On Monday, 3/25 we took a break from our normal afternoon to help students learn strategies to reduce stress, manage difficult situations, and build resilience. Students joined their Teacher Advisory groups and rotated through different workshops. Guest Speaker Psychologist Jen Coleman offered stress reduction techniques and strategies for students. Science teacher Sharon Boardman offered hands-on activities that promote positive reinforcement and teamwork. Kevin Cook also talked about how mental health challenges can impact anyone, even kids or adults who appear to be doing well academically, athletically or socially and seem not to have anything to be sad or anxious about. Other groups went on a mindfulness walk outdoors, attended student panels, and learned about topics such as stress management and how to help a friend who is struggling with mental health. 
    
Student-led panels discussed topics like “what advice would you give your younger self” and “what does mental health mean to you?” In these panel discussions junior and seniors courageously spoke openly about their mental health journey throughout high school and shared advice and strategies for the underclassmen and their peers.  

“If you are struggling with mental health, I want you to know, it is not your fault” said a successful, well-liked senior. Wellness Counselor Drew Farrell noted the powerful positive impact this must have made on the younger students listening.  He remarked, “I got chills when she said that thinking about how freeing this could be for a teen in the room who is struggling”.

At Rice we believe that the emotional wellbeing of our students and creating a positive school climate where students can learn to manage stress and anxiety is essential to success in the classroom (and beyond!) 

Rice’s Wellness Leadership Council and the Hope Happens Here club joined forces to put on this special event. As a response to the downturn of teen mental health since the onset of COVID,  Rice has prioritized expanding our student wellness programing. We added two new support staff this year, including our Wellness Counselor. This event was one of the many initiatives Rice wanted to introduce as a part of a more comprehensive programming model which offers services to support each student’s  academic, social/emotional, and spiritual growth - aligning with our mission.