Horizon Sensory Room gets major upgrade

Posted September 15, 2025

The new Sensory Room at Horizon Elementary School is a dream come true for teacher Olivia Lanser and a fitting tribute to former principal Chris Helmer.

The room, located on the east end of the building, is a refuge for students who need a few extra minutes to prepare themselves for the school day, for example, or to calm themselves after recess, or to take a break after getting upset.

“People don’t always realize how overstimulating a classroom can be,” Ms. Lanser said.

The centerpiece of the room is a celestial-themed mural by Wall It Creations. “It is very calming,” Ms. Lanser said. “The kids look at it and find things I’ve never seen.”

The room also features pictures with different textures, a soothing color-changing bubble light fixture, a small tent, a table with a dry-erase surface, a super-plush rug, and a variety of fidget toys.

Though the space provides important support for students with sensory processing differences, it’s a calming, regulating environment for any student who needs it, Ms. Lanser said. “The hope is that all kids can use it proactively as they learn to self-regulate,” she said.

 The new Horizon Sensory Room has been in the works for a long time, said Ms. Lanser, who has taught at Horizon for nine years. A few years ago, she and other special education teachers started using the space as a sensory room, with a hodgepodge of items.

A few years ago, when Chris Helmer became principal, they began talking about an upgrade. Mr. Helmer had been a special education teacher, so the idea resonated with him. He also has family connections to All My Friends, a non-profit organization that provides resources to create inclusive and friendly environments for those with cognitive disabilities.

Plans were paused while Mr. Helmer battled cancer, but All My Friends reached out about proceeding with the project after his death in August 2024. The work was funded with donations from the Helmer family and All My Friends.

The room includes several items connected to Mr. Helmer – a Star Wars fan – including a Darth Vader chair that used to be in his office and an “Educational Jedi Master” picture.

Work on the room was completed this summer, and students have been using the room since the beginning of this school year. Teachers still are hoping to add more comfy seating, some different lighting options, maybe something to project stars onto the ceiling.

Mr. Mueller and the Horizon staff are grateful for the generosity of the Helmer family and the All My Friends organization, and are honored that Mr. Helmer’s legacy will continue to live on within Horizon. Students and staff are encouraged to wear Hawaiian shirts on Friday Sept. 19 as a sign of appreciation for the generous gift from the Helmer family.

Learn more:
• Visit the All My Friends website.