Cajon Valley School District

Nestled within a vibrant tapestry of cultures, languages, and traditions, Lexington Elementary School is a place where diversity shines and community thrives. As a Title I school with over 900 students, Lexington’s campus is home to a dynamic population where 89% of students are socioeconomically disadvantaged, 60% are English Language Learners, and 18% receive special education services. At the heart of this community are school counselors Chelsea Carnegie and Ana De Maio, who are committed to addressing the social and emotional needs of every student through innovative programs.

One such initiative making a profound impact is the Peaceful Place—a multi-sensory room designed as a Tier 1 intervention accessible to all students. This welcoming space promotes self-awareness, self-reflection, and self-regulation, equipping students with essential skills to navigate their emotions and experiences.

Chelsea Carnegie, school counselor, spearheaded the creation of the Peaceful Place, transforming it into a sanctuary where students can practice social and emotional regulation. To support the program’s growth, Sahar Al Kolla joined the team as a guidance technician, working closely with the counseling staff to oversee the space’s daily operations. Their combined efforts have made the Peaceful Place a cornerstone of Lexington’s approach to fostering emotional well-being.

The Peaceful Place has quickly become a vital resource for students. In its inaugural year, the Peaceful Place contributed to a 17.5% decrease in overall behavioral incidents and a 42% reduction in “hands-on” incidents during the first nine weeks of its operation.

Encouraged by the success of the Peaceful Place, the Lexington counseling team is collaborating with the district to expand similar programs across Cajon Valley Union School District. 

This year, Lexington welcomed a new team member—Nala, the school’s emotional support dog. Thanks to the efforts of Transitional Kindergarten Teacher Krisha Friberg, Nala has become an integral part of the Lexington community. Students cherish her calming presence, particularly in the Peaceful Place, where she adds an extra layer of comfort and connection.

The Peaceful Place is a shining example of how intentional, innovative programs can transform the school experience for students. Chelsea Carnegie will be sharing the story of Lexington’s Peaceful Place and its impact at the upcoming School Climate Conference at Pechanga Resort in Temecula, CA in April 2025. 

At Lexington Elementary, the dedication of the counseling team and staff ensures every student has the tools and support to thrive—proving that when a community comes together, extraordinary things happen.