Ever need a space to relax or just be quiet? Welcome to the Henry Ford II “Zen Den.”

An initiative that was made this year by school counselor, Wendy Johnson, and supported by principal Lori Singleton, was to create a space where students can go and relax by doing calming activities, or just hanging with their peers. Once they finalized the details and the logistics of this space, the counseling department introduced the new Zen Den. The Zen Den is located right off the lunchroom where students can access it during lunch.

“The Zen Den was introduced to address this growing prevalence of teenage anxiety and depression to provide emotional support for students while learning about wellness strategies. Research has shown that utilizing these strategies can lead to lifelong benefits in all aspects of their life,” Singleton said.

By creating the Zen Den at Henry Ford II High School, Singleton and Jonson want it to align with their broader mission to support student wellness, improve school culture, and enhance academic outcomes by addressing students' mental health needs.

“I really like how relaxing the Zen Den is, and how it allows me to unwind during the middle of the school day,” Henry Ford II High School senior, James Thomas, said. “The Zen Den gives me a breather from the noisy, overcrowded commons which is nice.”

In the Zen Den students have access to board games, puzzles, crafts, fidgets and so much more. Knowing that the new area would need some of these activities Singleton prioritized funding the initiative, which ensured the program would meet the needs of the student population.

 “The Zen Den allows me to recharge, refresh, and give me energy for the second half of the day,” Henry Ford II Highschool junior Coleton Polk said.

Within the short time the space has been open, they have continued to receive positive feedback and have more than 100 students visit the room every week.

“The emotional well-being of students has become one of the top priorities at Henry Ford II High School, with the importance of providing a safe and quiet space for students to reset and develop coping skills. The idea has been positively received by both students and staff,” Singleton said. “Students appreciate the emotional support and coping skills offered, and the space has been well-utilized by all.”

Henry Ford II High School hopes that providing the Zen Den will help students develop effective coping strategies for emotional resilience, ultimately benefiting their academic performance and overall well-being.

By Natalie Rubel