Last week was “Care Week” at Friday Harbor High School, a tradition brought by Principal Andrea Hillman when she joined the administration in 2022. Each day featured different activities intended to help students learn more about self-care and how to care for others, while also introducing them to the many community resources that offer help in those same endeavors.

“I have spent years watching teens agonize over the romantic aspects of Valentine’s Day,” Hillman explained. “I decided many years ago to shift the focus of the week to something much more healthy and important for all youth: Care Week!”

The Associated Student Body sold “candygrams” as a fundraiser at lunch throughout the week and then delivered them to students’ classes on Friday (Valentine’s Day), and each morning’s announcements included a self-care tip. Every day of the week also offered new Care Week activities.

Monday brought a visit from Alchemy Art, who set up an area at lunch where students could create beaded art and hand-sculpted clay.

Tuesday was the Care Fair, where tables were set up by various community resources so teens could become familiar with the organizations and what they offer. The fair included booths by Island Rec, the Family Resource Center, the library, the Prevention Coalition, Alateen, the Juvenile Court, Alchemy Arts, Compass Health and SAFE San Juans.

“The more the kids are familiar with these agencies and the people who staff them, the more likely they are to access the resources,” Hillman said on Wednesday. “I am elated and so grateful to all the caring agencies that took the time to meet the kids today!”

Wednesday was the Care Assembly, which featured a Q&A panel answering student-submitted questions about teen dating, healthy relationships, consent, awareness of the law, etc. The panel included Jeanine Larson and Emily Schonberg from SAFE San Juans, Hailey Henderson-Paul (FHHS counselor), Elizabeth Halsey of the Juvenile Court, Teresa Barnett from the Prosecutor’s Office and Lukas Peter from the Sheriff’s office, with Courtney Smith of SAFE San Juans moderating.

“I appreciate Care Week because it helps to destigmatize getting care,” said Henderson-Paul, who, along with Student Assistance Professional Claire Kennedy, helped Hillman coordinate Care Week. “I mostly work one-on-one with students and families to provide referrals or connect them with resources when they need help, and sometimes kids feel like they are the only student at school facing challenges. Care Week is great because it highlights just how many resources are available in our community, which I think sends the message that most people need help at some point in their life.”

Thursday’s Make the Change workshop was developed by the Association of Washington Student Leaders. The all-day workshop was designed to boost a more positive and compassionate school climate by creating a groundswell of kindness and empathy in the student attendees and, therefore, throughout the school. The Public Schools Foundation and the FHHS Parent, Teacher, Student Association provided funding for the workshop to come to FHHS.

Friday was a spirit day, where different classes wore different colors. But the piece everyone was most excited about was the “Palentines” that plastered the walls of the hallways. Each Palentine features a different student’s name and genuine compliments the staff wrote about each student.

“It is so fun seeing them search for their Palentines!” Hillman said. “We have chocolate in the main office and once they find theirs, they can bring it in to get a Hershey’s Kiss.”

In order to get the candy, the students had to read the note out loud to the office staff – verbalizing what others love about them.

“The best part is seeing their faces light up when they’re reading them,” Hillman smiled. “Priceless.”

The combined efforts of so many organizations and adults show very clearly to these students that regardless of their romantic status on Valentine’s Day, they are deeply cared about.

“It helps students connect these organizations with real people,” Henderson-Paul said. “And when students can talk to someone face-to-face, it feels less intimidating to seek help if they need it.”

Contributed photo by Andrea Hillman Participating student