Students, parents, teachers and administrators discussed methods to manage student stress at the Challenge Success conference at Stanford University on Sept. 26 and 27.

“Challenge Success is a meeting of a bunch of schools with different activities and conversations about how to reduce student stress,” senior Amanda Champion said.

At the conference, representatives from schools throughout the country discussed their methods for improving school climate.

“Our main reason for participating in the program is to look at research and to learn from other schools about how to address some of the challenges we’re facing here at Piedmont,” Principal Brent Daniels said.

Attendees included Daniels, Champion, Assistant Principal Ginna Myers, English teachers Mercedes Foster and Beth Black, senior Allen Hosler and parents Katie Korotzer, Esther Rogers and Dana Serleth.

Last spring, students took a survey about pressure, school engagement, extracurricular commitment and academic integrity. Based on the results of the surveys, the Challenge Success team discussed strategies to improve student experience.

“You’re able to connect with other schools in the Bay Area and across the nation on instituting a new bell schedule, managing homework, dealing with student stress and improving the school’s climate and culture,” Daniels said.

The team plans to meet again with their Challenge Success mentor in November. They also hope to educate students about Challenge Success, Champion said.

“We want to create a Challenge Success club,” Champion said. “We also want to have an assembly for students.”

English teacher Mercedes Foster said that Challenge Success helps design an exceptional learning experience for students without sacrificing their health.

“It’s important to find a balance between academic rigor and social emotional health,” Foster said. “Finding that balance will be a challenge but it’s a goal that we will all be striving to meet.”