By Kaylee Eiber & Tiffany Phan,
News Editor & Focus Editor
Wellness Center
The Wellness Center will provide a space for students to relax. Counselors will direct student entry to its location in Room 304 on a case-by-case basis through sign-ins and referrals.
After viewing the positive effects of wellness centers across the nation, Room 304 will become a safe space for students and their mental health. The Wellness Center will have soft music, be furnished and have a professional at all times. The center aims to open to students by the end of the semester.
Along with this space, administrators partnered with Pacific Clinics professionals to allow students a space to work in groups with other students and professionals in addition to the school counseling team. These professionals also plan to work in various parts of campus to offer therapy services.
“I think this will really have a positive impact on the students that don’t have a space to relieve stress or problems,” Mental Health Committee Co-Chair Chelsea Fung said. “Hopefully, the next goal is to get more funding so counselors and admins can continue with the big ideas they have now.”
Vape Detectors & New Cameras
After an increase in false fire alarms and vaping, administrators began looking into purchasing vape detectors and cameras.
Admin aims to use the detectors along with the cameras as a two-part system. Vape detectors in restrooms will alert campus supervisors and admin while the cameras around campus will confirm the identity of those in the restroom at the time the detectors set off.
If caught, consequences are determined on a case-by-case basis and can range from a counselor referral to suspensions.
Varsity Sports Patch Change
To align with the rest of the schools in the Rio Hondo League, ASB will no longer offer students free varsity patches; ASB cardholders will continue receiving their patch for free in future years, but those without must purchase their own.
This change takes effect next school year and is one of the new benefits of purchasing an ASB card.
By competing in a varsity sport, students earn the opportunity to purchase a varsity patch that they display on their varsity jackets. Every subsequent year after their initial year on varsity earns them a sport-specific emblem that they can also include on their jackets.