Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians
Special to Valley News
The month of February includes many celebrations, among them Random Acts of Kindness Week. Noli Indian School Counselor II Seandee Brown promotes kindness year-round, and students are responding positively.
Brown produces a monthly newsletter called WELLNEWS focused on different mental health themes and resources. Printed copies are available at the Wellness Center, her office on campus, and digital versions can be accessed through the school website and parent portal. The Wellness Center, a repurposed classroom designed with student input, offers a welcoming space where middle and high school students can relax during their lunch periods with soft music and low lighting.
Brown, a certified Level II Wellness Coach, helped Noli Indian School earn recognition as an official Kindness School by the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation for “helping to make kindness the norm.” Students often visit the center simply to decompress or talk. Brown keeps a desk in the corner so students can seek guidance anytime.
In February, activities focused on self-compassion, body image and self-esteem. Students wrote kind notes to others or to themselves because, Brown reminds them, “words matter.” They also decorated journals with stickers and personal designs.
Junior Jeffrey Arres said the center offers a place to step away from stress. “It’s somewhere to sit and breathe and get away from everything,” he said. “People can come in here to express themselves, draw, read, listen to music.”
Other students echoed similar feelings. Sophomore Shanee Demara described the space as relaxing and peaceful, while Jerimyah Saenz said spending time in the center helps him feel calmer.
Brown also encourages students to write thank-you notes to people in their lives or even to themselves as a reminder to practice gratitude. Seventeen-year-old Monique Russell said she planned to write a thank-you note to her grandmother. “She takes care of me and is always there to listen and take care of my problems,” she said.
The center also encourages students to think about their future. An “I applied” wall displays copies of college acceptance letters along with AI-generated photos of students wearing the cap and gown of their future school, helping keep college goals visible throughout the year.
Each month focuses on a new theme. January emphasized goal setting using the SMART approach — specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound. March will focus on stress management and emotional balance.
“As we enter a busy time of the year, many of our students are balancing academics, extracurricular activities, social pressures and personal responsibilities,” Brown said. “This month’s newsletter highlights the importance of helping students recognize stress and use healthy strategies to cope.”
This is the first full school year the Wellness Center has been available, and Brown said she has already seen improved communication among students and less negativity on campus.
The Bureau of Indian Education recently highlighted the Noli Wellness Center on its social media and newsletter. Since 2022, Noli has served students from 28 different Tribes.
Brown is also preparing for the center’s upcoming “Say Yes to the Dress Prom Boutique,” which will provide free dresses, shoes and accessories to students. Donations of gently used or new prom dresses, shoes, wraps and gift cards for alterations or beauty services are being accepted through March 19. For information, contact Brown at 951-663-3642 or sbrown@noliclassroom.com.
