Choices Overview

Choices Description

All students in Class IV participate in a five-week session entitled “Choices”. The classes meet in the evening from 7:30 to 8:30 PM.

Students meet in a supportive discussion group, facilitated by a volunteer male and female faculty member and a senior peer supporter. The meetings take place in faculty homes or other comfortable spaces on campus.

The purpose of these discussions is to examine intelligent, empathic ways of making choices when dealing with such complicated issues as health and wellness, personal relationships, stress, sexuality, drugs and alcohol. The “Choices” program began in 1989, but has been presented to members of Class IV in this format since 1998. Over those years, Choices has become part of the fabric of the School. Students in the past have reacted most positively to the content and informality of Choices.

Choices Overview – Sample Agenda

Week One

• Introduction (ground rules)
• Communication

Week Two

• Healthy living
• Mental health
• Self esteem
• Stress management

Week Three

• Speaker: Gender, Identity, Healthy Relationships

Week Four

• Relationships
• Responsibilities
• Friendship
• Intimacy

Week Five

• Drugs and Alcohol
• Addictive behaviors
• Choices – how to make good ones
• Final wrap up