FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LAGUNA BEACH UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
CONTACT: ANAKAREN UREÑO
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND ENGAGEMENT
949-497-7700 EXT. 5232

December 6, 2024

Thurston Middle School introduces “The Cove,” a new wellness space for students on campus

LAGUNA BEACH, Calif. – Thurston Middle School (TMS) on Wednesday (Dec. 4) celebrated the grand opening of a wellness space on campus for students. Over the last several years, Laguna Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) has pioneered a comprehensive system of school-based mental health support, amplifying student support systems with the addition of social workers and psychologists at every school site. 

The new wellness space at TMS was thoughtfully designed with direct integration into the social worker’s office. It provides students immediate access to a trusted mental health professional who can empower them to develop and practice real-time coping strategies for their academic success and overall well-being.

"Our new Wellness Space provides students with a safe environment to reset, recharge, and access the support they need to succeed academically and personally," said TMS Principal Joe Vidal. "Thurston is fortunate to be part of a community that cares deeply about every aspect of our students' well-being and demonstrates it through meaningful investments in the resources needed to meet their needs," he concluded.

The district facilities team built the space over the summer, and it has been equipped with comfortable seating and controllable lighting to help balance the mood of its visitors. It also has a variety of evidence-based relaxation activities that provide students with techniques for calming the nervous system. 

"The opening of a new well space on the Thurston Middle School campus reflects a long-term commitment to creating the systems of support necessary to address the needs of our students,” said LBUSD Superintendent Jason Viloria, Ed.D. “Since 2017, we have focused on establishing formal processes through which we assess those needs, particularly the social-emotional, and building the staff roles and facilities to ensure they are met with care and intention. I am grateful to the Board of Education for their support of this critical investment in the well-being of our students and the overall school community." 

Students at Thurston Middle School have access to three full-time school counselors, a social worker, and a school psychologist who are available to students on a daily basis. LBUSD schools count on a low student-to-counselor ratio that allows our school-based mental health staff the capacity to proactively connect with students on campus to build meaningful relationships through both campus-wide programs and personalized, one-on-one interactions.

TMS Waveriders can visit The Cove, as the new space will be named, either through drop-in sessions or by scheduling an appointment. Visit www.lbusd.org, follow @LagunaBeachUSD on Instagram, and subscribe to the district newsletter to stay updated on news from Laguna Beach Unified School District, its students, staff, and the Board of Education. 

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