Date/Time: November 7, 2026 | 2:00 – 3:00 pm

Room: TAHOMA 5

Abstract: Over the past several years, it has become widely understood that American society is experiencing a wellness crisis driven by a range of factors, including a lack of affordability, inadequate access to care, and the increasing stresses of the modern world. This crisis has been especially difficult for disadvantaged communities and young people, who face the newer challenges of digital culture and the social stresses of growing up. For students to be successful, both academically and socially, a sense of wellness is critical. Mental and physical health impacts and disparities can have lifelong consequences—the stakes could not be higher.

The ability for students to make the most of their time in our schools and for their education should not be compromised by difficulties related to physical, social and emotional well-being. How can School Districts, educational planners and designers take a stand on this important issue? Should they? We believe the answer to this question is a resounding “YES”. Students need to have their basic needs met in order to be ready to learn. This session brings together perspectives from Portland Public Schools (Oregon), Los Angeles Unified School District (California), and Highline Public Schools (Washington) to explore how districts are responding to the growing wellness needs of students and school communities. In this inspiring session, we will go over what the data shows us and why this matters. Using concrete examples, we will hear about the approach that three different Districts have taken in addressing these challenges. With each District differing in size, location, neighborhood context and demographic, their efforts are aligned in purpose, but with differing methodology. Whether the approach is based on leveraging partnerships, gaining funding for in-house resources, pooling services, lifting up alternative education or prioritizing design that keeps wellness as a design driver, the impact on outcomes show that this is an important way that we can make a difference. As part of an interactive panel discussion, we will invite you to ask questions and share your ideas of how we can encourage Districts to be a partner our communities, with a call to action to reset the stage to remove barriers for students.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the challenges students face in our modern society, and how that impacts student experience and outcomes.
2. Hear how to plan for and implement access to a range of supports and services that make a positive impact on students, their families, and their community.
3. Make the connection of how intentional design with wellness in mind can support a student’s approach to their educational journey.
4. Understand how the synergy of school district partnerships and thoughtful integration of on-site student services can remove barriers to education.