Collegewood Elementary Students Figure Out A New Way To Chill Out

WALNUT, CA — A group of fifth-grade students from Collegewood Elementary have helped designed a new piece of furniture that will soon be used on campus.

Teaming with Michigan-based furniture manufacturer Fomcore, the students worked together to design a rocking foam-based "chill out chair" that will help students take a break from learning while they relax in classroom “calming spots,” according to a statement from the Walnut Unified School District. Each classroom comes with its own calming spot that provides a safe space for students to take a break during the school day.

“This student designed chair will be in each classroom allowing our students to have a place to nurture their hearts so their mind is ready for learning,” Collegewood Principal Mary Wendland said in a statement.

The blue and white chair sits on the ground, requiring no legs, and is adorned with inspirational messages.

Sydney Liptak, Alina Bovee Carter, Hunter Reed, Sophia Teodsoio, Rokco De Los Reyes, Brandon Zhang, Evan Romero and Danika Pe worked on the design of the chair during after school brainstorming sessions over Zoom, the district said.

“When I first saw it, I thought you could relax here and deal with your emotions,” Zhang, 11, said.

In addition to the chair, Fomcore presented Collegewood Elementary with a $1,000 grant that will go toward providing more resources for classroom calming spots, according to Wendland.