Room to Reset: Curtis Elementary Opens Space for Calm Thanks to Junior League of Beaumont

Students and staff at Sallie Curtis Elementary got a taste of calm on April 6, 2026, as they celebrated the opening of a new sensory room, brought to life through the efforts of the Junior League of Beaumont Provisional Class. 

The ribbon-cutting ceremony came after weeks of planning, designing, and hands-on work to craft a soothing environment where students can regulate emotions, focus, and recharge for the classroom.

The idea for the project originated earlier this year when provisional members submitted and voted on potential service initiatives. Tamara Richards, the Sensory Room Project Liaison and Implementation Chair, nominated Curtis Elementary based on her previous experience as the campus’ special education department chair.

“It was a huge need that I saw for my students and even general education students who struggle with emotional regulation,” Richards said. “I wanted to create a space where students could reset, feel supported, and return to class ready to learn. I also wanted teachers to know they are not alone and that they are valued.”

The project brought together four committees—design, sourcing, communications, and implementation—each led by provisional members. Richards worked alongside Alicia Garcia, Kailin Laurent, and Amanda Nance to guide teams of six to seven volunteers, with the entire class contributing to the effort.

Planning officially began on February 6, with the first workday held March 9. Volunteers dedicated evenings, weekends, and spring break to complete the transformation, finishing the final touches the morning of the ribbon cutting.

Richards said the experience left a lasting impression on those involved. “The entire class fell in love with the project. Some members were brought to tears seeing the reaction of the staff and students,” she said. “It gave us a deeper understanding of neurodivergent students and their needs.”

Principal Billie Cisneros said the campus was “incredibly excited and grateful” when selected for the project.

“The project moved very quickly and was completed in under a month,” Cisneros said. “It was amazing to see the Junior League volunteers come in during spring break and weekends to bring it all together.”

Cisneros added that the partnership with the Junior League has made a meaningful and lasting impact. “Their generosity, time, and dedication created a space that will support our students for years to come. We hope this is just the beginning of a wonderful relationship.”

The sensory room is designed to provide a quiet, structured space where students can regulate emotions, decompress, and regain focus before returning to the classroom.

For students like third-grader Jacob Rice, the room is already making a difference.

“I like it,” Rice said. “There is a big thing where you can rest and things you can squish, and I like the lights.”

When asked how he plans to use the space, Rice added, “I will use the sensory room to sit down and rest and think and talk to God.”

School leaders say the room will play an important role in supporting both academic success and student well-being, offering a safe place for reflection, calm, and renewed readiness to learn.