciously supplied the participating teachers with valuable textbooks, lesson materials, support, and supplies for their classrooms. This also includes curriculum resources for grades K-12 for community action/service, We the People, and NHD. They are also willing to mentor Oasis teachers.
Any interested teachers are eagerly encouraged to participate in future Professional Learning Communities with these programs. There is no cost, but teachers may receive credit, stipends, materials, and support for these programs.
“This experience was extremely valuable for our students. We were so proud of the questions and discussions that ensued from the day with these educators and Assemblyman Koenig. I can’t wait to grow and expand these valuable programs with our dynamic staff and student,” Nott said.
SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: TROY UNDERWOOD
As graduating senior Troy Underwood prepares to step into the next chapter of his life: he’s excited for his future career working in public service.
“I plan to begin working full-time for the city of Fallon after graduation,” Underwood said. “Then eventually my goal is to attend the police academy when I turn 21 and serve as a police officer.”
Underwood reflected on his journey starting at Oasis Academy in kindergarten and progressing through high school, considering the people he met along the way.
“The friendships I made during my freshman year and other friends throughout the years is my favorite memory,” he said.
His favorite class during the four years was one specific math class.
“Algebra 1 was my favorite class. It’s the one math subject where I felt most confident and capable,” he added.
In expressing gratitude, he would like to acknowledge the high school teachers who have supported his journey.
“I’d like to thank Mr. Evan Brandt, Ms. Jackie Bogdanowicz, Mrs. Julie Stockard, and Mr. Eric Grimes for their guidance throughout high school,” Underwood said.
The senior is set to achieve a significant milestone by earning both a high school diploma and an Associate of Arts degree from Western Nevada College when he graduates in May.