DES MOINES, Iowa — A new tactile mural and sensory wellness space at Ruby Van Meter School is designed to give students a place to reset, find calm, and care for their emotional well-being during the school day.

“It’s pretty cool!” says student Dakota Matchinsky. “It looks like nature and makes me feel calm.”

Artist Jill Wells says that’s exactly what she was trying to create.

“I know when I get anxious I need a space to just be,” she says.

The B Well Foundation helped make the project possible.

“We want to create calm, safe spaces in schools so students can reach their full potential,” says Billy Weathers. 

Ruby Van Meter serves students with significant disabilities and the new rooms are meant for both them, and their teachers and staff.

“This is amazing,” says teacher Jennifer Nordstrom. “We want people to know that our kids are just like everyone else, they just have some big feelings and communication challenges. This helps them deal with those things in a beautiful space, which they deserve.”

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