Block Intermediate students and staff demonstrate new 'self‑optimization' elective

Block Intermediate on Monday showcased a new elective the junior‑high said focuses on self‑awareness, stress regulation and practical strategies for students, including breathing exercises and reflective practices.

Principal Wade Snater introduced the course and said enrollment rose from a recruiting cohort last year to 27 students this year; he brought co‑instructor Jason Deubberry and three students to summarize classroom practices. "Our focus is on our physical and mental health and how the brain and the nervous system drive our behaviors," Deubberry told the board during the presentation.

Students described core concepts and classroom exercises. Zoe explained the course's quadrant model (flow state and other engagement states) and described activities such as walking, painting and yoga that help students move toward more positive, productive states. Mindy, a former student, said journaling helped her separate reaction from response and influenced her career interest: "Because of this class I have decided that my future career is going to be a psychologist."

Staff said the course is one component of a broader wellness strategy and noted partnerships with the district's Thrive and Vibe wellness center (a grant‑funded campus resource) to offer mindful painting and other supports. Administrators indicated interest in piloting elements of the curriculum in advisory periods so more students receive the practices during the school year.

The board thanked the students for presenting and praised the class’s hands‑on approach to student wellness.

No formal board action was taken on the presentation; it was presented for information and to surface possibilities for wider advisory integration.