The newest add-on to McFarland High may look like a toy but its not, its actually one resource McFarland High School students use to help regulate their emotions.The robotic dog acts like a therapist, giving students a safe way to speak their minds if they dont feel comfortable around adults.Its part of the schools newest Student Wellness Center. Superintendent Aaron Resendez says it opened a year ago and has already made a huge impact on campus life.The wellness center is where weve gathered all of the most appropriate resources for our students from our counselors, we have student affairs specialist that work very very closely with student issues that we have here to deescalate, said Resendez.Resendez says the center also acts as a hub for students who just need a few minutes to themselves.Youll see here that theres specialized seating here, together with the seating we have these weighted blankets, said Resendez. We have seating you probably dont see in a regular lets say traditional discipline office.Resendez says the goal of opening the Student Wellness Center is to help deter school violence including incidents like the two most recent shooting threats reported just days ago at a McFarland school.Mary Joe Sanchez, a student affairs specialist, says its the small differences, right down to the dim lighting, that have helped her notice a real change in students behavior and attitudes.When they report here, when theyre in distress, its usually maybe 10 minutes just to kind of gather themselves together, said Mary Joe Sanchez. We can prevent fights its very preventive as far as that aspect and us as staff ensuring they feel safe here at this schoolSchools officials say it isnt just a room, its a lifeline for students, helping them manage stress one calm moment at a time.Stay in Touch with Us Anytime, Anywhere: Download Our Free App for Apple and Android Sign Up for Our Daily E-mail Newsletter Like Us on Facebook Follow Us on Instagram Subscribe to Us on YouTube ...read more read less