SchYPAR Collaborations

“How Does School Atmosphere Affect Mental Health and Academic Performance?”

The Bedford City School District Student Leaders decided to focus on the effect that school atmosphere has on mental health and academic performance. As academics have shifted from virtual learning to in-person instruction, students have found that a greater emphasis has been placed on school culture. Based on this focus, student leaders crafted a student survey and a series of interview questions to better understand student and teacher viewpoints. Our student leaders are eager to share the process they completed to develop their data collection tools and the importance of their research focus. In the near future, they hope to complete their surveys and interviews to make recommendations to community stakeholders for the 2022-2023 school year based on quantitative data from surveying peers, teachers, administrators, and parents.

Student Leaders: Kayla Butler, LaTia Grimes, Leah Hammock, William Handrich, Rayhanah Niasse

District Leader: Karla Eberhardt

Read more examples from the First Ring Leadership Academy, 2022-2023

“How can we decrease and prevent instances of bullying in the 6th-8th grade within the Downtown Cleveland Metro Schools?”

The research question is “How does bullying affect students in school?” They chose this topic because they wanted to know how students try to stop bullying worldwide and in their schools. In their observation, they went to their middle school and observed some students sitting alone by themselves. They asked those students why they were sitting alone, and they said they didn’t want anyone to make fun of them. They thought sitting by themselves was the best option. Our group recommends one way of spreading awareness about bullying is to hold a school-wide assembly where an anti-bullying organization comes and speaks to students about how harmful it can be and suggest how to prevent it in school. Read the full project description.

Student Leaders: Marissa Freeman, Robert Henderson, Maiwand Nawabi, George Klouda

Read more examples from the 2018 Campus Conference

“Stress Management”

The Brush High School First, Ring Student Leaders, opted to research stress management and high school students. As we began to brainstorm issues affecting high school students, we came up with issues such as depression, Honors and AP classes, family, finances, and time management, to name a few. At the root of each issue was the stress the situation placed on the individual and how said individual chose to handle it. We surveyed fellow students and interviewed teachers, administrative staff, and other adults in the school. After reviewing the results, we hope our research will shed some light on teenagers' stress and how they learn to cope with stress. We believe the results will lead to increase communication within our school community.

Student Leaders: Clara Discenzo, Gianni Fitch, Evan Glessner, Faith Shook, Manny Torres

Teacher Leader: Satonya Newton

Read more examples from the First Ring Leadership Academy, 2019-2020

“Building Relationships for Student Success”

The First Ring Student Leaders at Garfield Heights High School focused on building relationships within the district. They chose two specific areas to work on. The first was to present the benefits of positive teacher/student relationships. The students asked the teachers to make an “All About Me” door poster that would allow the students to get to know the teachers personally. The second was to be a part of the incoming freshman orientation alongside the high school guidance counselors. The student leaders presented a PowerPoint about the expectations and opportunities awaiting at the high school level. The student leaders believe in the power of creating a positive and exciting environment for improved high school student engagement.

Student Leaders: Bezawit Atnafseged, Roosevelt Boone, Amir Dixon, Mariah Mitchell, Melody Warren

Teacher Leader: Jowell Gray

Read more examples from the First Ring Leadership Academy, 2018-2019

“Academic Problems that Teens Face at CIHS and What Resources do They Use to Address them?”

The project addressed the academic problems that students face at CIHS. They collected survey and observation data, asking students what subjects are easy and challenging for them and what makes school more difficult. Based on their findings, they created recommendations for students. First, they recommend students go to the teachers during common hour if they have questions. Second, they recommend students hone in on their time management skills to find improvements. Third, they suggest the teachers make the material more fund and engaging. Read more about their project.

Student Leaders: Milo McDonald & Christian Carreon

Read more examples from the 2019 Campus Conference

“Mind Matters: The Effects of Mental Health on Students’ Performance”

This research explores the relationship between student performance and mental health among teenagers in grades 9th-12th. The study surveyed 92 participants who reported on their school performance and mental health status. The findings indicate a significant correlation between mental health and academic success and that school can negatively and positively affect mental health. The study further reveals that receiving support from teachers, trustworthy adults, and friends can positively impact mental health. On the other hand, this effect is diminished when mental health issues affect students' social lives within the school community. The research concludes that students' mental health can affect school performance and vice versa.

Student Leaders: Alisha Correa, Esai Lozada, Marielys Vazquez

Teacher Leader: Karmel Abutaleb