Hacienda La Puente Unified's Wellness Wednesdays: Understanding Individual Needs

Dear Hacienda La Puente Unified Community,

At Hacienda La Puente Unified, we are sensitive to the diverse needs of our families and are   committed to providing robust resources and support services for all our students. We strive   to foster healthy and happy school communities that value and respect every student, staff member, and family.

Before we run into the summer months and enjoy much needed fun, the District wanted to focus on ways to manage stressors and highlight the many resources available to anyone in need of additional support.

In a Neurodivergent Insights newsletter, clinical psychologist, educator, and researcher Dr. Megan Anna Neff explains how people process sensory input differently. Some people react more strongly to sensory stimuli than others, such as sensitivity to lights, sounds, textures, emotions, and more. This can lead to the feeling of overwhelm and it’s important to understand when and how to regulate emotions.

Natalie Brunswick identifies a “bucket” model in The Highly Sensitive Family and Sensitivity Unpacked to describe how sensory and emotional overload builds up and how it can be released.

Bucket fillers (triggers of overwhelm)	Bucket releases (emotional regulation tools)
Excessive or disruptive sensory input Socializing and overscheduling Emotional stress or information overload Changes and transitions	Moving your body Wearing sunglasses or turning off lights Setting healthy boundaries Listening to your body and emotions, and honoring what you need Making time to play Immediate calming tactics can include: Using both hands to push your weight against a wall Lying on the floor with your feet up on the wall Listening to calming music Asking for a hug

For Children and Young Adults

Bucket fillers	Bucket releases
Socializing Separation School/academic pressure Lack of certainty or control Busy schedules and lack of downtime Too much sensory, cognitive, and emotional processing	Time to feel their emotions, sometimes meltdowns are needed and you do not want to prevent this release Unstructured play Movement and time outdoors Choice and perceived control when possible Bottom line: get them into their bodies and out of their heads

When your child’s bucket is full, meltdowns and challenging behaviors surface. Bucket releases that can be integrated into your child’s day to help process and ease their emotions and behaviors.

The strategies and insights shared in this Wellness Wednesday are intended for general informational purposes only. Every child is unique, and their needs may vary. We encourage families to consult with their child’s healthcare provider, or therapist to determine the most appropriate approaches for their individual situation. Working together with your medical and support professionals ensures the best outcomes for your child’s well-being.

“Developing an understanding of bucket fillers and releases not only helps us better recognize our own emotional and mental experiences, but also deepens our empathy for others,” said Martha Calderon, Director of Equity and Access, Family Engagement. “With greater awareness, we can navigate our environments with more ease and create stronger, more supportive relationships.”

Need Support?

If you or someone in your family is in need of additional support, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Help is available.

District Support Services

Call the Equity and Access Department at (626) 933-5302 for information on food banks, foster youth programs, mental health resources, wellness apps, and more.

24/7 Mental Health Support Hotlines

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Free, confidential support for people in distress, including those with Autism or ADHD.
  • Dial 988
  • Text 988
  • Available 24/7 in English and Spanish
  • Also available to those who are deaf and hard of hearing
     
• Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health: Access to mental health services.
  • Call 1-800-854-7771
  • Available 24/7
     
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline: For support and resources.
  • Call 1-800-950-NAMI (1-800-950-6264) 
  • Text “HELPLINE” to 62640 
  • Available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET
     
• Teen Line: For teen, peer support.
  • Call 1-800-852-8336 from 6 to 10 p.m. PST
  • Text “TEEN” to 839863 from 6 to 9 p.m. PST

• Autism Society National Helpline: Speak with an Information & Referral Specialist for guidance and resources.
  • Call 1-800-3-AUTISM (1-800-328-8476) 
     
• LGBTQ Youth Suicide Hotline: Call, text, or chat with a trained counselor for information and support.
  • Call to get started 1-866-488-7386
  • Available 24/7/365
  • 100% Free and Confidential

You are not alone. Reaching out is a sign of strength, and we are here to support you every step of the way.