Acmetonia Elementary creates space for students to reset, refocus, return to learning

The room at the end of the hallway at Acmetonia Elementary School in Harmar doesn’t look like a traditional classroom.

Its blue walls, dim lights, comfortable furniture, sensory toys and underwater- themed decor provide a space designed to promote and manage students’ social, emotional and physical health while supporting them in their schoolwork, officials said.

“It’s nice and calm and quiet,” said Principal Greg Heavner of Acmetonia’s ouR3 room, the roughly 2-month-old space created from a former underutilized science lab.

Allegheny Valley School District spokeswoman Jan Zastawniak said the room is a spot where students can go when they are feeling “dysregulated.”

Emotional dysregulation refers to poorly controlled emotional responses, which can include significant mood swings and feelings of sadness, anger, irritability and frustration.

Items in the room include cushioned chairs, books, Legos, weighted blankets and sensory-engaging toys, such as fidget devices. There also are places for students to paint, read, draw or ride an exercise bike.

School paraprofessionals Jody Gamble, Jen Woitas and Krysten Whelan helped to design the room. An adult is always in the room when a student is present, Gamble said.

“This isn’t a place where you send someone for discipline. … It’s about support and how we can best support the needs for the students at the time,” Zastawniak said.

Students can take a structured break while in the room, and alleviate their distress to get back to the educational setting. The capital “R” and the number “3” in the room’s name is a nod to its goal — a place to reset, refocus and return to learning, Heavner said.

“We’ve found that (in) this room, (deescalation) happens fast,” Heavner said.

The ouR3 room has been used by some students this year, and Heavner said they plan to make additions and open it up for all students next year.

The idea of having such a space floated in Heavner’s mind for years. When the opportunity came up for a grant from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, the district jumped on board. The district was awarded more than $45,000 for a two-year project.

Heavner said the covid-19 pandemic brought an increase in student needs, from cases of anxiety, depression and emotional issues. The ouR3 room contains activities for students to learn to identify and manage their feelings.

He noted students come into school in different emotional states, maybe from difficult situations at home, and the ouR3 room helps them manage their emotions so they can have a positive school day.

“Those sort of things are barriers to learning. So, how can we break that barrier in a comfortable way?” Heavner said.

School officials said they already have seen a difference in the school’s climate. Heavner said students have expressed appreciation just knowing the room is there, should they need it.

“It’s just a fantastic room,” Gamble said.