As the fall semester draws to a close and exams approach, the Yeshiva University High School for Girls (Central) is once again prioritizing student well-being. On Monday, December 29, YUHSG held its annual Self-Care Day. Designed to offer students a moment to pause, recharge, and reconnect, the day provided a fun, celebratory balance to the academic rigor of exams. This year’s Self-Care Day was planned and hosted entirely by Central G.O. “We’re so proud of everyone for getting through an entire semester, so we wanted to do something fun before midterms,” said G.O. Co-President, senior Shalhevet Koenigsberg. “Self-Care Day was the perfect way to relax and celebrate.”
The day was pajama-themed, with students arriving at school in their coziest – or wackiest – pajamas. After davening, students gathered for a hot cocoa bar, giving everyone a chance to warm up before first period. Later in the day, Wildcats gave themselves manicures at a pop-up nail spa between classes. And after Minchah, a slime-making workshop gave Wildcats yet another way to let their creativity take center stage.
This most recent Self-Care Day builds on the school’s already-strong self-care track record. In the past few years, YUHSG has implemented a wide range of self-care programming, including mindfulness seminars, visits from therapy animals, and workshops focused on healthy habits like screen awareness, sleep hygiene, and stress management. Together, these initiatives are intended to teach wellness as an essential life skill alongside Judaics, General Studies, and extracurricular learning. High school is not merely about productivity but being present in the moment.
Junior Rena Lefkovich reflected on the value of having dedicated time in the school schedule to reset. “I liked coming to school in pajamas; it was relaxing,” she said. “And I liked the activities. Slime is such a great stress reliever, and the workshop gave us a chance to hang out with our friends.” Junior Ariella Kramer agreed that the time was well spent. “It’s nice to have a break,” she said. “It’s a chance to relax, especially before midterms.”
The timing of the event was intentional. As students head into exams and the final stretch of the semester, Self-Care Day stands as one more reason so many describe YUHSG as a place where they feel supported and valued, a community that teaches the whole student and understands that success is built not only through hard work, but through balance and connection. “We are so proud of all of our students for their hard work this semester. They gave it their whole heart and whole soul. Self-Care Day was the perfect ending to the semester!” said Ms. Leah Moskovich, Associate Principal. Midterms begin Monday, January 5, followed by a winter break that will give Wildcats a chance to rest and recharge before the activity of the spring semester, filled with landmark events like the annual YUHSG Dinner of Tribute, chesed projects, yearly grade-wide trips, and, of course, the graduation of the YUHSG class of 2026.