The students at P256, a District 75 program for high school-age boys in Far Rockaway, Queens, had affectionately dubbed a room in their school the Rezoflexion Room. The moniker combined elements of the terms “conflict resolution” and “emotional reflection” because students used the space to calm down after altercations and to reflect on their choices.

There was just one problem. “This space was so institutional — white, white, white,” said Diana Judge, the UFT paraprofessional representative at P256.

Judge and her colleagues did their best to support their students in the fluorescent-lit room with blank walls and tile floors, but they wanted a more inviting atmosphere. So, this year, the six paraprofessionals decided to pool their Teacher’s Choice allocations to give the Rezoflexion Room a makeover.

Now, the walls are a calming mauve with art selected by the students and sequin-covered fabric swatches that change color as you stroke them up and down. There’s a couch with soft pillows and a box full of sensory toys such as stress balls and fidget spinners. A folder display holds cognitive behavioral therapy worksheets.

“We always knew we’d combine our money and do something together,” said paraprofessional Catherine Hernandez. Teacher’s Choice funds — money to reimburse educators for out-of-pocket spending on education materials — became available for the first time to paraprofessionals in the 2023–24 school year, after years of advocacy by the UFT.

A comfy chair in front of a giant elephant tapestry is a feature of the room.

Hernandez and her colleagues also pooled their Teacher’s Choice funds last year to purchase gifts and throw a winter holiday party for their students. This time, they turned their attention to the physical space of the school, which P256 educators have worked to make more welcoming since they lost their original building to Hurricane Sandy in 2012. P256’s partner organization, St. John’s Residence for Boys, offered P256 a floor’s worth of space that has housed the program ever since.

The Rezoflexion Room is the latest example of efforts made by the UFT members at P256 over the last 12 years to optimize their new space to meet their students’ needs. Judge, Hernandez and other paraprofessionals stayed after school for months to paint and set up the furniture and supplies.

A student touches a sequin-covered fabric swatch for a relaxing sensory experience.

“This Rezoflexion Room is an example of the amazing things that happen when paraprofessionals have the discretion to lead projects in their schools,” said Priscilla Castro, the chairperson of the UFT Paraprofessionals Chapter. The paraprofessionals at P256, she said, exemplify empowerment and engagement — the two E’s represented in the UFT’s new RESPECT for Paraprofessionals campaign.