On Dec. 11, there was a petting zoo in the quad for students to destress before finals.
This event was held in the quad the Thursday before finals week. Jasper Ridge Farms has brought the animals for the past four years this event has taken place. They provided lots of fences, hand sanitizer and brought lots of employees to help take care of animals.
“We have worked with Jasper Ridge Farm for years,” Leadership teacher Leslie With said. “A lot of our students have gone to this farm, so it was a good fit.”
According to With, previous students had suggested ideas for destress activities like puppy petting and other animal-related activities. The previous Administrative Vice Principal, Wendy Porter, and With looked into logistics and decided to make it happen.
“The intention is to give students a little bit of a break with getting ready for finals,” With said. “There are a lot of things to do at the end of the semester, so it’s just a time to relax.”
During this event, they try to bring a variety of different animals for students to meet and pet.
“Traditionally, the organization brings sheep, bunnies, ponies and chickens,” With said. “They’ve brought the peacock before [as well].”
With explains she wants to do what she can to help destress the students and give a slight distraction from what’s to come.
“This event is something students can take with them, that they’ll remember,” With said. “Years later, you may not always remember your physics assignment or the paper you wrote in English, but you might remember the time you petted a peacock.”
Due to feedback from students, the administration and With has continued to keep this annual tradition of having a destress petting zoo for students.
“[We decided to continue doing this event based off] smiles on the faces and if kids are talking about it,” With said. “It’s not hard to put together. The benefit is worth all the work.”
