A group of Miriam high school students learned the value of hard work, exercise and team spirit this fall, participating in cross-country under the mentorship of former Miriam teacher Jeron Merritt.
The team represented Miriam throughout the community, as they competed in a variety of 5K races – and in some cases ranking quite high. “I am so proud of this team,” Merritt said. “They grew so much during the season, and I can see their increase in confidence.”
Merritt said he’s a strong believer in the value of high school athletics, and he’s glad to be able to coach this Miriam team. “Athletics are so vital to students’ growth. They have the opportunity to learn a sport, value being part of a team, and build their self-esteem and confidence,” he said. “I encourage them to work hard and value their health.”
Michael, a Miriam sophomore and a member of the cross-country team, said he has been part of cross-country and track teams in the past. “I really like running,” he said. “It’s good for my brain and my body.”
Dr. John Ratey, a Harvard professor and neuropsychiatry expert, backs up what Merritt and Michael say about the benefits of exercise, adding that its effect on learning is also significant. In his research, Ratey has found that students who exercise regularly not only are more fit, but also receive higher test scores.
“There are so many studies showing that exercise improves what’s called our executive functions, which is how we remember, plan, predict, and evaluate consequences,” Ratey said (https://kinesophy.com/the-effects-of-exercise-on-the-brain-with-dr-john-ratey). “And now, we have studies showing that it makes us more creative.”
In fact, Ratey said, exercise has been found to both promote the growth of brain cells and speed up our ability to make brand new ones. It increases the size of both the frontal cortex and the hippocampus portions of the brain.
High School Principal Vicki Thurman said she is so happy Miriam is able to offer this program to our students, and she hopes the skills the team members have gained become life-long skills. Plus, it was fun and gratifying for the teens. “I know all of the students enjoyed participating in both practices and the 5Ks,” Thurman said. “And seeing the smiles of the students after the last race was so rewarding.”
Merritt said the team wasn’t quite ready this year to compete in the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHAA), so they entered 5Ks throughout the St. Louis area.
Michael said he loved running in the 5Ks, surrounded by people. “I felt like I was part of a big, giant community.”
Merritt said the 5Ks will prepare them to potentially join MSHAA in the future, and he’s already looking forward to coaching the spring cross-country team.
"I observed so many changes in the kids during the season,” he said. “They seem to be more confident, happy and seem to support each other. We’ll keep building this team and helping them be successful.”
Miriam Learning Center, an integral part of Miriam School and Learning Center, is excited to announce the expansion of its specialized services into St. Charles County. This expansion will provide critical tutoring and testing services for students with diverse learning needs.
Miriam School and Learning Center is proud to announce that the Rotary Club of St. Louis has generously awarded a $20,000 scholarship to support students in need of financial assistance. This year’s recipient, Remi W., a ninth grader from St. Ann, is a talented young student with a dream of becoming an artist and a passion for learning.
The group is a great way for St. Louis professionals ages 21-39 to network with one another, help local children with learning differences, and receive support and advice from others who have been in the professional world for a longer time.
Last week, Miriam High School students stretched their comfort zones at the Principia School Challenge Course. Each student selected from a variety of activities, including low and high ropes courses and a 35-foot climbing wall.
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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a commonly misunderstood condition that affects both children and adults. Misinformation and myths often lead to misconceptions about its nature and impact.
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Miriam Summer FUNdamentals is offering more camps this year than ever before to help kids with learning and thinking differences maintain - and gain - skills during the summer.
Memories are inspired by photos… By diaries… And by keys? At Miriam, the answer is 100-percent yes. Anyone who leaves or graduates from Miriam Lower/Middle School receives a transition key – a symbol that they will always have a home at Miriam School.
Miriam ushered 21 seniors off to the next step of their journey with a graduation ceremony that was just like the rest of their experiences here - completely personalized.
Miriam High School teacher Lori Lipkind already retired once - after a long career of teaching in public schools. She wasn’t finished working with students, though, so she came to Miriam four years ago
Miriam School and Learning Center exceeded goals and expectations on April 13, with the inaugural Minds in Bloom Spring Soiree. Nearly 250 people attended the sold-out event, which was held at Danforth Plant Science Center.
Women of Achievement has announced that Linda Estell, long-time Miriam volunteer and board member, has been selected as one of the 2024 Women of Achievement.
Last Friday, our Next Steps Transition Fair and our Variety Show led to another festive and fun Friday at Miriam High School. We were thrilled to have 30 vendors join us for the Fair. It was wonderful to have family members participate and to observe our children shine.