Cartwheel Celebrates Student Creativity in Offline Experiences Through National Challenge

Cartwheel's My Amazing Summer Challenge: Winners Announced

Cartwheel has recently unveiled the winners of its national initiative, the My Amazing Summer Challenge, designed to encourage students to step away from their screens and engage with the world around them. This year, more than 140 students from 30 school districts across 10 states participated, inspired by The Amazing Generation, a book by bestselling authors Jonathan Haidt and Catherine Price, targeting children aged 9-12. Through this challenge, students were motivated to read the book, embrace offline adventures, and reflect on their experiences.

The submissions were impressively varied, including handwritten essays, photo journals, original artwork, poetry, and even a student-organized protest against addictive apps. According to Juliana Chen, MD, Chief Medical Officer at Cartwheel, the challenge provided students with a platform to express their thoughtful and humorous insights about their personal journeys with technology. One student shared how they rediscovered boredom and allowed it to fuel their creativity, leading them to cook with family, explore nature, and cultivate new hobbies.

Grand Prize Winner

The highlight of the challenge was the announcement of the Grand Prize winner: Jersey City Public Schools in New Jersey. This school district received a $1,000 gift card for its library from Bookshop.org. Many students from the district participated, sharing powerful reflections on the significance of being present in the moment and fostering authentic relationships. Dr. Norma Fernandez, the Superintendent of Jersey City Public Schools, expressed gratitude for Cartwheel's recognition of their students and emphasized the district's commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles.

The initiative blossomed at Cornelia F. Bradford Elementary School, where the principal cultivated an environment encouraging readings from The Anxious Generation and The Amazing Generation as summer projects for fifth graders. Sylvia Hennessey, the Library Media Specialist, highlighted the collaborative approach taken to ensure every student received a copy of the book and was excited about participating in the challenge.

Standout Districts and Honorable Mentions

Alongside the Grand Prize winner, four additional districts received Standout Awards, each securing a $250 gift card for their libraries: Huntington County Community School Corporation (IN), Shenango Area School District (PA), Downingtown Area School District (PA), and Warwick Public Schools (RI). Individual students recognized as Featured Rebels showcased exceptional creativity within their works.

Numerous districts also gained honorable mentions, including Bristol-Warren Regional School District (RI), Cambridge Public Schools (MA), Lebanon School District (NH), and others, all underscoring the widespread enthusiasm for the challenge.

The Importance of Offline Activities

These reflections spotlight the real benefits of stepping back from screens, such as the exploration of new interests and the development of a healthier relationship with technology. The challenge comes at a crucial time as families and schools grapple with the impact of technology on children's mental health, sleep patterns, and social interactions.

Cartwheel aims to help students build healthier digital habits through initiatives like the My Amazing Summer Challenge, alongside its newly launched Screens & Social Media Care Program. This program provides targeted assessments and clinical care for students and families facing challenges related to technology use. As national conversations about youth mental health and online safety intensify, Cartwheel stands at the forefront by facilitating engagement in discussions regarding digital well-being.

About Cartwheel

As the largest telehealth provider focused on youth and families in the U.S., Cartwheel serves close to 400 K-12 school districts across 16 states, emphasizing rapid access to high-quality care. Founded by educators and clinicians, it provides a spectrum of services including evidence-based therapy, support for parents, and psychiatric services, ensuring inclusivity by accepting various insurance plans. More information about their initiatives and programs can be found at www.cartwheel.org.