Last month, RHS shifted its focus from tests, deadlines and assignments to something students do not always prioritize during the school day: wellness. From April 20-24, students and staff participated in Wellness Week, a series of themed activities designed to promote mental health, self-care and community throughout the school. 

Main Character Monday (April 20) 

The week kicked off with “Main Character Monday,” which was all about confidence and how people express themselves. Students had the chance to write what they are proud of and add it to a confidence wall in the lobby, which quickly filled up with positive messages. 

“The confidence wall was really nice to see,” senior Aedan Perez said. “Seeing students, teachers and administrators take time out their day to write something nice was a good reminder of kindness.”

Students also contributed songs to a passing-time playlist, making it feel like everyone had their own “main character moment.”

Students and staff also showed off their school spirit by wearing bright colors, and the day ended with a fun “Mamma Mia!” dance session.

Overall, the day set a positive tone for the rest of the week. 

Treat Yourself Tuesday (April 21) 

Treat Yourself Tuesday focused on self-care and relaxation. Students enjoyed free pancakes in the morning, one of the week’s most popular events.

Many students took advantage of the opportunity to wear pajamas or comfortable clothes to school.

“I wore my fuzzy Hello Kitty pajama pants and felt so myself at school today,” senior Jillian Liebhauser said.

Yoga classes during unit lunch gave students and staff a chance to slow down and de-stress, while grab-and-go cookies after school provided a sweet ending to the day.

The day was a good reminder that taking breaks is important, especially with schoolwork and responsibilities piling up.  

We Outside Wednesday (April 22) 

We Outside Wednesday was supposed to feature outdoor games and activities during lunch. However, the weather had other plans. It rained all day, which meant that all outdoor events had to be canceled.

However, students found inspiration elsewhere. Motivational speaker Keith Hawkins, who spoke to juniors and seniors in the morning and freshmen and sophomores during lunch, encouraged students to be “better than good” and appreciate what they have.

“He gave me an interesting perspective on life that made me think,” junior Drew Milberg said. “Usually when a motivational speaker comes to speak, it can get boring, but he did a great job of getting his point across while also keeping the audience engaged.” 

Thankful Thursday (April 23) 

Thankful Thursday encouraged students to send positive notes to staff members who make a difference using a QR code. Soon, classroom doors were decorated with appreciation messages, and it was sweet seeing teachers’ reactions.

The day coincided with Bring Your Child to Work Day. Seeing a bunch of little kids running around bought an extra sense of energy and fun to the building.  

“Bring Your Child to Work Day was a fun experience,” junior Jackson Stein said. “You got to meet your teachers’ kids and catch up on some work.”

Feel Good Friday (April 24) 

Feel Good Friday wrapped up the week with a Wellness Fair in the Aux Gym during the afternoon. Activities included a Feel-Good Wall, rock painting and learning trendy TikTok dances.  

“I really liked how we ended the week on high hopes with a sweet treat from Krispy Kreme doughnuts at the end of the day,” senior Ian Pietrucha said.