Health and Wellness of Po-Hi Students

Story and Photos by Kendra Stolhand/ Staff Intern

As the second semester starts for the Po-Hi Wildcats, so does senioritis. The school days seem to go by slower, and everyone anticipates the upcoming school break. Mental health has become a huge topic of discussion with the Po-Hi students. Students are under tons of pressure from their teachers, coaches, peers and parents. As a student, a teacher, a parent, a mentor – anyone who knows a student in any way – being aware of a student’s overall mental health is vital. As a teenager, it can often be difficult to ask for help. Here are some warning signs to be aware of when interacting with students. Homework. The first step to a student’s declining mental health is falling behind on homework. Once the work starts to fall behind, it can snowball into days of uncompleted assignments. When enough work is unfinished, it seems too taxing to know where to start, so students give up trying. They skip class or don’t pay attention during lectures. Being on top of homework is so important when in high school. Sometimes that simply means staying organized or finding a little time before bed to study for that test; staying on task and finishing schoolwork can make for a better day. Friends. It’s just like every cliché high school movie; being in the wrong friend group can make school 10x more stressful than it needs to be. Friends should never be discouraging, rude or jealous. They are there to raise spirits and be supportive; if they fail to do so, they are not real friends.

Activities. Students are constantly busy. They push themselves to be a part of every school activity, and it quickly becomes too much to handle. Seven classes, sports, clubs and outside-of-school activities such as a job or church can be straining to keep up with as a student. Students – it is perfectly OK to say

“no” at times. Don’t feel like everyone has to

The Health and Wellness of Po-Hi Students be pleased all the time. Po-Hi’s most popular activity is You Matter Week during the spring semester. You Matter Week, hosted by Student Council, is an weeklong event in which students are encouraged to be kind to fellow peers, whether that’s holding the door, sending a sweet note, giving a hug or spending time with a friend in need. The pink sweatshirts sold last year are still often seen being worn by students, teachers, parents and graduates. You Matter Week is in no way a fundraiser; it is just for awareness and to break the taboo of asking for help when it’s needed most. Po-Hi also has a brand new club that started during the fall semester. Bring Change 2 Mind, or BC2M, is a club that meets Wednesdays at the high school. Every week’s meeting has a new topic, such as anxiety and toxic relationships. While the club is still very new to the school, it has already proven itself needed by the students. It’s important to be aware of what is going on in friends’ lives. A lot of the time, things are noticeably wrong before they even ask for help. Even a kind gesture can go a long way. So, as the second semester begins, check on friends throughout the day. They may need it.

excludes drinks

With coupon. One coupon per table. One coupon per visit. Not valid with other offers. Expires 1/31/2023.

DINE-IN SPECIAL 10% OFF total purchase of $30 or more, excludes alcohol

Restrictions apply. One coupon per table. One coupon per visit. Not valid with other offers. Expires 1/31/2023.

Any size, any topping up to a supreme