We, the students of Boston Collegiate Charter School, believe that mental health is just as important as physical health. Many students experience stress, anxiety, burnout, and other mental health challenges that can make it difficult to focus, learn, and participate fully in school.

Currently, when students take time off to care for their mental health, those absences count against them even when the time is necessary for their well-being. This can discourage students from taking the time they need to reset and return to school ready to learn.

As we have learned in Health class, stress negatively affects the growth of our brain. Stress releases a hormone called cortisol which can stunt our growth in our prefrontal cortex. The prefrontal cortex is responsible for rational thinking. If this part of our brain isn’t fully developed then we would make decisions based on our emotions not the risks. This would affect our future. Boston Collegiate's main goal is to send and prepare us for college. If we can’t cope with stress and can’t make rational decisions then we aren’t ready for college.

In Illinois, they allow students to take up to 5 mental health days per year that are excused and you don't have to provide a doctors note. They say that the test scores have raised since the bill was signed. After taking the mental health days a school councilor is supposed to  check in with the student to make sure the student is doing well. 

We are respectfully asking the school administration to allow up to three mental health days per school year that would not count toward a student’s absence total, similar to how sick days are treated. These days would give students the opportunity to take care of their mental health when needed, helping them come back to school more focused, healthy, and prepared to succeed.

Supporting student mental health strengthens our entire school community. By recognizing that mental health matters, Boston Collegiate Charter School can create a healthier and more supportive learning environment for all students.

We ask the school administration to consider adopting this policy.