Lake County Gazette

Grayslake North High School has opened a new Wellness Center, aiming to provide students with a calming space for support during times of stress or emotional difficulty. The center became available to students on Monday, October 6, and features flexible seating, soothing lighting, and staff support.

The concept originated with Associate Principal Megan Light after observing similar initiatives in other districts. Prevention and Wellness Coordinator Joe Alger and the student services team developed the center to focus on student wellness.

Students have the option to visit the Wellness Center as needed or by appointment. Each visit begins with a check-in form that helps staff monitor patterns and offer specific assistance. The center will also hold small group sessions on Wednesdays and is designed to adapt to changing needs.

“This is a space we’ll grow with,” said Alger. “Our goal is to create comfort, connection, and a sense of belonging.”

The Wellness Center aligns with Grayslake Community High School District 127’s commitment to supporting students’ emotional well-being. The district includes both Grayslake Central High School and Grayslake North High School in Lake County (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/).

According to data from the Illinois State Board of Education, the district employs 195 teachers who earn an average salary of $79,647 before pension contributions; nearly 60 percent are women (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/). Teacher attendance rates are high, with no teachers recording more than ten absences in a school year.

Demographically, about 58.5 percent of students in District 127 are White, 25 percent Hispanic, 7.2 percent Asian, and 4.3 percent Black (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/). In terms of spending, the district allocated $31,874 per student in 2020 for a total expenditure of over $88 million (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/).

As the new facility opens its doors, Alger emphasized its purpose: “Help is here when you need it.”