Room 322 has become the Mindfulness Center this year, as Baldwin has welcomed the Chill program, a grant-funded project from Allegheny Health Network. With student stress rising nationwide, this is a great initiative to have at Baldwin.

Freshmen and sophomores are being introduced to the Mindfulness Center through monthly sessions in their English and social studies classes, but any student who feels stressed can make an appointment. Additional Chill program counseling is being done by a therapist in the guidance office.

The Chill program is a good idea at the right time. Students can get stressed out for any number of reasons, from academics to friend conflict through family issues. So having a room where kids can relax and gather their thoughts is an excellent resource. 

Currently the only other school involved in the Chill program is Pleasant Hills Middle School. If the Mindfulness Center is successful this year, other area schools, including other buildings in the Baldwin-Whitehall School District, should consider adding a similar program.