![Hosting the SCLA Casptone Mentor Dinner outside allowed for more attendees on September 27, 2021 at Silver Creek. This event would’ve usually been held inside. According to Lauren Kohn, a SCLA 12 teacher, “If we have a higher number of people, as long as we can host the event outside, then that seems to be keeping every[one] safe”.](https://schsnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/sxMAIGbSYGodZkqmrvTi5YWcJ1ssWA08ApkeMLpp-900x675.jpeg)
As the daylight wanes with the colder months, so can many students’ focus and motivation. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a form of depression that typically occurs during the fall and winter months, affects an estimated 5% of the U.S. population. This disorder is often shown through a lack of energy, difficulty concentrating, feeling sluggish, or feeling sad for multiple days.
Along with changes in the weather, the lack of lighting also plays a large role in students’ learning during the dark winter months. Sunlight is a beneficial factor in the prevention and treatment of SAD. Unlike in the Pacific Northwest, which has very high rates of SAD, Coloradans are lucky to enjoy approximately 300 days of sunshine every year. However, the lighting can still impact student learning.
Tara Ebel, A freshman here at Silver Creek, prefers sunny days not only to be productive, but also to spend time outside. “I feel like the sun brings out happiness and lets you focus because when you go outside, you won’t be freezing. Also, when the weather is cold and cloudy, I feel a bit more unmotivated and sad.”
Silver Creek students are lucky to have a school building that features windows with excellent natural light as well as views of the foothills. Teachers are keenly aware of students’ need for good lighting in the classroom and are also in tune with individual student preferences when it comes to lighting.
Silver Creek High School freshman, Mia Kunio, prefers a bright classroom environment in order to focus. “I like it when the sun is out because my energy level and ability to focus is better.”
Kunio moved to Colorado from the Chicago area this past summer and she explains that she is already “much happier and more focused” with the amount of sunshine and daylight here–especially compared to Chicago.
Silver Creek senior, Katelyn Johnson, likes to take advantage of the sunny Colorado weather to stay motivated for school work. “When it’s sunny I notice I am more calm and relaxed. But when it’s cloudy, I notice that I feel that I am often more likely to read a book and stay inside. I am more introverted when the sun is not out.”
Many students and even staff claim they are in a better mood when the weather is sunny. Here at Silver Creek, natural lighting flows through the school. Whether in the Crescent or at the end of D and E wings, the sunlight provides a warm and pleasant atmosphere for each hall.
Devin Clark, Silver Creek Athletic Secretary often notices mood swings in students depending on the weather. “It seems like when it’s cold and cloudy, the kids are kind of dragging a little bit more, and when it’s sunny, they’re a little bit more excited to be here,” Clark said.
There are many things that can help fight SAD when it blows into our lives. Research says that strategies like bringing in light to your house with lamps or opening blinds can help as can taking a window seat where you can feel the warmth and sun.
When the weather is cloudy, students often show a lack of focus or motivation.
As the darker and colder months blow in and out, so do our moods. When we start to see those mood swings, one of the best things we can do is spend time in our Colorado sunshine and get moving. This winter, instead of feeling unmotivated, let’s focus on what’s important, exercise, hydration, socializing, and SUN!
