Lynx High School Newsletter
AIS West May 2021
The Remaining Two Weeks of Ramadan
Following Dr. Refsland’s and Mr. Tennant’s emails, the remaining two weeks of Ramadan will be online.
Note about HS Home Group: Students are not expected to zoom into the last block of Day 2.
All students regardless of cohorts are expected to zoom into classes.
Eid Mubarak
The schedule will change after Eid. We are still working on it and will share it with you once it is ready.
Congratulations to Yahiya Elbeih!!
Yahia has done a great job in keeping the balance between school work and participation in competitive sports.
Well done Yahiya!!
Teacher and Student of the Month
Each month we recognize a student and teacher who exceptionally demonstrate an IB Learner Profile attribute. For April we have recognized the "Thinker" attribute.
Thinkers exercise initiative in applying thinking skills critically and creatively to recognize and approach complex problems and make reasoned, ethical decisions.
Congratulations to Mr. Salah Moaty and Lara Mostafa for earning the Thinker Award!
Mr. Salah Moaty: “Mr. Salah approaches complex problems and conflicts critically and looks for creative ways to resolve them.”
Lara Mostafa: “Since day one, Lara has always been eager to engage in class discussions and voice her opinion. Moreover, she has a vast bank of knowledge to draw on which she is always working on expanding. Being able to combine the knowledge she attains within the classroom boundaries and the knowledge she seeks independently proves that she is a true thinker who is constantly searching for new ways to grow intellectually.”
Semester 2 Final Exams/Projects
Please keep an organized calendar to plan out your revision and project tasks, reach out to your teachers when you need help and stay focused.
Wishing you all the best in ending this year successfully.
Messages from the Counselor
Teenage Eating Disorders
Eating disorders can take a devastating toll on teens. To help protect your child, understand the possible causes of teen eating disorders and know how to talk to your son or daughter about healthy eating habits.
Why teens develop eating disorders
Eating disorders are serious conditions related to persistent eating behaviors that negatively impact health, emotions and the ability to function in important areas of life. This affects males and females. The most common eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder.
Sometimes teens suffer from psychological and emotional problems, such as depression or anxiety disorders. These conditions can be linked with eating disorders. Many media standards emphasize thinness and teens want this too. Also there can be bullied involved with their peers if a teen is considered "fat" or "skinny".
Early consequences of teen eating disorder
Signs and symptoms vary, depending on the type of eating disorder. Be alert for eating patterns and beliefs that might signal unhealthy behavior. Some red flags that might indicate an eating disorder can include but not limited to:
* Extreme weight loss or not making expected developmental weight gain
* Frequently skipping meals or refusing to eat
* Excessive focus on food
* Frequent checking in the mirror or on the scales for perceived flaws
* Persistent worry or complaining about being fat
* Using laxative or diuretics when not medically needed
* Forcing themselves to vomit or exercise too much to keep from gaining weight
* Expressing depression, disgust or guilt about eating habits
Prevention begins with open communication
* Encourage healthy-eating habits
* Discuss media messages and peers comments about body shaming
* Promote a healthy body image
* Foster self-esteem
* Share the dangers of dieting and emotional eating
Also set a good example. If you are constantly dieting, using food to cope with your emotions or constantly talking about losing weight, you might have a hard time encouraging your teen to eat a healthy diet or feel satisfied with their appearance.
Talk with your teen!
Dr. Les Potter
Tips for Parents to Motivate Your Teenager
The first thing to understand about teens who seem to have no motivation is the simple truth and that is: It is impossible to have no motivation. Everybody is motivated, it just depends on what they are motivated to do.
Tips:
* Look at what your teen likes: Look for things that can be used as rewards for your child. Make a point of observing what your child likes and enjoys.
* Have your teen understand the value of the task. If they see significance in the activity they are more likely to get involved.
* Take the "goodies" out of your teen's room. Their room becomes a refuge for them to withdraw. Have their computer out in the living room so you know what your teen is doing. Have your teen earn the use of the cell phone, TV, video games, etc.
* Make sure that everything is earned each day. Hold your teen accountable for homework and chores. They need to earn the right to use their "goodies".
* Have conversations about what your child wants. Talk to your child about his/her future. What are their hopes and dreams? This can be tied into why they need to get good grades and go to the college of their choice, etc.
* Don't shout, argue, beg or plead. If you are shouting at your teen you are showing your frustration and letting your teen know that they are in control.
* It matters to me, let your teen know that their actions are a reflection on you and you care what they do or don't do.
* Stop doing your teen's tasks for them. This is called "learned helplessness". You will get frustrated with your teen and it is easier if you do the task for them. This becomes a destructive pattern as you or somebody does their work for them and they have learned not to take responsibility.
* Learn how to be a coach. Comment on his/her progress instead of telling them how great they are when they have not done their best. Teens see through flattery and false praise just like adults do and it usually backfires.
* Set deadlines and structures and stick to them. Tell your teen your expectations and set a schedule. Do not compromise unless it is absolutely necessary. We see this a lot in school as students are not always good at schedules and meeting deadlines. This only hurts them in the long run.
* Help your teen remember. In this time of their life they can be forgetful.
* Provide incentives. This can be computer time, receiving their allowance, going to the mall, watching TV. etc.
* When possible make it fun. Most teens (and people) are more motivated to do something that is fun.
"You have to do what you have to do so you can do what you want to do."
Dr. Les Potter