High school can be overwhelming—tests, sports, performances, and social pressures often collide in ways that leave students stressed and drained. But a new space tucked inside the Media Center is quietly helping students find calm in the chaos. The Chill Zone: A Zen Den and Wellness Center aims to give students more than just a break from the day—it offers a way to recharge mentally and emotionally. 

Physical education teacher at Kiel Elementary School, Rebecca Baskinger, has made mindfulness and well-being a priority in her teaching and personal life. Her goal is to help students succeed in all areas of life, which inspired her to create the Chill Zone. “Students are faced with a lot of moments that can be exciting and stressful at the same time, ranging from tests, sporting events, performing arts, and even just relationships and friendships. I wanted to help enhance a space that was accessible to support students,” she said.

The Chill Zone is a dedicated space in the KHS Media Center designed to help students relax and recharge. It features calming activities like coloring, bracelet-making, and listening to music. Baskinger said, “Students that visit the library and media center are welcome and encouraged to interact with any of the items provided.” Additionally, monthly mindfulness events are held, which offer more immersive activities and techniques.

To bring this idea to life, the Chill Zone received a $9,966 grant from the NJEA HIPP (Healing, Inclusion, Peace, and Presence) initiative, which allows educators to build programs to support student mental health and inclusion. Baskinger wrote almost 20 pages for her application, featuring research on student mental health and outlining her vision for an easily accessible wellness center.

Rather than disrupting class time, the Chill Zone was designed to follow students’ existing routines. Located in the Media Center—a space used daily for study hall or lunch—the program allows for participation without interrupting daily instruction. “Students can access the items when they are in the Media Center. […] To participate in one of the mindfulness events in the fishbowl, students have to sign up, and can come during lunch. For our mindfulness events, we allow roughly 20 students,” Baskinger said.

In addition to daily self-guided activities, monthly events encourage students to focus on wellness projects. Past events have included painting birdhouses, solving puzzles, or using the quiet space to relax or learn new coping methods.

The Chill Zone was inspired by a “Zen Den” in another school district, but Baskinger wanted to tailor the idea to the Kinnelon community. She collaborated with the Media Center specialist, Jenny Sassaman and other administrators to develop a program that had a large outreach at school. According to Baskinger, she and Sassaman meet regularly to discuss events and items that would most interest students.

Since its opening, the Chill Zone has become a pivotal part of student culture at KHS. “I’ve seen so many students leave with a smile or tell me they wish they could do this every day,” Baskinger said. Nearly every student interacts with the Chill Zone in some way, whether it is going to mindfulness events or playing with the fidgets on the center bookshelf of the Media Center.

Likewise, the response from the student body has been positive. Many participants report feeling calmer and more focused after spending time in the Chill Zone. Sophomore Sabrina Lopez said, “I love getting to express my creative side or just escaping the stress of school at the Chill Zone. It makes me feel supported and calm.”

Similarly, junior Kelly Donaldson said, “I’ve gone to a few events there because the activities help me balance academics, sports, and well-being, which is difficult for students with a demanding schedule.”

This program would not have the same impact without the HIPP grant. Because the Chill Zone is fully grant-funded, all materials and decorations do not cost the district, allowing Baskinger’s vision to be established easily. The grant gave Baskinger the opportunity to turn her passion for wellness into an impactful and lasting program.

Looking ahead, the Chill Zone will continue to grow. Baskinger and Sassaman plan to keep hosting monthly events and change certain aspects of the program based on student feedback. The overall goal is to maintain the calm and inclusive atmosphere while meeting student needs in all areas.

“We build habits and especially during high school, I think it is so important for students to learn how to regulate their emotions, and to find ways to feel calm,” Baskinger said. “These habits carry into college and adulthood, and if I can impact even just one student in a positive way, this entire program is worth it.”