Eastern High showcases sensory room to support students with autism

Eastern High School's instructional team told the Forest Hills Board of Education on Oct. 13 that a new sensory room, funded by the Forest Hills Foundation, is providing students with autism a place to regulate and return to classes ready to learn.

"It's provided just some wonderful space for our kids with sensory needs to ... get ready to move on with the rest of the day," said Amy Callow, principal of Eastern High School, who introduced the ASD team and described the program as a district categorical program that benefits the whole building. Presenters noted the room is used on a scheduled basis and is not a form of punishment.

Staff described the room's tools (scooters, a bike and quiet spaces) and explained how co-regulation by staff helps students who are dysregulated. A peer helper told the board the room "make[s] you calm" and helps students "get off some energy" so they can return to class more focused. The presentation included a short video of students using the space.

Presenters said the sensory room was implemented last year with a grant from the Forest Hills Foundation and emphasized the program's educational benefits: improved classroom engagement, opportunities for collaboration, and teaching peers strategies for inclusion. The principal also noted that the district's autism program creates cross-building connections and that staff training has been important to use the space effectively.

Board members asked brief follow-up questions and praised the work. The presentation also highlighted the district's broader supports for multilingual students and classroom-based interventions tied to the sensory-room work.