Rancho Pico Junior High School held a grand opening for their relaxation room, a mental health wellness center on Thursday.

The wellness center, named the relaxation room, is a place for students to break free from stresses and worries, according to school administrators.

Assembled by Club Thrive, an association of both students and staff, the relaxation room is designed to be a calm environment, according to Nicolette Pistone, a seventh-grade history teacher.

“Our wellness center was truly a collaborative process,” said Erum Velek, Rancho Pico Junior High School principal. “Students, staff, faculty, parents, community members and our district contributed to the success of this project.”

The Relaxation Room is technology-free, with a collection of books, jigsaw puzzles, Legos and more. The space is meant to promote not only wellness but inclusivity and comradery as well.

“I wanted to recognize the role of my ASB students as I feel their chosen name perfectly captured what the space represents, a safe, calm environment on campus, available to all students looking for an outlet to cope with daily stress,” said Pistone. “I’m sure the room will serve many great purposes in the coming years and I’m confident Rancho Pico students will greatly benefit from having this resource available on campus.”

The students involved recognize the new space as a resource, intended to help the whole student body at Rancho Pico.

“Beyond those doors lies a space for each and every student on campus, whether you’ve had a stressful day, rough nights, sleep, anxiety, panic attack, other personal issues, or simply want a safe space to think, the relaxation room will be there for you,” said Rancho Pico eighth-grader, Kathryn Perez.

Jade Aubuchon / KHTS News

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