BUENA PARK, CA – Pendleton School’s new Wellness Center is providing students with a spirited way to connect with others, build a welcoming school atmosphere and exercise responsible behaviors.

The Wellness Center contains dozens of games to teach teamwork and boost leadership qualities while advocating the importance of social-emotional growth. A counselor is also available to speak with students four days a week. The center will also be available to students as a reward for exhibiting good conduct and academic achievement.

“It’s reassuring to know that we have a place where we can unwind and talk if we’re having a tough day,” Pendleton sixth-grader Christina I. said.

The center was created as an extension of the District’s Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) system and Pendleton School’s Practice Safety, Act Responsibly, Work Hard and Show Respect (PAWS) program. Both programs promote a positive campus culture by encouraging students to find constructive ways to resolve disagreements.

“The Wellness Center allows students to engage with one another and build a sense of camaraderie in their school,” Pendleton Program Specialist Jeanette Solomon said. “We are focusing on the social-emotional needs of our students because that is just as important as physical health.”

Pendleton School Principal Shin Park said he soon will add more games and allow students to decorate the room with vibrant art.

“We created this Wellness Center to not only reward our students, but to also provide them with a space for their personal development,” Park said. “This center teaches students about leadership and responsibility and its importance for social-emotional growth.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

02192020_BUENAPARK_WELLNESS1: Pendleton School sixth-grader Christina I. cheers on her friends during a game of air hockey at the school’s new Wellness Center. The center was created to provide students with spirited ways to connect with others, build a welcoming school atmosphere and reward achievement.

02192020_ BUENAPARK_WELLNESS2: Pendleton School kindergartener Jaden Juarez R. plays Connect 4 at the school’s new Wellness Center. The center was created to provide students with a space to make new friends, build positive behaviors and focus on social-emotional growth.