Harrison Elementary School’s sensory hallway – a space in the school designed for emotional wellness – has been designated as a promising practice by character.org.
“The hallway,” explained principal Anna Lisa Rodano, “provides students with purposeful movement opportunities, a LEGO wall, stationary bikes, yoga mats, mindfulness activities, calming visuals, breathing prompts, balance paths and tactile experiences that help students reset, refocus and return to learning ready to succeed.”
The hallway is incorporated into daily classroom routines and school-wide activities and the school tries to separate it from a reactive or disciplinary space. The area was established in 2019 and dedicated to former school secretary Lynn Lindle, who died of cancer in 2014.
“Students are explicitly taught how and when to use the hallway to promote independence, reflection, perseverance and responsible decision-making,” Rodan noted. “Accessible to all students, the space reflects Harrison Township Elementary’s commitment to being child-centered, progressive and future-driven while supporting the diverse emotional, sensory and learning needs of every child.”
Character.org, owned by the St. Louis based CharacterPlus, evaluates schools that help create a nurturing school culture for students. The promising practice award goes to schools that practice that by demonstrating impactful, character-centered initiatives that foster student growth, belonging and positive school culture.
Harrison Elementary was one of many schools that applied for the promising practice honor. Applicans are chosen based on how well a practice spotlights one of character.org’s 11 principles, which are a school improvement guide. Harrison was one of 290 schools from around the country in contention.
“We are incredibly proud to recognize the schools and organizations that have developed and implemented Promising Practices,” noted Diana Dodson, director of Promising Practices. “Each of these practices demonstrates meaningful impact while bringing to life the principles that inspire ‘goodness in action’ and cultivate a culture of character in schools and organizations.”
Harrison Elementary’s application for the award was posted to the district’s social media pages, where the first news of the honor was announced.
“This recognition highlights the school’s dedication to fostering a culture where emotional wellness, character development and student support are visible priorities within the learning environment,” Rodano noted. “The sensory hallway continues to serve as a meaningful legacy honoring Lynn Lindle’s memory while positively impacting students, staff and families each day.”
A student at Harrison Elementary in the school’s sensory hallway. The space has been named a promising practice by characther.org.
