From 70-minute periods, eating lunch in tents, a rolling grade policy, and a 9 a.m. start time, life at Poly has significantly changed from last year’s pandemic experience—but many students continue to struggle with mental health. 

Poly implemented Wellness Day on November 8 to address various mental health issues and give students a break from stress. All students and teachers were given the option to come to campus. “Spend this day however you feel you need to…check in with your Dean or School Psychologist should you need…engage in the various available programs to free your mind of school stressors,” Jared Winston, interim director of student life, wrote in an email to the Upper School. 

“Our approach was based on the premise of differentiated wellness—what wellness means for me isn’t the same as what it means for you,” Winston said. “We gave teachers the opportunity to be flexible with that day as well.”

Those who came to campus were able to see mentalist Tom Kennedy, participate in a field day, attend yoga and meditation sessions, among other activities.

“We ended the day with ‘Inside Out’ in the theater…It was a real community effort,” said Winston. He added that about 115 middle schoolers came to campus and 50 upper schoolers at most.

Freshman Owen Ten Oever thanked Winston for Wellness Day by writing to him, “​​This day changed my whole mood of the week and it allowed me to catch up on work but to also catch up on how I am feeling. I believe this should happen more often. I think it is a great way to decompress and enjoy life a little more.”

Many students have found that differences in Poly’s culture and curriculum resulting from the pandemic—such as being back on campus full-time—affect their mental states. Junior Sofia Shlomm said, “It is tough to manage stress. I overthink, and it’s hard to do work. I struggle with low motivation.” Contrastingly, senior Alex Semenenko said, “My mental health is way better because it’s cozier inside, and I don’t have to worry about being cold.” 

“Nationally, teenagers are struggling more with mental health issues than they were before the pandemic,” said Director of Health and Well-Being Sarah Zuercher. “At Poly we see many of the same themes…In terms of why students seek mental health support at Poly, 20 percent of students report social anxiety, 20 percent report academic or test anxiety, 20 percent have peer issues, 20 percent have more extreme depression. Eating disorders and issues with teachers are also reported.”