their consistent day-long stressors and take time for themselves . Kimball expressed that , “ Yes , we are taking care of our academics , and we ’ re athletes , and we ’ re artists , and we are in all of these clubs . But , if we ’ re struggling mentally , all of those things aren ’ t going to be as successful as we ’ d ultimately want them to be .”
Kimball understands the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic and how isolation influenced mental health conflicts : “ Everyone ' s social skills kind of took a hit last year .” She sympathizes with students who continue to stay virtual , despite the ability to come back to the classroom : “ They need this service just as much .” The Chill Room not only touches the lives of students and staff who are present in the building ; it simultaneously reaches out to students at home , allowing them to have a voice in any setting .
Rachel Chir , behavioral health therapist with AHN , and a colleague of Kimball ’ s , is a key asset to aiding students and staff in their journey to well-being . Starting at TJHS in January 2020 , Chir said that she is available every school day to any individual in the high school building . Her job is to provide more intensive service when a student or staff member shows signs of needing additional assistance in the Chill Room .
As an expert in the study of mental health , Chir puts the importance of self-care into perspective . “ Why do we brush our teeth ? To prevent cavities . Why do we change the oil in our car ? It ’ s routine maintenance . Eating healthy , brushing our teeth , exercise : all of those things , we don ’ t start doing them once things start to go poorly , we do them to prevent that . Our mental health is the same way .”
She urges anyone who feels they ’ re in need of help to visit the Chill Room . “ Every student would benefit from the skills , and every student would benefit from visiting the room , even on a good day .”
The Chill Room ’ s success has been illustrated through both frequent use and positive student feedback . Although the Chill Room , in the midst of the pandemic , in Kimball ’ s eyes , “ didn ’ t have potential it should have had ,” she is thankful that the students and faculty are back in school . Now , the Chill Room accumulates numerous visitors on a daily basis .
Senior Thandar Lin is a frequent visitor to the room , and her initial thoughts were that , “ It looked calm and looked so cool .” Lin also acknowledged Kimball ’ s influence , “ She ’ s really nice and caring .” When asked how the chill room has influenced her wellbeing , she mentioned that she , “ can ’ t really eat in the cafeteria because it ’ s too crowded and everything is so loud . In the Chill Room , it ’ s just quiet and peaceful .” Now that the Chill Room plays an important role in her school environment , she feels that anyone , like herself , could benefit from its resources : “ I think it ' s important because the room itself is so nice and beautiful … [ it ] gives us a little break from all the school stuff . You just sit there and chill . If you are stressed , you come here and relax .”
Kimball continues to brainstorm ideas for the Chill Room to help with coping mechanisms in regards to school related anxiety . She plans on administering “ test anxiety lessons ” for all grade levels , especially upperclassmen . She understands that , “ A lot of older kids struggle with perfectionism .” Therefore , it ’ s a , “ Really stressful time for kids getting accepted into college or not getting accepted into college ... it can be really devastating for some students .”
The advice acquired from these lessons could potentially benefit performance on the SAT , ACT , and PSAT . Academic success cannot be readily obtained without one ' s mental health
being prioritized . Seeking help can ultimately lead to a better student , both mentally and academically .
Jefferson Hills Intermediate School developed its Chill Room in November 2020 . Lindsay Michalski , a Behavioral Health School Educator with AHN , came to the elementary school to lead the initiative . She and her colleague , school-based therapist Emily Nymick , have built a welcoming environment for younger students . In Michalski ' s words , this “ moldable age ” is the perfect time to “ introduce the coping skills '', because the children can “ really utilize those ( skills ) throughout middle school and high school .”
The elementary school Chill Room contains everything a student would need to feel relaxed and at peace with themselves in overwhelming settings . Between different seating options , hammocks , sensory needs and privacy , Michalski wants the students to , “ have a place where they ’ re heard . They have my undivided attention .” In addition , a special asset to this Chill Room is the “ chill nook ”, where Michalski included a fireplace , comfortable seating and an aquarium .
One of Michalski ' s goals is to take the message of the Chill Room outside of its physical walls and into the classrooms . Monthly , she visits every JHIS homeroom , filling in for the social studies teacher . There , she teaches a lesson about the importance of mental health in the essential growing years .
The Chill Project has contributed to many individuals ' mental health improvement journey . The vast influence all three rooms have had on students , staff , and administrators is unmistakable . Thanks to the dedicated on-site professionals , families in the district should feel gratified that their child , colleague or friend can seek help immediately . There is undeniably more room for growth and improvement for this initiative in years to come , which should instill optimism within the community . Mental health is key to fulfillment , and everyone deserves an equal opportunity to explore their potential for self-prosperity .
Sarah Petrovich is a senior at Thomas Jefferson High School
est Jefferson Hills
WEST JEFFERSON HILLS SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
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