Huntington Beach Unified High School District Board of Education trustees and staff attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Ocean View High School’s new WellSpace on Tuesday, Oct. 8. 
Ocean View High School’s WellSpace, “The Well Nest,” features an ocean mural and soft chairs for students to decompress. 
Two stationary egg chairs with cushions and pillows offer students a cozy spot to relax in the Well Nest. 
Mayu Iwatani, OCDE administrator of Mental Health and Wellness, speaks with Ocean View High School Principal Dr. Robert Rasmussen inside “The Well Nest.” 
A long table in the Well Nest offers students various activities to help them find peace and process their thoughts. 
A miniature Japanese zen garden kit provides students with a calming activity during a busy school day. (Photos courtesy of the Huntington Beach Union High School District)
Ocean View High School unveiled the Huntington Beach Unified School District’s latest WellSpace — called “The Well Nest” — to board members and staff during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Oct. 8.
The newly revamped space offers a quiet area for students and staff to practice mindfulness and emotional self-regulation. Activities like kinetic sand, puzzles and coloring books provide opportunities for visitors to refocus and recharge during the school day.
The WellSpace initiative — developed by the Orange County Department of Education in partnership with Children’s Hospital of Orange County and CalOptima — aims to transform campus spaces into tranquil environments where students can reset, practice mindfulness and access support from trained school counselors. Officials said the campaign aligns with Huntington Beach Union’s efforts to promote student well-being.
“Ocean View High School is committed to providing students with an amazing academic experience while teaching them the importance of balance and the tools of self-regulation,” Principal Dr. Robert Rasmussen said. “The Well Nest will play an important role in our schoolwide Multi-Tiered System of Supports.”
The creation of spaces like the Well Nest comes at a time when mental health challenges among adolescents are becoming more prominent. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Youth Risk Behavior Survey, certain student groups are facing greater difficulties, highlighting the need for supportive spaces like these.
In November 2023, the district unveiled a similar WellSpace at Fountain Valley High School, continuing its commitment to creating supportive environments for student wellness across its campuses.
To learn more about how OCDE makes mental health a year-round focus, visit the department’s WellSpace Project webpage.