Hello and good wishes to all Upper School students from Dr. Sadler! I’m the school psychologist for Upper School students.

The easiest way to find me is to come to my office. Take the stairs near the Grille Room, opposite the faculty mailboxes. Go up one flight and make a left through the door. My office is the 3rd on the left. Stop by anytime!

Many of you have already had an opportunity to meet me and come talk with me. Students come talk with me about anything that might make their lives at Hackley School easier: how to handle difficult classes, an overloaded schedule, or disagreements among friends. Many students come to get some help organizing their schedules or studying more efficiently for tests. Sometimes, someone might have a big problem in his/her life. I can help you figure out what to do. It’s always best to be proactive. Don’t keep wandering lost down a road, stop and ask for help! Find a healthy solution.

Many students are interested in finding ways to relax, especially before a big test. Here’s some advice:

Breathe in through your nose as slowly as you can. Feel your lungs fill up completely with air. Let the air out of your mouth as slowly as you can. Repeat 3 times. Feel your heart rate slow and your body calm. Your mind will follow. Now concentrate.

Make a fist with each of your hands and squeeze as tightly as you can. Hold for 20 seconds. Release your fingers as slowly as you can. Do this while you think of something that makes you happy.

Close your eyes. Think of a place where you feel completely comfortable. Or, think of something that makes you feel happy. Concentrate on that feeling.