An interview with Principal Castro reveals details of a new Wellness Center at NAHS. Castro got the inspiration for this Wellness Center from our academic counselor Ms. Giron and our PSW counselor Mr. Choi when visiting La Habra High School. After seeing their room and the effect on La Habra students, she decided it was important for Northridge Academy to do the same. After thorough research on the increasing anxiety in students, she knew that a place for self-regulation (a phrase coined by Albert Bandura to refer to “the ability for one to access one’s own emotions”) and calming was a vital thing NAHS needed. Of course, she knew she couldn’t just build a new room so she decided the best course would be to use the mostly unused Library Resource Center (also known as the Library Lab) and convert it into a charming, wellness center.
Castro plans to spend around eight thousand dollars and have the room prepared for use by next semester. When asked about delays “There always is delays with LAUSD ”. The funds will be spent on the room to fill it with nice chairs, speakers for music and nature sounds, pleasant picture frames/paintings, stuffed animals, an essential oil diffuser, and many other items to make the students feel as relaxed as possible. The purpose of this room is to have a space to decompress, relax, and relieve anxiety, usually right before a test or presentation, students will be able to ask their teachers to go to the counselors at which point their counselor can advise them to go up to the Wellness Center. The room will have a four-student maximum assuring the room is quiet and relaxed, and will maintain a non-crowded environment. It will be open during school hours (8:30 AM-3:33 PM). Students will be able to send in suggestions for additions and ideas once it is complete.
