Engaging Senses In Rocky Point School District Sensory Rooms

Press release from the Rocky Point School District:

Nov. 14, 2022

With the Rocky Point School District’s commitment to ensuring that all students are provided with a high level of education and support services, a new multisensory environment has been created at all grade levels.

A ribbon-cutting was held on Nov. 1 to unveil a new sensory room at Frank J. Carasiti Elementary School. The specially designed room features a range of stimuli for students. With lights, colors, sounds and sensory soft-play resources, the students have a place to explore, interact and engage within a safe environment. In addition to FJC, Joseph A. Edgar Intermediate School, Rocky Point Middle School and Rocky Point High School all house sensory rooms, each reflecting the needs of students at the various grade levels.

“At the elementary and intermediate levels, the environments are geared to engage the senses so that students receive the input they need to remain focused and attentive during the day,” said Kristen White, the district’s executive director of pupil personnel services. “Student needs at the middle and high school levels focus more on issues of anxiety or unease and allowing moments in the sensory rooms to be able to take a break, refocus and return to the classroom ready to learn.”
The existing rooms were all remodeled and equipped with brand-new sensory equipment, purchased courtesy of district federal grant funds. Students checked out the new surroundings, while district board members, administrators, principals and behavioral specialists looked on and encouraged their confidence and abilities.

One student summed up the months of planning, hopeful outcomes and goals by district leaders. “This makes me calm,” said Joseph A. Edgar Intermediate School student A.J. Pascarella.

This press release was produced by the Rocky Point School District. The views expressed here are the author's own.