The newest add-on to McFarland High may look like a toy but its not, it\u2019s actually one resource McFarland High School students use to help regulate their emotions.<\/p>\n
The robotic dog acts like a therapist, giving students a safe way to speak their minds if they don\u2019t feel comfortable around adults.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s part of the school\u2019s newest Student Wellness Center. Superintendent Aaron Resendez says it opened a year ago and has already made a huge impact on campus life.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe wellness center is where we\u2019ve gathered all of the most appropriate resources for our students from our counselors, we have student affairs specialist that work very very closely with student issues that we have here to deescalate,\u201d said Resendez.<\/p>\n
Resendez says the center also acts as a hub for students who just need a few minutes to themselves.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019ll see here that there\u2019s specialized seating here, together with the seating we have these weighted blankets,\u201d said Resendez. \u201cWe have seating you probably don\u2019t see in a regular let\u2019s say traditional discipline office.\u201d<\/p>\n
Resendez says the goal of opening the Student Wellness Center is to help deter school violence \u2014 including incidents like the two most recent shooting threats reported just days ago at a McFarland school.<\/p>\n
Mary Joe Sanchez, a student affairs specialist, says it\u2019s the small differences, right down to the dim lighting, that have helped her notice a real change in students\u2019 behavior and attitudes.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen they report here, when they\u2019re in distress, it\u2019s usually maybe 10 minutes just to kind of gather themselves together,\u201d said Mary Joe Sanchez. \u201cWe can prevent fights its very preventive as far as that aspect and us as staff ensuring they feel safe here at this school<\/p>\n
Schools officials say it isn\u2019t just a room, it\u2019s a lifeline for students, helping them manage stress one calm moment at a time.<\/p>\n
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