San Antonio ISD Implements Peace Rooms to Foster Mental Health
The San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD) has responded to student demands for enhanced mental health resources by establishing “peace rooms” at 14 of its campuses. This initiative is funded through a $2 million investment from district funds, combined with a $200,000 federal grant awarded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
What Are Peace Rooms?
Peace rooms serve as designated spaces where students can retreat to manage their emotions, address conflicts, and seek support for various mental health concerns. This initiative marks a shift towards “restorative justice” practices, prioritizing emotional support over punitive disciplinary actions that have led to suspensions in the past. The latest peace room was inaugurated at Brackenridge High School, with plans to open five additional rooms this fall.
The Vision Behind Peace Rooms
Dawn Kulpa, who oversees the department responsible for social-emotional development within SAISD, describes the peace rooms as a proactive approach to emotional crises. The goal is to intervene before situations escalate to a disciplinary level. Kulpa stated, “We want to catch that early and work back through with them so they can build the skills they need to be successful across all of their environments.”
Community Support and Funding
The funding of $200,000 for the peace rooms is part of a broader $1 million grant managed by Public Health for Bexar County, which supports multiple organizations, including SAISD. These funds will be used for essential supplies, training, and educational curriculum associated with the peace rooms. Additionally, Brackenridge High School received extra funding for furnishings and materials from the Carol Lee Jones Educational and Cultural Fund.
Encouragement from Local Officials
County officials have expressed their endorsement of this initiative, highlighting its importance in moving towards restorative justice in educational settings. Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai emphasized that traditional disciplinary methods are often ineffective and costly. He stated, “Just locking [people] up… it’s not efficient, and sometimes it’s not a good use of taxpayer money.” Sakai further remarked that peace rooms could act as conflict resolution tools, diffusing potentially volatile situations.
Voices of Support
Rebecca Clay-Flores, a Brackenridge alumnus and county commissioner, highlighted the importance of mental health resources for students, sharing her intention to advocate for additional funding through the SAISD Foundation. “Everyone has stuff, everyone has issues, and so you need to learn to deal with your issues now, because as you get older, it’s too late,” she told students during her visit.
Student Perspectives
Darla Mancillas, a 17-year-old senior at Brackenridge High School, expressed her personal need for a space like the peace room, sharing her struggles with anxiety. “Having the peace room would give students space and time to disconnect for a little bit, take a breather and collect yourself before you’re ready to do anything else — before it gets worse,” Mancillas noted.
A Calming Environment
The interior design of the peace room at Brackenridge features calming colors, sensory toys, and tranquil décor aimed at creating a soothing atmosphere. Kulpa explained that the chosen colors promote a sense of calm rather than high energy, making it a conducive environment for relaxation and emotional processing.
Management of Peace Rooms
These spaces will be overseen by student engagement facilitators, professionals dedicated to fostering social-emotional learning. They will work collaboratively with students and staff to maintain a supportive campus environment.
In conclusion, SAISD’s introduction of peace rooms represents a significant step toward recognizing and addressing the emotional needs of students. Through this initiative, the district aims to cultivate resilience and coping skills among its youth, ensuring they have the necessary tools to navigate their challenges effectively.
