James A. Dever Elementary School is preparing to open the Zen Den, a new space designed to provide students with a calming environment where they can reset, practice mindfulnessand return to class ready to learn.
The opening is scheduled for mid-to-late September.
The idea for the Zen Den began during the Intergenerational Reading program at the library, where librarian Thomas Mullen expressed the wish for students to have an outdoor space to read. That suggestion became the foundation for the project. After further planning, the vision developed into an enclosed retreat surrounded by arborvitae trees, offering a natural and quiet setting for students.
Bringing the Zen Den to life required collaboration across many areas of the school community. The process involved social workers, parent-teacher associationmembers, the principal, superintendents, the director of facilities, the Board of Education, teachersand students. Support from PTA leaders at the time, including Rosina Fusillo, Sam Shawand treasurer Magdalena Rogowski, played a key role in moving the project forward.
Current PTA Co-President Desiree Fasulo, who also attended Dever as a student, emphasized the project’s personal importance to her and contributed to its development.
“As a Reiki Master who specializes in positive energy, I know how important it is for kids to have a place to shut out the noise, breatheand relax,” Fasulo said. “Everyone is always on the go with so many thoughts and notenough silence. The Zen Den gives our children, and really, our wholeschool community, the chance to feel tranquil and to channel the magicwe all have inside of us.”
The Zen Den is intended to serve multiple purposes within the school community. For students, it provides a safe and calming space to practice mindfulness, helping them return to class more focused and ready to learn. For staff, it offers an additional resource to support children’s well-being and reduce classroom disruptions.
Beyond its practical use, the Zen Den also carries symbolic significance. While it is physically a peaceful, enclosed room framed by greenery, the project represents the importance of balance, mindfulness and well-being in education.
“The Zen Den is more than just a peaceful room—it’s a space ofmindfulness and magic, and a reminder that emotional well-being is justas important as academics,” Fasulo said
