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District outlines classroom calming areas initiative; local groups donate equipment and funds
Summary
A K'2 social-emotional learning team described plans to place "calming areas" in classrooms and offices; donors including the Salvation Army and Ruby's Pantry contributed items and funds to start the program.
At the June 24 meeting Joyce presented the Lake of the Woods School District's initiative to establish classroom calming areas aimed at helping students self-regulate without leaving instruction time.
Joyce, speaking on behalf of the K-2 social-emotional learning (SEL) team, outlined the planned approach: short (three-to-five minute) in-class reset areas with washable, quiet tools (breathing posters, manipulatives, noise-cancelling headphones and sensory cushions), a check-in/checkout process for student-specific devices, and staff training on consistent use. The initiative prioritizes younger grades to pilot the program and would expand as funding allows.
Joyce listed donors and partners that have contributed to the effort so far: the Salvation Army provided roughly $2,600 in items; Nyla Okono donated 10 noise-cancelling headphones; Ruby's Pantry, Lake of the Woods Prevention Coalition, Lake of the Woods County Social Services, the suicide awareness prevention committee, Stellar Human Services, Northwest Community Action, the American Legion and a local women of the Moose group also provided funds or pledges. Northland Counseling (International Falls) and the Hunter James Nordbeind Foundation signaled plans to support the initiative.
The board heard that the district had applied previously for a competitive mental-health grant but was not awarded, prompting outreach to community partners to start the work this year. Donations will be deposited into a designated account for the SEL team to purchase and manage calming-area tools.
Next steps: the SEL team will coordinate tool distribution, training and a check-in process; the July board meeting will reflect incoming donations and any additional funding needs.
