Four Irvine Unified School District schools have opened designated mental wellness rooms on campus this week in an effort to encourage and facilitate open conversations about mental health with students.
Dubbed WellSpaces, Creekside High School, Lakeside Middle School, Plaza Vista School and Rancho Middle School are the latest schools to incorporate these areas, providing a physical space for kids to go to release stress from everyday life and talk to mental health staff.
The spaces opened on Monday, Sept. 18, and are meant to be an escape from the regular classroom. They incorporate nature themes that convey peace and tranquility and offer various activities like aromatherapy, crafts and sensory tools.
In the WellSpaces, students are taught by mental health staff to use self-regulation skills, such as breathing exercises, to understand and manage behaviors and reactions both inside and outside of the classroom.
Although it is up to the individual schools, generally students can visit the counselor-supervised room at any point during the regular school day or during after-school programs, following a recommendation by a teacher, counselor, friend or a self-reference, said IUSD spokesperson Annie Brown.
“Student mental health and wellness has been one of the Board of Education’s top priorities for many years,” said Superintendent Terry Walker. “This partnership is an extraordinary opportunity to build upon IUSD’s comprehensive programs, initiatives and supports which are designed to help students cultivate skills such as resiliency, perseverance and adaptability when navigating complex emotions and experiences so they may meet their full potential.”
The WellSpaces were brought to life by a collaboration between the Orange County Department of Education and the Children’s Hospital of Orange County. Since 2021, both entities have created these mental health sanctuaries on campuses all across Orange County.
OCDE has made mental health and…
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