The 12th annual STAR Week kicked off Friday at SPHS with a presentation from award-winning mental health speaker and advocate, Ross Szabo, to students. Szabo, the author of Behind Happy Faces, a book that helps young adults take charge of their mental health, discussed the challenges students face in today’s world and the best ways to curb them: getting proper sleep and building healthy coping methods.

STAR Week was first created in 2007 in response to multiple SPHS students taking their own lives. The Student’s Taking Actions Responsibly Committee (STAR) works to influence students in positive ways. “I decided to join STAR because I saw the problems the students are facing with mental health and I wanted to take action. I felt as if I had to do something,” ambassador Sabina Khan (‘20)  said. Khan joined the committee her sophomore year.

As follows is the schedule for STAR Week 2019.

Monday, April 1st

• “Mindful Monday” STAR advisory lesson for students
• Follow advisory schedule
• STAR sponsored photo booth in Cafe during all lunches

Tuesday, April 2nd

• “Talk About It Tuesday” STAR advisory lesson for students
• Smiley face buttons distributed to students
• 7:00 p.m. Parent Night Guest Speaker: Dr. Anne Mueller “What If We Put Mental Health First? What Now?”
• Follow advisory schedule

Wednesday, April 3rd

• “Warrior Wednesday” Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament at lunches for students
• Follow regular bell schedule

Thursday, April 4th

• “Thoughtful Thankful Thursday” opening activity in 1st period for students
• Follow regular bell schedule

Friday, April 5th

• “Fun Friday” live student band and popsicles during all lunches for students
• Follow regular bell schedule