Mental Health Monday at Shepard

Evidence abounds that students experience debilitating pressure to perform at the highest level.

Becoming the best requires “no days off,” according to a famous National Football League coach.

Few dates inspire more feelings of anxiety than the SAT test day. Stress, as researchers have discovered time and again, negatively affects performance.

"To avoid burnout as we approach SAT, my AP Lang classes are celebrating 'Mental Health Monday,'" said Shepard teacher Gia Mallet.

She organized games and activities to achieve some peace of mind and, in a healthful way, greater focus.

MHM included ”activities that require focus and are mentally stimulating, but also calming, as we prepare for SAT tomorrow. They have done plenty of SAT prep in these last few months," she said.