Health & Wellness

Nutrition & Healthy Eating

Good nutrition is the foundation of an active and healthy life. Students explore macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, and fats), micronutrients (vitamins and minerals), and hydration.

Students learn to read Nutrition Facts labels, understand portion sizes, and evaluate their own eating habits using the MyPlate food guide. The goal is genuine understanding of what bodies need to perform and feel well — not diet culture.

Key Learning Objectives

• Identify the six essential nutrients and their roles in the body
• Explain the function of macronutrients and micronutrients
• Read and interpret a Nutrition Facts label accurately
• Apply MyPlate guidelines to build a balanced daily meal plan
• Understand the relationship between caloric intake and physical activity

Mental Health & Stress Management

Adolescence is a critical period for mental health. Mr. Austin's curriculum addresses this directly — teaching students to identify stress and anxiety, understand how mental and physical health are connected, and develop healthy coping strategies.

Topics include: the stress response cycle, mindfulness techniques, sleep hygiene, the impact of social media on self-image, and where to seek help when needed.

Body Systems in Motion

Students discover how the heart rate increases to deliver oxygen-rich blood to working muscles, how the respiratory system adapts during aerobic exercise, and how the skeletal and muscular systems work together to produce movement.