Wellness Center Spotlight: Bell Middle School, Wellness Center Gives Students "A Safe Place" When They Need It Most
The Bell Middle School wellness center offers mental health support, community resources, and a safe space where students can develop resilience.
Israa, an eighth grader at the San Diego Unified school, said the center has made a difference in her school experience. “The Wellness Center has impacted me because it’s a positive place to work, a safe place on campus when you’re feeling stressed, overwhelmed, and need somebody to talk to,” she said. “Having an awareness center on campus means I don’t have to deal with everything on my own. I can always go to Ms. Rivera and know there is someone available to talk to for support when I need it.”
Israa recalled specific times the center helped her. “A couple times when I was fasting during Ramadan, and I was just feeling very weak and anxious, I would always go there and it would just make me feel more relaxed and calm,” she said. “And I will go back to class, and I love how Ms. Rivera is always there to help.”
The Bell Middle School Wellness Center features a welcoming environment with motivational signage, comfortable seating, including bean bags, and a calming blue color scheme where students can relax, refocus, and recharge throughout the school day.
The wellness center operates from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, serving 30 to 40 students during first lunch and 10 to 15 during second lunch. Popular features include conversation cards, a pet wall, and bean bags.
Nereida Rivera, Bell wellness center coordinator and certified wellness coach through the California Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative, leads the center.
“Our Wellness Center is a hub for support and services, a place where all students have the opportunity for their well-being to thrive,” Rivera said. “We are student-centered, students are our priority! By offering a safe space and preventative programming opportunities for skill-building, the Wellness Center helps students manage stress, build resilience, and maintain balance during their time on campus. We encourage and support the stepping stones to their growth and great self-agency. I’m lucky to be a page in that chapter of their life.”
Bell Middle School students participate in mental health trivia during lunch, one of the wellness center’s regular activities designed to promote social-emotional learning and student engagement.
The center offers W.I.N. (What I Need) Wednesdays with bimonthly schoolwide social-emotional learning presentations and lunch activities, including mental health trivia.
The center maintains strong community partnerships. Northgate Market provides vouchers for families facing food insecurity and supplies for the Bell Essentials Pantry. A recent holiday drive distributed more than 800 turkeys and hams, and more than 600 toys to families.
Bell Middle School wellness center staff participate in the Dec. 20 holiday toy drive, which distributed more than 800 turkeys and hams and more than 600 toys to families in the Morse Cluster through partnerships with community organizations.
Ja’Nyce, a sixth grader, described the impact on her family.
“The wellness center has really helped my family. The effect it has had on me is huge. I feel so thankful because it gives me the confidence to come to school wearing new clothes and shoes like some of the other kids. I had no idea that the school had a place to support families in need. I think it’s awesome because more people need help than we realize. Last year, I saw my mom struggle and not be able to give us the things we wanted, and sometimes even the things we needed, especially during the holidays. I watched my mom cry tears of sadness because she couldn’t provide for us. But this year, thanks to the wellness center, I saw my mom cry tears of joy because she received help. We are so grateful because it not only helped me gain confidence at school, but it also gave my family a sense of peace and put us a step ahead of where we were.”
Bell Middle School students display their artwork from a Teens Make Health Happen Paint N Sip activity hosted by the wellness center, one of many creative programming options offered during lunch.
“Bell Middle is an amazing school community to be a part of! We all intentionally create a sense of belonging for our students, staff, and families. A sense of belonging that means knowing you matter and that your presence enriches our school community. Our school thrives because our departments don’t work in silos. Admin, Counseling, Wellness, RJ,P and Providers collaborate consistently, and while it takes effort, the outcomes speak for themselves,” Rivera said.
San Diego Unified has identified student wellness as a districtwide priority. Bell’s wellness center is one of 12 across the district.
For more information about San Diego Unified wellness centers, visit the district website, contact [email protected], or call 619-725-5501.
Article written by staff of the San Diego Unified School District Strategic Communications and Information Department