Charleston School Opens Sensory Room to Support Students’ Emotional Wellbeing

Charleston Unveils a Sensory Oasis for Students

In the bustling city of Charleston, S.C., a heartwarming initiative is taking shape at the Malcolm C. Hursey Montessori School. Recently, the school unveiled a brand-new sensory room that is sure to make a significant impact on the students’ emotional and educational experience. This remarkable addition is designed with the intention of creating a soothing environment where kids can unwind, refocus, and recharge their minds.

A Space That Makes a Difference

The sensory room is not just any room. It is a safe haven where students can access various calming tools and activities tailored to their individual needs. Inside the room, you’ll find cozy rocking chairs and an array of tactile items, all aimed at helping students find calm amid the chaos of the school day. This thoughtful design comes from a deep understanding of how each child learns and processes their emotions differently.

Joshua Flovin, a bright and enthusiastic 2nd-grade student, has become a shining example of how one person’s initiative can bring about change. Flovin has become quite the leader among his classmates, demonstrating leadership by raising funds to help make the sensory room a reality. “I just help them like what to do and I help them get signed off and I help them like do the work. I help them with like, everything that I could do,” Flovin shared, beaming with pride.

Compassion in Action

His efforts truly stand out, as he took it upon himself to organize a triathlon which raised $400. This impressive amount was then donated to his school, underscoring Flovin’s remarkable generosity and sense of community. Danielle Saia, the school’s Instructional Coach, couldn’t hide her admiration for Flovin’s commitment: “I was super excited about his compassion and his generosity to be able to say, um, uh, he’s in second grade.”

In a world where many kids might be focused on personal achievements, Flovin chose to uplift others, ensuring that his classmates have access to essential resources that could help improve their focus and overall wellbeing.

Expert Guidance at Heart

The implementation of the sensory room is bolstered by a team of dedicated teachers at the school who specialize in working with special education students. Christi Lotz, the school’s teacher of the year and a special education instructor, highlights the need for a tailored approach. “Some just need a place to just relax and calm,” she noted, pointing out that items like the rocking chair serve a crucial purpose.

The room caters specifically to students with conditions like ADHD, providing them tools like spinning chairs designed to help them manage their energy levels more effectively. For Lotz, understanding the diverse needs of her students is paramount, emphasizing that “there’s a lot of special ed students in the school that I wanna help,” according to Flovin.

Community Support at Work

In addition to the efforts of dedicated students like Flovin, the Malcolm C. Hursey Montessori School sought assistance from various platforms like ‘Donors Choose’ to fully fund the sensory room project. The overwhelming response from the community reflects a collective embrace of the school’s vision for a nurturing and inclusive learning environment.

With the sensory room now officially open, the school is poised to make an even greater impact on the lives of its students. This positive change serves as a beacon of hope, showcasing the potential of young leaders and the power of community support.

In summary, Charleston’s Malcolm C. Hursey Montessori School is not just teaching students to learn academically; it is also teaching them the importance of compassion, teamwork, and the drive to foster an inclusive environment that benefits everyone. The sensory room is a prime example of how empathy and action can come together to create a brighter future for children in education.