FLOCK Foundation helps launch innovative safe space at RHM Elementary

Rose Hill-Magnolia Elementary School is breaking new ground in student mental health and behavior support with the opening of the Eagles Nest, a state-of-the-art de-escalation room donated by the House of Raeford’s FLOCK Foundation. The school and foundation celebrated the ribbon-cutting ceremony last week, marking the launch of an initiative designed to help students manage emotions, reduce behavioral issues, and provide a safe, supportive space to regulate themselves.

“It’s a wonderful place where the kids can have an opportunity to relax, feel more comfortable, in an environment away from the classroom, away from the principal’s office,” explained Rose Hill Magnolia Elementary Co-Principal Cary Powers.

“The mental health of our children in Duplin County schools is a high priority with school administrators. Two of the four guiding pillars of House of Raeford Farms FLOCK are youth development and mental health,” House of Raeford Farms Dave Witter told Duplin Journal. “As the Eagles Nest project at Rose Hill-Magnolia Elementary developed, the FLOCK Board of Directors determined that this initiative would be a good fit for FLOCK and our community-minded efforts.”

According to Witter a couple of other schools in the county have expressed some interest in implementing the program.

The Eagles Nest equips staff with a valuable tool to support students in crisis while addressing broader mental health needs. The room’s multipurpose design integrates educational, emotional, and even spiritual support, offering dedicated areas for art, reading, STEM, games, and counseling. Powers emphasized that helping students regulate emotions in a safe environment can boost academic performance and foster long-term resilience, ultimately benefiting the entire county.

“We know it’s going to be successful,” said Powers. “Thank you to the House of Raeford FLOCK for the hard work out here to make this happen.”