Fairfield, CA - The start of the new school year at Dan O. Root Health and Wellness Academy has brought a wave of excitement as it marks the inauguration of a brand-new, on-campus wellness center. The new Wellness Center provides a special place for students to work on their social and emotional well-being, helping them re-engage in the classroom.
At Dan O. Root Health and Wellness Academy, every classroom is equipped with a calming corner and a set of tools designed to assist students in re-engaging with their studies. Should a student find the calming corner insufficient for their needs, they have the option to request access to the Wellness Center. If available, students are granted 10 minutes in this specially designed space. Upon entering the Wellness Center, students begin by checking in and identifying their emotional starting zone in accordance with the Zones of Regulation framework that they have been taught. Following this, students have the freedom to choose from a variety of stations, including the Zen Zone, Yoga/Mindfulness, Fidget, Sensory, Physical, Writing/Drawing, and Outside areas. After their allotted 10 minutes, students return to their regular classes after having checked out and determining their new emotional zone.
The introduction of the Wellness Center has proven to be highly beneficial for the academy's students, particularly in terms of managing their behaviors. Many students have embraced this resource, utilizing it daily during their lunch breaks to cope with excessive noise, overstimulation, and more. The Wellness Center has helped these students regulate their emotions and get back to class without causing disruptions.
Principal Larissa Sherrod shared her thoughts on the Wellness Center, saying, “I had envisioned this Wellness Center as a place where our students could find comfort and positivity. It's truly fulfilling to see it become a reality and make a difference in their lives."
Alyssa Robinson, a teacher at Dan O. Root Health and Wellness Academy, played a pivotal role in bringing the Wellness Center to life. She expressed her enthusiasm, stating, "When I heard about the vision for the wellness center, I knew I wanted to be a part of bringing it to life. It is such a special place where students are learning about their emotions and how they can help themselves refocus those emotions."
The Wellness Center at Dan O. Root Health and Wellness Academy represents a significant step forward in prioritizing students' emotional well-being and fostering a positive learning environment. With the dedication of the school's administration, faculty, and staff, this innovative space will have a lasting impact on the lives of the students it serves.