By Ansharah Asif
Finals are right around the corner and finals week comes with a bucket load of stress. This year, the guidance and counseling department decided to focus on students’ mental health by planning dress-up days and daily activities to help students de-stress before finals.
“We wanted to really get the message across to students who are cramming for hours every night. Stressing out before finals does not benefit you,” guidance counselor Lindsey Gonzalez said. “We thought that by having students not stress out what to wear every day, it could set the tone for the week.”
Tuesday’s dress-up day was Pajama Day and the activity of the day consisted of grabbing a snack provided by the staff as well as attending a student panel on study tips after school.
Wednesday was warm and cozy as students dressed in sweats and attended a cram session from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. where the school provided students with warm cocoa.
“The goal is just as you say: while finals are important, we need to enter finals with a sense of well-being and preparedness. We wanted to remind them that there are things they can do to take care of themselves and that Fountain Valley High School cares about them and their well-being, not just a test score,” school psychologist Cynthia Olaya said.
Transitioning into Thursday, the theme was “Barons Be Well,” which consisted of wearing fitness gear and attending a yoga session and a picnic on the field at lunch where students would practice yoga and other wellness activities.
Friday consisted of games, therapy dogs and bringing a stuffed animal. Donuts were offered in the mornings as part of the peaceful Friday.
“Knowing that teachers are working together to help students prepare for finals but [to] also help them de-stress helps a lot as it makes my efforts feel like they are being appreciated,” senior Emroz Sandhu said. “And if I ever need help, I know that I have a support system right here on campus.”
Study hard, sleep well and do your best! Good luck on your finals Barons!
