Imagine a space where students can step away from the chaos, process their emotions, and find peace—without fear of judgment. For many high schoolers, this could make all the difference.

SOL Nation is partnering with the administration and students of West Charlotte High School to establish emotional regularity in students by creating Calming Rooms—intentional, healing-centered spaces designed to prevent immediate placement in In-School Suspension (ISS). These rooms offer students the chance to pause and regulate their emotions before situations escalate into disciplinary actions.

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For many Black students, school is not just a place of learning but often another site of pressure. Students are navigating academic responsibilities while also carrying stress from home, including financial insecurity, caretaking roles, or exposure to community trauma. At school, they may encounter bias, surveillance, or punitive responses to behaviors that are actually rooted in stress or emotional overload.

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Creating Calming Rooms acknowledges these realities and provides a proactive, supportive solution. Emotional regulation is not just about discipline—it’s about healing, empowerment, and giving students tools to manage their inner worlds. By centering wellness and agency, these rooms are a step toward shifting school culture to be more restorative, supportive, and just.