A new Sensory Space officially opened today at Manchester’s Regional Day School in Jackson. The long-awaited Sensory Spaces provides students with a calming, purposeful place where they can take a break to reset, relax, and refocus before returning to their classrooms. The opening marks an important step forward in the school’s continued commitment to meeting the diverse needs of students in the least restrictive environment.
For more than 40 years, Manchester’s Regional Day School has provided each pupil with an enriched and comprehensive appropriate program, serving students whose needs are low-incidence or of a severity that prevents programming in any other setting. Families from multiple counties across the state send their children to Manchester’s Regional Day School for its proven, effective programming and the care and expertise of its staff. The addition of the Sensory Space further strengthens the school’s mission by supporting students’ sensory regulation, emotional well-being, and readiness to learn.
The Sensory Space was the vision of the school’s Occupational Therapy team. Ms. Leslie, Ms. Ally, and Ms. Megan spearheaded the project and, with the support of Principal Michallis, the Manchester Township Board of Education, Manchester Township School District administration, and an MTEF grant, the idea became a reality. One year ago, the team approached Principal Michallis with a clear plan that moved thoughtfully through budgeting, approvals, and the reconstruction of a former workshop classroom. What was once a beloved workshop has now been transformed into a calming sensory and occupational therapy space designed to meet the evolving needs of today’s students.
“Overall, the goal of the Sensory Space is for students to know they have a place they can choose to visit when they need a break,” says Ms. Ally, Regional Day School Occupational Therapist. “Whether students are seeking a moment of calm, sensory input, or an opportunity to refocus, the room provides an environment that supports independence and self-awareness while helping students return to learning feeling regulated and prepared.”
“It is incredible to see this space transformed from a workshop that held so much value into something equally incredible and impactful for today’s students,” said Superintendent of Schools Diane Pedroza. “This Sensory Space reflects the Manchester Township School District’s commitment to growth, innovation, and ensuring our students have the environments and supports they need to thrive in their development and learning.”
Principal Lisa Michallis also emphasized the impact the new space will have on students, families, and staff. “The addition of this Sensory Space further advances what we can do for our students here at the Regional Day School every day,” Principal Michallis said. “It expands the opportunities we can provide to families and staff as we continue to serve students who proudly come to us from across multiple counties to achieve success.”
The Sensory Space joins a variety of existing options that allow students to choose how they prefer to reset throughout the day. Together, these options reinforce student choice and provide multiple ways to support regulation, tailored to individual needs.
The room itself was intentionally designed as a multifaceted and functional space that supports sensory processing, communication, fine and gross motor development, and emotional regulation. Visual elements such as octopus displays create a soothing atmosphere with a mirror above that promotes body awareness. Sequin panels provide tactile and visual stimulation and are also used as a place where students practice forming letters and symbols. Bubble tubes offer a calming focal point as students watch bubbles rise, and fish move through the tube, with the added option for students to blow bubbles alongside the tube to support breath control and regulation.
Additional wall features, including rainbow and unicorn patterns, encourage fine motor skills while supporting auditory and sensory awareness. Light-up iridescent cubes promote cause-and-effect understanding and visual tracking, while Magic Hands panels respond to the warmth of a student’s hands, providing immediate sensory feedback and encouraging exploration.
Multiple seating options throughout the room, including a soft rug, large and small rocking chairs, and comfortable beanbag chairs, allow students to select what best supports their comfort and body awareness. These choices help develop balance and posture while reinforcing independence. A nearby cabinet stocked with musical toys, bubbles, weighted blankets, and other sensory tools offers even more opportunities for regulation and individualized support.
Communication is also an important component of the Sensory Space. A Core Board is available for students who prefer this method of communication over handheld devices, supporting social interaction and physical engagement while ensuring every student can fully participate in the space.
Following today’s official ribbon-cutting, the Sensory Space officially opens for student use. The space represents not only a physical transformation, but a continued dedication to educating the whole child by supporting sensory, emotional, and communication needs. As Manchester’s Regional Day School builds on its more than 40-year legacy, the new Sensory Space stands as another example of how it continues to evolve, innovate, and serve students with care, purpose, and excellence.
Following today’s official ribbon-cutting, the Sensory Space officially opens for student use. The space represents not only a physical transformation, but a continued dedication to educating the whole child by supporting sensory, emotional, and communication needs. As Manchester’s Regional Day School builds on its more than 40-year legacy, the new Sensory Space stands as another example of how it continues to evolve, innovate, and serve students with care, purpose, and excellence.