Question 1

What is the Wellness Center?

Accepted Answer

-Regulating emotions, relaxing, and taking a self-care break.
-Accessing mental health resources.
-Talking 1-on-1 with a trusted adult in a private setting.

Question 2

What is the device/cellphone policy in the Wellness Center?

Accepted Answer

The WC IS a DIGITAL DETOX ZONE during the school day.
Phones will be checked in pouches upon arrival, and other devices must be kept away while visiting. Our goal is to protect privacy and offer healthy self-care breaks from school, scrolling, and other stressors. Devicecs may be confiscated and/or given to the main office if deemed necessary by WC Staff.

Question 3

When can I use the Wellness Center?

Accepted Answer

Visits during instructional/class time, are reserved for students who are experiencing emotional distress and need a mental health-related break in the WC to regulate their emotions or get connected to resources. A signed pass from teacher or staff is required to visit during class.

Before/after school & break/lunch visits are for students needing a peaceful place to relax or practice self-care!

Question 4

Where is the Wellness Center and when is it open?

Accepted Answer

The WC is located in J-17 at the front of the school near the visitor parking lot.  Typical hours are Monday-Friday 8:00 am-4:30 pm.

Question 5

How do I ask to use the Wellness Center?

Accepted Answer

Class Time & Passing Period Visits: 
Students are required to have a signed pass from a teacher or staff. Students can ask their teacher or staff for a break in the WC without sharing sensitive details as to why in whatever way is comfortable for them (verbally, writing a note, creating a distress signal with teachers, email/chat, etc.).

Students attempting to drop in during passing periods are also required to have a pass (preferably from the teacher of the class they would be missing) to visit.

If you need a private way to request a wellness break, try writing a note to your teacher to get permission to leave class.

Free/Senior Open Periods, Before/After School & Break/Lunch:
Having a pass and being emotionally dysregulated is not required since students would not miss class.

Question 6

What should I do if the Wellness Center is closed when I try to visit?

Accepted Answer

We understand it can be frustrating to need the Wellness Center when it happens to be closed.

Closures can happen anytime due to staff absences, lunch breaks, meetings, or the WC being at capacity. Additionally,  the WC will be closed during all school holidays and vacations.

During any closures, signs will be posted on the door that says when we plan to reopen and guides students on:
If they CAN wait for us to reopen, to return to class, and try to visit again later. 
OR
If they CAN'T wait for us to reopen due to an urgent matter, should report directly to the main office to request support from a trusted adult.

The Wellness Center is closed daily for staff lunch on:
Regular bell schedule: Last half of 4th period 12:15-12:45.
Minimum bell schedule: During the scheduled homeroom.

Question 7

Is the Wellness Center a safe and confidential space?

Accepted Answer

WC staff ARE mandated reporters who are required by law to report any abuse, harm, or threats to keep students safe.

What’s said in the Wellness Center is considered private/confidential information UNLESS:
-A student tells staff they are thinking of hurting themselves or others.
-A student tells staff someone is harming, abusing, neglecting, threatening, bullying, or harassing them.
-If someone reports another student/minor is at risk of being harmed, abused, neglected, threatened, or harassed.
+Permission is given to share information with anyone who is not confidential staff.

To prevent unexcused absences and for safety, WC staff report every class drop-in to attendance and teachers.

Question 8

I am having a panic attack at school can/should I go to the Wellness Center?

Accepted Answer

Panic attacks can feel very scary and cause various physical body signs such as (but not limited to): 
Chest pains, high heart rate, shortness of breath, body shakes, dizziness/weakness, numbness, and more.

If a student is showing physical signs of a panic attack, they should be sent or escorted directly to the Health Office to rule out if any emergency response is needed.

After the signs of the panic attack have settled, students can be referred to the WC for additional time to regulate.

Question 9

How can I refer myself or a friend to the Wellness Center?

Accepted Answer

Students can refer themselves by asking their teacher for a pass if they need mental health and wellness resources.

Students can share their concerns for their friends with school staff to connect them to any resources they need.

Students are welcome to casually visit the WC with friends anytime before/after school or during break/lunch times.

Question 10

Where can I stay updated on Wellness Center news or contact staff?

Accepted Answer

The Trojan community can stay up-to-date by checking their school emails, ParentSqaure, flyers posted on the J-17 bulletin board, and by following the Wellness Center’s Instagram!

Wellness Center Staff Information:
Ms.Storm (she/her)
-WC Student Liaison and Wellness Coach. 
-She supervises visitors and provides wellness support and resources. 
-Email her at smcnerney@musd.org, message via Google Chat, or drop by J-17.
Ms. Mireya (she/her/ella) 
-The WC Mental Health Counselor. 
-She supports students with 1-on-1 sessions and group counseling. 
-Additionally, she can support Spanish-speaking students. 
-Email her at mcoronado@musd.org or message via Google Chat.

Question 11

How often can I use the Wellness Center?

Accepted Answer

Students are encouraged to use the WC during class ONLY when they are experiencing emotional distress.

If a student is frequently dropping in during the same period(s), we will work with them and their teacher(s) to support the student's mental health and academic needs.

Before/after school, break, and lunch visits do NOT have a daily limit but will depend on WC capacity.

Question 12

Does the Wellness Center have a capacity?

Accepted Answer

Yes, 5 maximum for class drop-ins and 15 maximum during break, lunch, and before or after school.

Although the WC has a capacity, students will still be assisted when dropping by at busier times.

Any popular services, events, and activities are offered on a first-come-first-served basis, and can easily reach capacity due to limited WC staffing, space, and supplies. It's always recommended students arrive early for any events or activities for the best chance at participating.

Question 13

How long can I be in the Wellness Center during class?

Accepted Answer

When dropping in during class, students can use the WC for 10-20 minutes to self-regulate or get resources.
WC staff will always be mindful of how long a student is out of class, academic needs, grades, and attendance.

Question 14

What will I do in the Wellness Center?

Accepted Answer

Students will have the opportunity to enhance their self-regulation and social-emotional learning skills by checking in with staff and choosing a station/activity, self-care tools (E.g. sensory/fidget toys, yoga, mindfulness activities, reading, punching bag, art supplies, puzzles, games, and more!)

Once the student can regulate their own body's needs or emotions, they will return to class.

Students can also participate in events, activities, group therapy, and workshop series offered throughout the year.

Question 15

Is the Wellness Center where I should go when I'm injured, in pain, or don't feel physically well?

Accepted Answer

We understand it can be confusing when we are called the "Wellness" Center. However, in J-17 we are more focused on mental and emotional wellness.

When you are feeling physically unwell in any way (sick, dizzy, injured, etc.) or having a panic attack, the Health Office/Sick Bay, located in the Main Office to get support from a Health Clerk would be the best place to go.

Please request transportation support, if necessary, to prevent further injury.

Question 16

Can I use the Wellness Center during class to study, work on school work, or take a personal call/appointment?

Accepted Answer

To keep the Wellness Center a relaxing space, we encourage students to take a break from school work or studying while visiting. It's recommended students try to do self-care instead.

Additionally, it's not possible for the Wellness Center to offer a private space for students to take any personal calls or appointments.

Students should take these requests to the Library to see if the Librarian can accommodate them.

The only time school work and studying are allowed, is with Staff permission or during the annual Self-care & Study Sessions during finals.

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