On Friday March 6th, Kindness Crew hosted a Stress Less activity to celebrate the end of the quarter before our midterm break, planned and organized by Isabelle Banaie (‘27) and Serena Abraham (‘27). There were activities such as bracelet making, card writing to someone you are grateful for, and chalk drawing. There were even popsicles for all to enjoy on the hot day!

After grabbing their popsicles, Kaia Woods (‘29) and Brady Le (‘29) spent time at the note writing station, jotting down who they are grateful for. Kaia said, “I think it’s so nice to reflect on people you’re grateful for and to let them know that, so I’m very glad we got this opportunity.”

With drawing chalk, Christopher Kim (‘27) wrote “MIDTERM BREAK on the ground. Like Christopher, many students gathered outside to take a break from the school day, using colorful chalk to decorate the pavement outside of the cafeteria and share positive messages to the other students.

Aashi Lohchab (‘27), Serena Abraham (‘27), Yina Shate (‘26), and Eleanor Meyer (‘26) made bracelets together during the event. Aashi, Serena, and Eleanor –– members of Kindness Crew –– helped run the bracelet making station, where students could stop by, get creative, and make bracelets while taking a break from the school day. Yina said she was going for a “beachy blue pearl vibe” with her bracelet, and when asked what she thought about the event, she said, “It’s so cute! It’s a cute end to the quarter and the start to the long weekend.”

Seffi Morrison (‘27), Calvin Lubsen (‘28), Julian Bartlett (‘29), and Kyle Wang (‘29) grabbed popsicles from the cooler during the event and the hot summer-like day to cool off and enjoy a sweet treat. In the warm afternoon, students could choose from fruity flavors like orange, cherry, or grape while chatting with friends. Some enjoyed the treat in the cafeteria, while others took it with them as they headed into period X.

Nora Weise (‘28) and Ryann Halsey (‘28) smiled while enjoying their cherry popsicles on the cafeteria terrace. Earlier both had taken part in the note writing, writing to friends they were grateful for. Ryann said, “I think it’s a nice thing to do because gratitude is important and it’s always important to remember who you’re grateful for.” They were able to add thoughtful messages to the growing collection of cards before taking a moment to enjoy their treats together. In regard to the event as a whole, Nora said, “It just feels so good to celebrate the end of the quarter and all of our hard work.”

Madison Chen (‘27), Emma Liu (‘27), Angela An (‘27), and Kayley Xu (‘27) played spikeball during the event at lunch, taking advantage of the open space of the quad and the warm weather. When asked about their spikeball game, Madison said, “I’m not very good, but it’s still fun!” Spikeball proved to be a great way to simply have fun with friends at a time when that may be difficult due to the end of the quarter approaching.
As lunch came to an end, the cafeteria terrace and quad beheld chalk drawings, bracelets, notes, and the sounds of kids spending time together. Stress less events can remind students to pause, appreciate those around them, and take a moment to recharge during a busy time of the school year. By bringing students together for simple but meaningful activities, Kindness Crew helped create a positive space on campus and sent those who participated into midterm break feeling a little more relaxed and connected.