Fear Factor by Kelli Kennedy for the Boca Raton News

Principals’ private counselors focusing on Anti-anxiety techniques

Although many elementary students can’t define the word stress, many say that they can identify with butterflies they get in the pit of their stomach before a big test or T-ball game.

Ant as Boca Raton schools begin preparing students academically for the rigors of the FCAT’s, principals say they will also focus on preparing students to deal with test anxiety and other emotions that arise from high-pressure exams.

It’s always a balancing act because its an important test. But they are just kids and it doesn’t help getting them all worked up and stressed about it, said Ann Ferrone, Principal of Calusa Elementary.

Faraone says they’re dealing with the issue from a two-pronged strategy-training both students and parents.

The new 10-week anti-stress group for third graders will be spear headed by Calusa’s guidance counselor. In addition to the helpful workshop for parents, and the Principal.

Teachers are also instructed to work with the students through out the year on breathing exercises, the importance of having a good meal and other test taking tools that is also practiced at Del Prado Elementary.

Taking practice tests so the student’s have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with a timed text goes a long way, said Sandra Rhategan, Principal of Del Prado Elementary.

“We have to be very cognizant of balancing out how much emphasis we’re putting on the FCATS, along with the emotions,” said Rhategan.

So far, both Principals say the extra attention has paid off, warding against tummy aches, head aches and other excuses that crop up on test day,

But Calusa and Del Prado Elementary may be in the minority , says Beth Cutler, who says many local guidance counselors are so overloaded with paperwork, and other tasks, that they don’t have extra time to spend with the students suffering from stress.’

It is too much pressure for kids, says Cutler, a former Palm Beach County guidance counselor who has branched into a private practice and created a test anxiety program. “Teachers start preparing kids in September and by January students are in a frenzy and have the fear of failure hanging over their heads at 8 and 9 years old.

The six-week program incorporates goal setting, time management developing a study plan and focusing on the positive. “I can statements versus I can’t, said Cutler, who partnered with her father, Malvin, a former school teacher, to Successful Unions In Boca Raton.

“We work with parents in the first session to teach them how to de-stress themselves, so that they don’t pass the stress on to their children, said Cutler. A Licensed Marriage and Family therapist.

The program also uses relaxation tapes and stress balls in the curriculum to provide students another outlet to de-stress, said Cutler.

Mother, Pat Lourmais, said =she signed her two elementary age sons up for the anti-anxiety program “to give them an edge” after their recent switch to private school with a more difficult curriculum.

Her son, Anthony, a sixth-grader at Lake Worth Christian, says he used to get anxious before tests, but doesn’t anymore.

“It helps to have tutors”, said Anthony who told Cutler his goal for the week was to pull up his grades in science and social studies.

Brooke Kanonik, a third-grader at Whisper Pines Elementary said she also experiences test anxiety. But now I close my eyes and envision that I got an “A”, said Kanonik, one of three students enrolled in the program for third. Fourth and fifth graders.

Programs for middle and high school students are also available said Cutler, who believes children learn best in small groups.

“Every state and county, is pushing this idea of excellence with standardized tests, said Malvin/ “Our goal is to get every youngster to achieve at his or her highest level and still enjoy learning.

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