Fifth grade students in Jacqueline Caplette’s class at Frank K. Hehnly Elementary School in Clark are learning ways to cope with stress. “As adults, we need to be aware of the daily stresses placed upon children ranging from academic challenges, family issues, and social interactions. Stress can have a negative impact on a student’s ability to focus in the classroom and on their overall well-being,” Caplette said. To help students cope when feeling overwhelmed, Caplette and her paraprofessional aide, Michele Ferrentino, created a “Destress Corner.” Students can either ask to use the “Destress Corner” or are sent there when it is evident that they need a break. The corner has inflatable tubes to relax on, a coloring option, an interactive message board, books, jokes, stress balls, and inspirational messages that students can take to keep at their desks. The teachers found that students respond very well to the space and say “it not only benefits students focus in the classroom but supports their well-being outside of the classroom as well.”