Wellness Center Opens At Bayport-Blue Point High School

BAYPORT, NY — The Bayport-Blue Point School District held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Nov. 25 to officially open the outdoor portion of Bayport-Blue Point High School’s Wellness Center.

The Wellness Center is part of the district’s initiative to support students’ social, emotional, and mental health needs and is a haven of comfort and support for students. The indoor portion of the Wellness Center was unveiled on Feb. 9.

"Today, we are reminded that our mantra ‘Belong, Believe, Possible’ aren’t just words but actions," Superintendent of Schools Dr. Timothy P. Hearney said at the ceremony. "As a district, we are thankful for the opportunity to care for students, each other and our community, and we commit to using this space for people to slow down, breathe, heal, grow and appreciate the gift of wellness."

The inside space of the Wellness Center offers comfortable seating areas, tables, offices for the school psychologist and social worker, and board games and soft music. The outdoor portion is an extension of this space, offering a sensory garden, labyrinth walk, shade trees, a trellis/arbor, paths, and benches. This addition was designed to instill a sense of calm in students as they cope with stress.

"It is awesome to see so many individuals spread their thoughts [about the center]," said student Katie E.

Brookhaven Town Councilman Neil Foley and Islip Town Councilman John M. Lorenzo also attended and congratulated the district on "creating a space that could save lives and one that gives students a place to reflect," district officials said.