About forty Santa Maria High School Newcomer English Learner (EL) students were recently introduced to the Wellness Center where they had a chance to check out the mental health services that are available to all students.
The SMJUHSD officially opened Wellness Centers at SMHS, PVHS and ERHS in early September to address a nationwide trend of student mental health and wellbeing needs due to the pandemic. They are designed to offer students a place to decompress and refocus, practice healthy coping mechanisms, or talk with a counselor.
EL Specialist, Laura Bergstrom stated, “This is such a valuable opportunity for our Newcomer EL students. I am excited they get the chance to explore this type of social emotional support our school has to offer. Our newcomer students are an asset to our school community; we want them to feel included and supported in their educational and social emotional journeys.”
The centers feature rooms with comfortable furniture such as zero gravity chairs, lamps, air diffusers and other items. The centers also offer a wide range of positive literature that promotes mental wellness at school, home, and the community. All centers are staffed by a School Counselor and Crisis Intervention Consultant. The centers are also open before and after school.
Newcomer EL students are young people who integrated into the SMJUHSD within the last twelve months, according to Saint Assistant Principal Monica Pallan. There have been more than 1,600 visits to the Wellness Centers since they opened, according to Director of Wellness Services Jose Pereyra.
