Stagg Opens New Wellness Room to Support Student Well-being

Hands-on enrichment activities and self-care tools empower students to thrive inside and outside the classroom

Stagg High School is proud to announce the opening of its new Wellness Room, a thoughtfully designed space dedicated to promoting student social-emotional wellness. The Wellness Room offers a calming environment with resources and activities to help students strengthen their emotional awareness, develop coping strategies, and practice self-care.

Thanks in part to a D230 Foundation grant, the Wellness Room serves as a hub for student wellness education and support, featuring activities such as journaling, mindfulness exercises, and goal-setting. Students can sign up to visit during Intervention time—typically second period on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays—or drop in during lunch and study hall periods.

“The goal of this space is to enhance students’ ability to identify when they need a break and give them the tools to self-regulate,” said Stagg Social Worker Jocelyn Wysocki. “By providing a proactive space for wellness, we’re helping students refocus and return to class more engaged and ready to learn.”

The Wellness Room emphasizes the development of well-rounded students who are prepared for success both academically and personally. Use of the Wellness Room may also help reduce negative associations with school by showing students that their mental health and well-being are valued.

Students are already embracing the new Wellness Room and sharing how it’s making a difference in their day.

“The room makes me feel comfortable,” said freshman Vanessa Jimenez, a Stagg student. “I go there for enrichment activities because I enjoy doing them. I visit the room with my friend because it is so peaceful and nice.”

Classmate sophomore Charlie Stegenga appreciates the calming, sensory-friendly environment. “I like how the Wellness Room is a sensory-friendly place with fidget toys too,” she said. “I usually visit the room when I feel like I’m stressed or overwhelmed.”

Vivian Groebe, sophomore, added, “I love it there—I wish it were open every day.”

Beyond daily access, the Wellness Room will host monthly Social-Emotional Learning Enrichment sessions, offering students hands-on activities such as mindfulness jars, rock painting, make-your-own puzzles, worry stones, and friendship bracelets. These experiences provide creative outlets for stress relief while fostering social connection and relationship-building.