Zen Den: A Calming Space for Student Wellness 

After their first full year of implementation, the Zen Den and the classroom calming corners at Rivera Elementary School have proven to be a meaningful resources for both students and teachers. Designed to support stress reduction, promote emotional regulation and foster healthier school environment, these spaces have become essential tools in the school community. 

Positive Impact on Student Well-Being 

According to our teacher survey: 

• 86% of teachers reported that the Zen Den and calming corners helped reduce students' stress levels.
• 93% reported that the spaces helped student cope more effectively with their emotions. 

Teachers involved in the project recommended that these spaces be expanded to other schools, with one noting that "all schools should have one." Teachers also personally benefitted from the Zen Den, sharing that they used the spaces to decompress especially on demanding days. As one teacher said," I, myself, like to go in the Zen Den. It helps me relax." 

Community Partnerships that Made It Possible 

This project reflects strong collaboration and shared commitments of multiple community partnersdedicated in improving child health. We want to recognize the support of: 

• Tufts University's Childhood Obesity 180 Center & Catalyzing Community Study
• Sunnyside Unified School District (SUSD)
• BeachFleishman
• Activate Tucson 

A Community-Funded Vision for Student Wellness

The Zen Den began with a tax credit donation campaign published by the Arizona Daily Star and Tucson. com between December 2022 and January 2023. The community raised over $5,400, which directly funded Rivera's health and wellness initiatives focused on addressing pandemic-related stress and anxiety

With these funds: 

• The Zen Den was updated and redesigned
• Calming Corner were added to classrooms
• Teachers received materials from their wellness wish lists 

Rivera teachers took the lead in decorating and painting the Zen Den, using supplies provided by Activitate Tucson and BeachFleishman to help bring the space to life. 

Expanding the Vision: A New Zen Den at Drexel Elementary 

Building on the success at Rivera Elementary, ZFCPHP and Activate Tucson have made it possible to expand and have implemented a Zen Den at Drexel Elementary. 

Zen Den Sessions 

Time in the Zen Den includes guided meditation, opportunity to decompress, self-regulate, and return to class better prepared.