As part of its ongoing commitment to nurturing the whole child, DeSoto Independent School District is recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month this May by spotlighting innovative programs, partnerships, and wellness resources that are transforming how the district supports the emotional and mental well-being of its scholars.
The Zen Dens were added as part of the district’s effort to create proactive, student-centered wellness spaces across campuses. Each one includes calming zones for meditation, movement, sensory needs, and restorative practices, and is aligned with both trauma-informed care and social-emotional learning goals.
The first of these spaces will open at Amber Terrace Early Childhood Learning Center with three other spaces slated at various campuses across the district. The zen dens are expected to be completed by the start of the summer and will be fully operational by the start of the upcoming 2025-2026 academic year.
The district also employs grant-funded initiatives supported by:
- Stronger Connections Grant – which funded DeSoto High School/ Early College, West Middle School, and Cockrell Hill Elementary. These campuses received The Harmony Suite, the full version of the Zen Den with advanced tools and on-site training.
- SAFE Cycle 2 Grant – which funded McCowan, DAEP, The Meadows, Woodridge, KJ, and an upgrade at Amber Terrace. These campuses received tiered versions based on needs, space, and available staff support.
Elizabeth Bostic, who oversees Grants and Federal Funding for the district, emphasized the partnership with 2InspirePeace in designing and installing the Zen Dens.
“They brought an amazing blend of peace education, restorative practices, and student wellness tools that helped each space feel intentional and affirming,” Bostic said. The rollout is grounded in a growing body of national research that supports the impact of trauma-informed care and emotional regulation environments:
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A Learning Policy Institute report on restorative practices in Pittsburgh Public Schools found a 36% reduction in suspensions, including a 60% drop for Black students, along with improved student engagement and classroom relationships.
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Lincoln High School in Washington state, cited by the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, saw an 85% drop in suspensions and an increase in its graduation rate from 62% to 89% following a full trauma-informed implementation.
“These examples reflect the research base behind our Zen Den design and show the direction we’re heading as we expand these spaces across campuses,” Bostic added.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Usamah Rodgers noted the importance of mental health integration in the district’s educational model.
“Our goal is to create a safe, inclusive, and nurturing learning environment where students can thrive academically and emotionally,” Rodgers said. “Wellness is not a luxury—it’s essential to student achievement. We are proud of the intentional efforts being made across the district to meet our scholars’ emotional and social needs.”
In addition to Zen Dens, DeSoto ISD is leveraging college access grant programs to host social-emotional wellness events that promote self-care and stress relief. These events have included:
- Yoga and meditation sessions to promote mindfulness
- Therapeutic coloring and creative expression activities
- Guided breathing exercises and relaxation stations during high-stress times like testing and college planning
These events are open to students across grade levels and serve to reduce anxiety while encouraging healthy habits and self-awareness.
These offerings are open to students across all grade levels and serve to promote emotional regulation, reduce anxiety, and build lifelong habits of wellness.
“We are proud to offer layered, responsive supports that reflect the unique needs of our students,” said Chief Academic Officer Stephanie McCloud. “Mental health isn’t a one-size-fits-all conversation, so we’re meeting scholars where they are—through everything from individual counseling and mentorship to campus-wide events and restorative spaces.”
Additional supports within the district’s mental health framework include:
DeSoto ISD is also investing in staff training to support trauma-informed approaches, restorative practices, and SEL integration—helping educators build supportive, emotionally intelligent learning environments.
Throughout May, campuses will continue to host wellness activities, classroom discussions, and awareness campaigns to promote self-regulation, empathy, and resilience.
“Supporting students’ mental health is not a side effort—it’s part of our academic strategy,” McCloud said. “When students feel safe and supported, they can show up as their best selves in every classroom.” DeSoto ISD encourages families and community members to take part in Mental Health Awareness Month by attending campus events, utilizing available resources, and fostering open conversations at home.