What is a Wellness Center & why do we have one?
The Wellness Center is a place for students to practice self-regulation and stress management. The main goal of the Wellness Center is to teach students how to utilize coping strategies so they can understand and manage their own emotions and behaviors. Studies show that Wellness Centers positively impact student outcomes including, but not limited to: academics, behavioral issues, and self-efficacy.
The Wellness Center is managed and supervised by the OHMS counseling staff; adult supervision is always provided to students visiting the Wellness Center.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
We ask students to identify their feelings by color as they enter and exit the Wellnest. We do this for two reasons. First, to help students identify how they feel and acknowledge their emotions. Second, to assess the effectiveness of the Wellnest and its coping strategies.
There are four areas in the Wellness Center to practice coping skills:
1. Chill Corner: breathe, relax, read, etc.
2. Mindful Movement: yoga, stretching, breathing, meditation.
3. Sensory Station: fidget toys to be mindful; take a brain break and put together a puzzle.
4. Creativity and Art: draw, color, write a poem, paint with water, etc.
NOTE: Students are not allowed to use their cellphones while in the Wellness Center. If a student brings their cellphone they will be asked to place it in the care of the supervising adult (on a charging dock) for the duration of their stay. Surreptitious use of cell phones may lead to restricted future access to the Wellness Center, and confiscation of the phone for the remainder of the school day.