Northshore leadership helps make elementary school sensory room a reality

The Northshore and Mississippi Gulf Coast Leadership team and Florida Avenue Elementary in Slidell worked together to create a new sensory room at the school, designed to help students regulate emotions, reduce stress and build focus in a safe and supportive environment.  

Sensory rooms provide controlled sensory experiences for students who may feel overwhelmed by the sights, sounds and activity of a traditional classroom setting. This space gives students an opportunity to de-escalate, self-regulate and develop skills that support learning and participation. While often beneficial for students with autism, ADHD and other sensory processing differences, sensory rooms can serve any student who benefits from sensory breaks and calming activities. 

The project began during a leadership volunteer day when team members were asked to help paint what would become the sensory room. As plans developed, hospital leaders recognized an opportunity to further support the initiative through additional funding and worked to make the vision a reality. With Slidell Memorial Hospital being a neighbor to the school, helping create a space that meets students’ needs aligns with our commitment to community health and well-being.

School leaders expressed their gratitude for the partnership and the lasting impact the room will have on students for years to come. They highlighted the longstanding support Ochsner and Slidell Memorial Hospital provides throughout the school system and shared their excitement about seeing students benefit from a calming space designed to help them succeed. Click here to watch the full video recognizing the team. 

The sensory room stands as another example of how collaboration between healthcare and education can strengthen the community and support the next generation.