By admin 
TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – Salpointe Catholic High School kicked off the new school year Tuesday with a wellness program and a new four-legged addition to campus — a six-month-old white Labrador named Lulu, who is being trained as a service animal.
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Freshmen spent Monday on campus getting familiar with the school before the full student body arrived for the first day of classes.
Principal Ardemis Martin said the school is partnering with doctors and experts on a wellness program that focuses on eight components, including emotional, social, and spiritual wellness.
“We know our students are still struggling emotionally and we want to give them the tools to be ready for that,” Martin said.
The school already bans cellphone use from bell to bell and has a dedicated “Recharge Room” where students can step away during the day. Martin said the room offers options including guided meditation.
“It will either go through guided meditation or you can go to sunset shores or wherever the case may be, it just allows our students to be able to get outside of themselves,” Martin said.
School President Jennifer Harris said surveys show students who use the Recharge Room experience an 85-percent decrease in stress before a test, a game, or during a mental health crisis.
Harris said Lulu will be integrated into the school’s counseling and wellness efforts. A dedicated group of students, called the “Lulu Crew,” will serve as her caretakers throughout the school day.
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“You’ll have permission to take her into your class for one period of the day, or you’ll take her into the lunch room to interact with some of the other students,” Harris said.
Harris said Lulu will also be available for students who are struggling with their mental health and in tough situations.
“When we have a child having some sort of critical moment or crisis, difficulty coping or self-regulating, that the dog will come in and she’ll provide a little respite for that,” Harris said.
Administrators said they are currently working to develop two life skills classes to add to next year’s curriculum.
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