Due to COVID-19, water fountains have been turned off at Pinehurst Elementary School. Teachers have given the students little Dixie cups to go to the bathroom to fill with tap water to drink, but it is not enough.

That’s why the school’s counselor is raising money to purchase reusable water bottles for students. By providing students with reusable water bottles, they will be able to have water all day long. It will help them to stay hydrated and improve their concentration

Our school nurse has seen an increase in dehydration in our students. Typically after recess and PE, they are coming to her with stomachaches and headaches due to not drinking enough water. If students are thirsty or dehydrated, they cannot concentrate on the classroom lessons. Students can also feel dizzy or tired. “Studies show that once thirst is felt, mental performance including memory, attention, and concentration decreases by as much as 10 percent. Increased dehydration will cause even greater loss of mental performance.” According to Philippa Norman M.D., even mild dehydration impacts learning and cognitive performance.