Community Corner
Is Your Child Happy?
Paramus Catholic Outreach Making Real Difference in Students Lives
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It should come as no surprise that children face an unprecedented assault on their well-being today, from every corner of modern life.
From the pressure to succeed, to excel, to post-pandemic worries, and concerns about the world and their futures. Despite “social” media they continually express feelings of loneliness and isolation. Children admit to being paralyzed by electronic devices somewhat vital to modern existence. They experience unparalleled threats to safety, peer pressure and an information overload that raises student stress levels to heights never seen.
Society stands by as its effects on youth are validated in the rise of youth suicide and suicidal thoughts, in the crippling effects of broken families, bullying, social upheaval, rampant drug abuse and the search for meaning and truth in the information age.
But, for the “whole” student the defenses against the onslaught of modernism and uncertainty are being mitigated. There is hope to be found amidst it all.
“We believe in a focus on student happiness at Paramus Catholic,” states President/Principal, Dr. Stephanie Macaluso. “It’s an innovative response to the pressures of the world”, she continues. “Students-can contribute to society once they experience happiness and caring. They become more productive citizens when we address their mental, spiritual, and physical wellness together.”
It's a holistic approach. By integrating student wellness into the overarching school philosophy, students learn they can have a balance in life that helps them address life’s challenges more confidently. They know they are not alone but are loved. In turn, they feel ready to succeed.
Still, the work of Paramus Catholic is not relegated to during school hours. Today, both parent and teachers as well as guidance counselors build ties of connectedness to be able to respond to teen needs and emergencies, however innocent or serious, regardless of when they happen, during or after school, on weekends, whenever their needs require.
In a world where youth often feel powerless, Paramus Catholic students take ownership of their learning environment. They can participate in policy-setting forums such as the Principal’s Student Impact Team, where this open forum allows them to bring the “voice of the hallways” to administrators, maintaining an open dialogue between students and administrators. They are empowered to let their feelings be known and see the results.
Academically, with the expert help of a concerned, involved guidance department, students schedule courses at their level. They follow pathways they are passionate about and perhaps are interested in pursuing in college and beyond. Teachers share these passions together with them.
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Paramus Catholic avails the students of academic tools such as after school help, peer tutoring, study groups, academic coaching, and academic stress management with guidance counselors. These innovative approaches bring substantial reductions in academic anxiety to PC students.
Wellness is the fourth “pillar” of the school’s foundational philosophy. Along with academics, faith and security, this "Pillar” was instituted as it directly impacts students physical and mental health, their academic performance and overall quality of life.
Wellness, in an emotional, stress-freeing sense, takes the form of the school’s policy against homework on the weekends. Students are encouraged to spend time with family and friends on the weekends, to schedule some down time, follow hobbies and interests – to simply be kids. There are no tests on Mondays.
In a physical sense, students are encouraged to take care of their bodies and their minds; to actively pursue good nutrition, and play an active, involved role in what the school has to offer. A majority of PC students participate in athletics, while nearly two-thirds join the fifty-four clubs and twenty-eight arts programs the school offers. Paramus Catholic offers one of northern New Jersey’s premiere arts, music and theatre programs, providing much needed freedom of expression and creative exploration for all students.
Most of all, students are taught to live the ideals that build up society beginning with a concern for others along with self. Social media “bullying” and living the values of kindness are discussed openly and on a regular basis. They are taught at PC that “kindness matters”, part of an overall facet of a positive school culture that promotes inclusiveness. Students often say they “feel a sense of belonging at PC”, that they can “be themselves and be accepted.”
This kindness, and concern for others, extends well beyond the classroom. An overwhelming majority of students are involved in service projects as part of student life. Recently, students created a space at the school for the collection of food and necessities for needy families in the area. The Paladin Food Pantry is today a working operation, led by students, with over sixty students involved and working with faculty and area resources to make a real difference in people’s lives in their community.
Longtime Dean of Campus Ministry, Michael Shea, explains the values and confidence these activities instill in the students. “Something real happens to a person when they make serving others a focus of their lives,” he states. As St. Paul says in the First Book of Timothy (4:12), "Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but be an example to others in word, in conduct and in love”.
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Paramus Catholic students surveyed recently reported that an overwhelming percentage of them feel less overwhelmed than their peers, feel strongly that faith plays a vital role in their young lives and that they are excited for the future, prepared for life in college and beyond.
There is an answer to the question: “Is your child happy?”
“We believe we have a major role in student’s health, wellness and ultimately their view of themselves and the world they live in, “states Dr Macaluso. “By actively working to create this balance among our four pillars, we help students to reach their maximum potential as human beings. We help them to see the hope and possibilities, despite a world that wants to pull them down. We help them to help themselves, and in turn make the world a better place.”
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