New tactile mural, sensory wellness space helps Ruby Van Meter students find calm
DES MOINES, Iowa — A new tactile mural and sensory wellness space at Ruby Van Meter School is designed to give students a place to reset, find calm, and care for their emotional well-being during the school day.
'It's pretty cool!' says student Dakota Matchinsky. 'It looks like nature and makes me feel calm.'
Artist Jill Wells says that's exactly what she was trying to create.
'I know when I get anxious I need a space to just be,' she says.
'Adventure Pass' is back at Iowa public libraries
The B Well Foundation helped make the project possible.
'We want to create calm, safe spaces in schools so students can reach their full potential,' says Billy Weathers.
Ruby Van Meter serves students with significant disabilities and the new rooms are meant for both them, and their teachers and staff.
'This is amazing,' says teacher Jennifer Nordstrom. 'We want people to know that our kids are just like everyone else, they just have some big feelings and communication challenges. This helps them deal with those things in a beautiful space, which they deserve.'
Metro News:
New tactile mural, sensory wellness space helps Ruby Van Meter students find calm
The Rook Room opens this weekend in downtown Des Moines
Iowa's high school musical theater talent on display in Des Moines Thursday
Des Moines Airport officials say construction could cause delays
Teen pleads guilty in Ellipsis employee's death
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New tactile mural, sensory wellness space helps Ruby Van Meter students find calm
DES MOINES, Iowa — A new tactile mural and sensory wellness space at Ruby Van Meter School is designed to give students a place to reset, find calm, and care for their emotional well-being during the school day. 'It's pretty cool!' says student Dakota Matchinsky. 'It looks like nature and makes me feel calm.' Artist Jill Wells says that's exactly what she was trying to create. 'I know when I get anxious I need a space to just be,' she says. 'Adventure Pass' is back at Iowa public libraries The B Well Foundation helped make the project possible. 'We want to create calm, safe spaces in schools so students can reach their full potential,' says Billy Weathers. Ruby Van Meter serves students with significant disabilities and the new rooms are meant for both them, and their teachers and staff. 'This is amazing,' says teacher Jennifer Nordstrom. 'We want people to know that our kids are just like everyone else, they just have some big feelings and communication challenges. This helps them deal with those things in a beautiful space, which they deserve.' Metro News: New tactile mural, sensory wellness space helps Ruby Van Meter students find calm The Rook Room opens this weekend in downtown Des Moines Iowa's high school musical theater talent on display in Des Moines Thursday Des Moines Airport officials say construction could cause delays Teen pleads guilty in Ellipsis employee's death Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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