Cover photo: Bayport-Blue Point H.S. Students cut the ribbon on the outdoor portion of the school’s wellness center (Credit – BBP School District)
The Bayport-Blue Point School District finally cut the ribbon on a long-awaited project.
Bayport-Blue Point High School cut the ribbon on the outdoor portion of their Wellness Center on November 25. The indoor portion had been unveiled on February 9.
The Wellness Center helps fulfill an objective of the district to support students’ social, emotional, and mental health needs. The center also serves as a “haven of comfort and support for students,” according to the district.
“Today, we are reminded that our mantra ‘Belong, Believe, Possible’ aren’t just words but actions,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Timothy P. Hearney said. “As a district, we are thankful for the opportunity to care for students, each other and our community, and we commit to using this space for people to slow down, breathe, heal, grow and appreciate the gift of wellness.”
During his opening remarks, Dr. Hearney also acknowledged those that have helped to make the space come to fruition, including community businesses, donors, and families.
The indoor portion of the center sports comfortable seating areas, tables, as well as offices for the school psychologist and social worker. Soft music maintains a calming energy in the center, and board games are also available for students to unwind and interact.
The outdoor portion, however, offers not only a soothing place of respite, but also helps welcome students to the entire facility. The outdoor portion is an extension of the indoor space, including a sensory garden, labyrinth walk, shade trees, a trellis, paths, and benches. This addition was designed to “instill a sense of calm to students as they cope with stress,” says the district.
Student Katie E. thanked the district for allowing such a collaborative effort in creating the Wellness Center.
“It is awesome to see so many individuals spread their thoughts [about the center],” Katie said.
Brookhaven Town Councilman and Deputy Supervisor Neil Foley (R-Blue Point) and Islip Town Councilman John Lorenzo (C-West Sayville) also congratulated the district on having created a space that could save lives, and one which gives students a place to reflect.
Students, faculty, staff and community members then collected for the official ribbon-cutting by students AJ C., Maddie D., Katie E., Hailey H., Luke S. and Amanda W. Attendees were then able to tour the center for themselves, seeing firsthand just how Bayport-Blue Point students might be able to relax and handle stress throughout their increasingly stressful academic careers.
High school wellness centers are becoming more common across the country, with a Utah school implementing their own facility in 2022.
“Of the 752 students, 124 parents, and 69 staff surveyed, all three groups believed the wellness center reduced students’ anxiety and depression,” writes Christie Allen, Brigham Young University, on phys.org.
