The school is often criticized for its pressure-cooker academic atmosphere and college-level workloads. As part of an effort to combat student competitiveness and stress, assistant principal Kerry Mohnike interviewed a select group of students to hear their stories and learn what factors contributed most directly to their stress.

She recorded these dialogues in short videos, which were edited by teacher Tony Palma and later shared with teachers during a Sept. 30 collaboration.

“As teachers discuss and consider ways that they can effect change, [we wanted] to interject the student perspective on the issue,” Mohnike said.

Mohnike said she hoped the videos helped identify students’ greatest sources of stress and ways that staff members can help alleviate stress.

During collaborations this semester, the teachers have started to lay the groundwork for addressing these issues.

“Obviously, there are factors that are beyond a teacher’s control, but we all can think harder about our role in making the experience of school manageable,” Mohnike said.