I’d like to spend some time this month talking about the prevalence of so-called “Energy Drinks” that I’ve seen at RCI. In accordance with our school’s nutrition policy, no energy drinks are sold at school. That of course does not stop students from getting their hands on them. Kids argue that drinks such as Red Devil, Monster, and Amp are “no different than a cup of coffee”. Don’t believe this statement! Some energy drinks have the same caffeine content as 2 espressos or as much as 6 cans of Coca-Cola!
The other issue is that a teenager’s body is NOTHING like that of an adult. Hormonal levels are different, the required nutritional intake is different, and all credible research states that teens’ minds are still developing. By ingesting a significant amount of a stimulant such as caffeine to a still-developing teen, what are the long-term effects? We simply don’t know, as these items have been on the market for less than a decade, and teens have only been an acknowledged target for advertising in recent years.
RCI will not enforce a “ban” on energy drinks. They are not sold on-site; and so it is up to parents and students to make healthy choices themselves. It is quite a different situation when someone in their 20s, 30s, or 40s (or older) has a can of Red Bull to help them last through a long day, than it is for a 15 year old to have one for breakfast. That isn’t hypocrisy, that’s reality. “Just cause mom and dad do it”, isn’t the right reason for a teenager to follow suit.
If parent have any additional questions around the content of energy drinks, lots of information is available online. Just Google “Energy Drinks”!
Mr. SheppardPrincipal
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Monday, November 10, 2008
RCI Ramblings: Nov. 10, 2008
It seems as if we just blinked and half a term has passed us by. The days are getting colder, the snow is falling, Remembrance Day has come and gone, and mid-term exams are just around the corner.
Parents, please be advised that mid-term exams are scheduled for Nov. 13 and 14 for our grade 9-12 students. An exam schedule went home weeks ago, including a permission form for parents to sign, allowing students to leave after they have completed their exams. Grade 7 and 8 students will have “classes as usual” during the high school exam period. Our goal is to have report cards sent home on Nov. 18 or 19. Either way, if your kid comes home next week without a report card, ask!
Parent-Teacher Interviews are scheduled for Nov. 20 (from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.) and Nov. 21 (from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.; 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.). All parents are welcome and encouraged to attend. It takes school, parent, and student commitment to ensure our young people succeed. On a special note, remember that a fundraising bake sale will be held to raise money for new curtains for the RCI gym stage. If you would like to donate baking or treats for this cause, please either drop the baking off anytime on Nov. 19 or 20 at the school, or call Heather Gray at 328-5254 to make arrangements.
Good luck as well to our Junior Varsity Girls Volleyball team who have qualified for provincials this year! A big thanks goes out to Brett Nohr, who is coaching the girls.
Stay warm!
It seems as if we just blinked and half a term has passed us by. The days are getting colder, the snow is falling, Remembrance Day has come and gone, and mid-term exams are just around the corner.
Parents, please be advised that mid-term exams are scheduled for Nov. 13 and 14 for our grade 9-12 students. An exam schedule went home weeks ago, including a permission form for parents to sign, allowing students to leave after they have completed their exams. Grade 7 and 8 students will have “classes as usual” during the high school exam period. Our goal is to have report cards sent home on Nov. 18 or 19. Either way, if your kid comes home next week without a report card, ask!
Parent-Teacher Interviews are scheduled for Nov. 20 (from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.) and Nov. 21 (from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.; 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.). All parents are welcome and encouraged to attend. It takes school, parent, and student commitment to ensure our young people succeed. On a special note, remember that a fundraising bake sale will be held to raise money for new curtains for the RCI gym stage. If you would like to donate baking or treats for this cause, please either drop the baking off anytime on Nov. 19 or 20 at the school, or call Heather Gray at 328-5254 to make arrangements.
Good luck as well to our Junior Varsity Girls Volleyball team who have qualified for provincials this year! A big thanks goes out to Brett Nohr, who is coaching the girls.
Stay warm!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)