Stagg High School Launches Wellness Room to Combat Student Stress

BREAKING: Amos Alonzo Stagg High School in Palos Hills has unveiled a new Wellness Room aimed at providing students with immediate support to manage stress and enhance focus. Officially opened last month, the room is designed to be a safe haven for students overwhelmed by the pressures of high school life.

The initiative, led by social workers Jocelyn Wysocki and Paige Lombard, seeks to address a critical need for students to have a designated space for relaxation and emotional regulation. “Our main hope is to help fill a need that we’ve seen for years,” Wysocki stated, emphasizing the importance of providing students with a retreat to calm themselves amidst daily challenges.

The Wellness Room features soft furnishings, calming lighting, and interactive resources aimed at fostering a soothing environment. “The early indicators show that it is meeting a real need in our building,” said Kathryn Meader, director of Stagg’s guidance department. “Students are using the room to regulate, reset, and return to class more focused and ready to learn.”

Open for student drop-ins on Mondays and Thursdays during lunch hours and select Fridays for enrichment activities, the room has quickly become a popular resource. Activities include making friendship bracelets and mindfulness coloring, allowing students to engage creatively while managing their emotions.

Feedback from students has been overwhelmingly positive. “I visit the room with my friend because it is so peaceful and nice,” shared junior Vanessa Jimenez. “To a classmate who is unsure about using the space, I would just tell them that it’s very chill and nice in there mostly when you just need to relax.”

Funded by a grant of $5,000 from the District 230 Education Foundation, the room is equipped with calming decor, fidget devices, and supplies for enrichment activities. It is strategically located on the main floor to ensure easy access for all students.

The Wellness Room represents a culmination of years of planning and collaboration among Stagg’s guidance staff. “The idea for a wellness space at Stagg has been around for years,” Lombard explained. “After recent construction updates, we were finally able to make it a reality.”

Wysocki noted that the team is committed to continuously evolving the room based on student feedback and needs. “Students seem to enjoy exploring the room and its materials and discovering new ways to relax and de-stress,” she said, highlighting the room’s multipurpose design that accommodates various activities and needs.

As the academic year progresses, school officials are optimistic about expanding the Wellness Room’s offerings and drop-in times. “We want it to be a place where students feel seen and supported,” Lombard said, expressing hopes that the initiative will cultivate resilience and coping skills that benefit students both in school and beyond.

With its welcoming and supportive atmosphere, the Wellness Room at Stagg High School stands as a testament to the importance of mental health resources in education, offering students a crucial opportunity to manage stress in a safe and nurturing environment.