New Sensory Spaces at Centennial Elementary Schools
We all experience dysregulation—can you think of a time when your body felt like it needed a deep breath, a stretch, or to slow down? For many students who learn differently, it's easier to become dysregulated or to arrive at school that way. Students who are emotionally dysregulated may refuse to do work or sit still, or express frustration verbally or physically.
Since October, we've installed four SuperSensory Spaces at Parklane, Powell Butte, Meadows and Oliver schools. Three more installations are planned at Pleasant Valley, Patrick Lynch and Butler Creek. These spaces allow students to take structured breaks to find emotional regulation, with the support of school staff. Each space contains hand-held fidgets, equipment for physical activities, and guided courses to support a range of student experiences.
Jennifer Park, Director of Programs, has trained 210 school staff on using the Sensory Space program to respond to students who are dysregulated. She helps teachers connect with their own sensory needs and look at how referrals and suspensions impact students with disabilities and students of color. Teachers are empowered to use the program to teach students how to notice when they are upset and calm themselves when they feel out of control.
"Throughout the pandemic, Centennial has focused on the academic and social-emotional needs of students," says Denise Wright, Director of Student Services. "The Shadow Project has been instrumental in supporting these efforts."
Thank you to our partner CareOregon for supporting the Sensory Space program in the Centennial School District.
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