New "Fundamentals of Health and Wellbeing" Course Launches at Tabor

Beginning this year, 10th graders at Tabor will explore essential skills for healthy living in the new Fundamentals of Health and Wellbeing course. This one-trimester, pass/fail program replaces an open block during the sophomore year and marks the return of a full health curriculum to Tabor for the first time since before the COVID pandemic.

Developed and led by Ginger Larsen, Tabor’s Director of Student Wellbeing and 10th Grade Class Dean, the curriculum covers a range of essential topics such as sleep hygiene, brain development, substance use, mindfulness, stress management, and healthy social media practices. Students will learn from expert guest speakers, with the fall section featuring insight from Lisa Hoopis on sexual health, Rodney Poole on drug education, and Emma D’Arpino on nutrition and body image. 

A highlight of the course is the media literacy component, giving students and parents access to The Social Institute, an interactive platform that provides practical tools for navigating technology and social media in a safe, positive way. Lessons are updated to reflect the latest online trends, helping families and teachers stay informed and connected to the evolving digital world.

With its interactive format and pass/fail grading, the course encourages students to fully engage in discussions and activities. “The course is designed for students to come, listen, ask questions, and learn,” says Larsen. “I hope they’ll even bring ideas of their own to explore and discuss.”

Looking ahead, Larsen envisions expanding the program into a comprehensive, four-year approach to student health and wellbeing, fully equipping every Tabor student with the habits, skills, and knowledge they can carry well beyond their time at Tabor.