Before welcoming students back to campus for the 2026-27 School Year, Viewpoint employees were invited to slow down, recharge, and prioritize their well-being in the School’s annual pop-up Lavender Room.

Hosted by Viewpoint’s Office of Community Life, the school’s Testing Center, inside the Fletcher Family Library, was transformed into a cool, calming, lavender scented retreat for all employees. Now in its fourth year, the back-to-school tradition offers employees a dedicated space to step away from their busy schedules and take a moment for themselves.

“Four years ago, Christy Salcido, Chief Marketing Officer, and I were in a conversation about opportunities to relax during the busy prep week. She shared a story about having shut down a major street in NYC to create a Lavender Experience - this, with all types of giveaways for passersby. A lightbulb went on in my head, and our mini-version of that experience was born.

“The Lavender Room serves as a little reminder of the importance of making time to slow down - even in the midst of a busy day,” said Patricia Jackson, Chief Belonging and Community Officer. “By creating space for employees to pause, recharge, and connect, we help them to start the year feeling supported and appreciated.”

Throughout the three-day experience, employees have a dedicated space to relax amid soft lighting, calming music, lavender essential oils, and soothing visuals. The room also featured coloring activities, light refreshments, eye masks, back-to-school giveaways, and other opportunities that promote joy, quiet reflection, and relaxation.

This year’s Lavender Room also included a series of guided personal well-being sessions designed to introduce simple, practical ways employees can incorporate self-care into their daily lives. Laree Henning, School Counselor, led a breathwork session on Tuesday, while Beverly Schwarz, Primary School Librarian, led an ocean drum session on Wednesday and a mantra meditation on Thursday. Special giveaways were also offered to employees who attended the guided sessions.

“The lavender room is a cool, quiet, comfy space to just breathe—a necessity during back-to-school prep week! I always attend at least one guided meditation because they help me feel extra calm and relaxed,” shared Camille Wedin, Primary and Lower School Library Assistant.

“It was an honor to share breathwork practices with colleagues during our first week of preparing for the school year. Research shows that intentional breathing helps regulate the nervous system, reduces stress and anxiety, and supports overall well-being—and when educators and staff are more regulated, that sense of calm and connection can ripple into the classroom and work environments. My hope was to offer colleagues a simple, accessible practice they can return to throughout the year to find a little more steadiness amid the demands of school life,” said Laree Henning, School Counselor.

While the Lavender Room lasted just three days, the practices it introduced, from intentional breathing to moments of creativity and reflection, can continue throughout the year, encouraging employees to make personal well-being part of their everyday routines.