Calming Room
School: Beer Middle School
Teacher: Bommarito
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The special education and support staff at Beer Middle School would like to create a calming room for all students in the building to access during times of overwhelming stress, frustration, anxiety, or sadness. We have identified a great need for a space like this as students transition back to school following loss, changes, and high emotion due to the COVID-19 virus and social media. All students, regardless of ability, will have access to the proposed calm space. We will use funds to purchase cozy and flexible seating options, a small table to hold sensory fidgets, plants, a rug, calming noise machine or water fountain, and dim lighting sources. We already have staff and training to implement "Calm Classroom" techniques including posters, breathing strategies, and guided meditations. When students have access to a safe space to check in with their feelings, they are less likely to act out in class, avoid or refuse assignments, or engage in other negative behaviors.