Calling all Panthers!

Finals week is here! As the semester winds down, students across campus are balancing busy schedules and pressure is growing. With only a few days left before grades are finalized, it is more important than ever for Panthers to stay focused and use the support systems available to them.

Preparation looks different for everyone. Some students benefit from reviewing notes in short sessions, others work best by studying with classmates, and many find success by setting small goals each day. Staying organized and managing time wisely can help reduce stress and keep students on track as finals approach.

On campus, many tools are available to enhance our academic capabilities as Panthers are not expected to handle finals week alone. Our school psychologist, Ms. Ramos, emphasizes, “When stress starts to feel overwhelming, grounding techniques like deep breathing or box breathing can help bring students back into the present moment, since much of the testing anxiety comes from our mind.” She also encourages students to use journaling to process their thoughts and to remind themselves that talking to a trusted adult, counselor, or support staff member can ease the pressure that builds during this time.

Additional support can be found in the Wellness Center, directed by Dr. Vega, our campus community support specialist (CSIS), which serves as a welcoming space for students who need to reset during a busy week. Mr. Bermudez also plays a key role on campus as the Community Schools Coordinator by supporting attendance, communicating with families, and following up with students who may need extra assistance. For Panthers who need a quiet moment to decompress, a cooldown space is available upstairs in room A-10, along with access to Hazel Health, which offers free and confidential therapy, one one-on-one counseling, and support from Ms. Muñoz, our school’s social worker.

Staff members encourage students to look out for changes in a friend’s behavior, as this can often be a sign that someone may need additional support. They remind Panthers that anyone can refer themselves or a friend for help simply by speaking with a counselor or campus support specialist. Asking for help is never something to feel embarrassed about. As Ms. Ramos reassures students, reaching out is the right choice, even when it feels difficult.

During finals week, students are also encouraged to maintain a healthy routine. Prioritizing sleep, eating well, and leaning into support systems, whether friends, family, or school staff, can make a meaningful difference in both academic performance and overall mental health. Above all, Panthers are reminded that they matter beyond their grades. Finals do not define who they are. Effort and growth are what truly count during this demanding time.

Students like senior Christina Miranda show how preparation and discipline can make a difference during finals week. Christina is involved in Panther Band, HOSA, CSF, Red Cross, and the Health Academy. She shares that her key to success is consistency, explaining that she studies for at least two hours every weekend and an hour each night. For other students, she emphasizes the importance of not procrastinating and managing screen time, especially during finals week.

Looking back, Miranda says finals week has shaped her beyond academics by teaching her how to prepare for important events and structure studying into her daily schedule. She says, “The biggest lesson finals have taught her is that hard work truly pays off.” This value is reflected in her impressive 4.2 GPA. While she notes that English has always been her strongest subject, she believes success in finals ultimately comes down to preparation and commitment.

During finals week, students are also encouraged to maintain a healthy routine. Prioritizing sleep, eating well, and leaning into support systems, whether friends, family, or school staff, can make a meaningful difference in both academic performance and overall well being.

Above all, Panthers are reminded that they matter beyond their grades. Finals do not define who they are. Effort, growth, and taking care of themselves are what truly count during this demanding time. Be good to yourselves and to others around you. We are almost there!