A Northern Michigan school district unveiled a new sensory room Wednesday, thanks to the help of a partnership with the Michigan State Police.
A ribbon cutting ceremony was held earlier in the afternoon to showcase the new sensory space at Gaylord Intermediate School District. It’s a first for the district.
Sergeant Ashley Miller, with the Michigan State Police, said the kids have already named it, ‘The Calming Room.’
Miller said the space will give kids who need it, whether they have sensory issues or not, a place to calm down or work one on one with a counselor.
She added that, along with the funding of the room, the troopers put in some elbow grease to get it ready.
“We’re not just giving money for a project; we’re actually putting some sweat into it. Repainting on brick is tough. And we spent days working on that and building all the furniture, moving it all in, you know, making sure we purchased the perfect items for the space and it’s a little more heartfelt, and it makes you feel really good when you’re actually putting the effort into a space,” said Miller.
The sensory space was made possible through a grant from the Michigan State Police Stop Program, and the contributions of organizations in the area. Miller said MSP also kicked in a $1,000 donation as well.