Oneida High School is proud to offer a Wellness Room designed to support the mental and emotional well-being of both staff and students.

Last year, a dedicated group of educators and administrators, including Assistant High School Principal Erin Belanger and the counseling team, visited Pittsburgh to explore innovative educational practices, specifically focusing on schools recognized for their exceptional Wellness Rooms. Inspired by these visits, they championed the initiative to establish a Wellness Room at OHS. This effort is a part of the district's commitment to enhancing mental health support and Social Emotional Learning (SEL) initiatives throughout the school community, a commitment that we all share.

Recently, the district was awarded a significant grant from the Office of Mental Health. This funding will be utilized to expand and strengthen mental health programs across the district, particularly in response to the rising levels of student mental health concerns, a trend that has persisted since the onset of the pandemic. We are grateful for the opportunity to use these resources to establish the Wellness Room.

The primary objective of the Wellness Room is to provide students with various avenues for support, encouraging them to seek help as they navigate mental or emotional challenges. The district aims to cultivate an environment where students feel comfortable addressing their feelings proactively, reinforcing the message that it is entirely acceptable to experience difficult emotions and that seeking assistance is a vital step towards emotional well-being.

The Wellness Room offers a secure and private space where students can decompress as needed. The room is equipped with various resources that encourage students to explore different coping strategies and identify what works best for them. It is crucial for students to develop emotional regulation skills and build confidence in their ability to manage their emotions independently.

Upon accessing the Wellness Room, students check in at the desk where their pulse is monitored using a Pulse Oximeter. They then complete a brief survey via a QR code, which records their pulse rate and current mood. A timer is set for a ten-minute period, after which their pulse is taken again, followed by an exit survey before they return to class. Should a student require further assistance after their time in the Wellness Room, they are connected with a counselor for additional support.

This initiative reflects our district's ongoing commitment to the continual development and implementation of comprehensive mental health support and Social Emotional Learning initiatives. We want our students, staff, and parents to feel secure in the knowledge that we are dedicated to their well-being and are continually working to provide the best support possible.