The Extended Homebase program at SBHS was introduced to support us, but our experience tells a different story. Many students believe it doesn't meet our real needs. The mental health activities we are required to do often feel more like chores than helpful resources. They are repetitive, uncomfortable, and completely miss the point. Instead of giving us relief or emotional support, these activities often make us feel like we are wasting valuable time on things we cannot relate to.

Even though Extended Homebase lasts only 20 minutes, that short break disrupts our whole schedule. It’s not just about the time; it affects the flow of our day. Think about what could be accomplished in that time if it were used in ways that actually help us. We could use those crucial minutes to ask for help from our teachers when we face academic challenges, catch up on assignments that stress us out, or just take a moment to breathe and recharge before going back to our classes.

Instead, we participate in activities that miss the mark for what we truly need. These sessions can come across as patronizing or too simple, not taking into account the complexities we are facing. We are at a significant point in our academic and personal lives, and the support we receive must be meaningful and relevant.

If the school genuinely wants to help with our mental health, it should listen to us—real students who know what would really make a difference. We are not just numbers; we are individuals with unique challenges. Involving us directly, asking for our feedback, and including our suggestions would create a more effective support system. 

It’s time for us to come together and push for change by getting rid of Extended Homebase. This isn’t just about a program; it’s about standing up for students’ voices and ensuring our educational environment truly supports well-being and growth. Let’s take action by signing this petition—it’s a chance for us to reclaim our voices and foster an environment that meets our needs. Every signature can help create the change we want to see. Each name signifies a call for better resources and a system that respects and acknowledges our realities.

Together, we can encourage our school to rethink how it approaches mental health support and ensure what we engage in is beneficial and truly meets our needs as students. Let’s make our voices heard and work towards a more supportive and effective way to handle mental health in our school. The time for change is now, and it starts with us.