#United States #Mohegan Lake #Shrub Oak School #Student Hub #Education Facility

Renovation of the Student Hub at Shrub Oak International School

Shrub Oak International School, located in Mohegan Lake, New York, recently celebrated the transformation of its Student Hub, a central hub designed for students to engage in recreational, social, and self-directed activities. The renovation aims to create an inclusive environment that not only accommodates diverse interests but also enhances student well-being by emphasizing connection, engagement, and regulation.

A Thoughtful Redesign

The reimagined Hub includes a range of interactive features tailored to meet various sensory needs and interests. Newly introduced game installations – such as basketball-style Connect 4, wall-mounted Connect 4, and wall tic-tac-toe, alongside tabletop games like foosball and air hockey – foster teamwork and social interaction in a low-pressure atmosphere. These engaging activities encourage turn-taking, shared attention, and organic peer interactions, which are essential for social development.

Furthermore, the redesign recognizes the need for balance between energetic play and quieter pursuits. A dedicated reading nook has been created within the Hub, equipped with comfortable seating and a small library. This space provides students an opportunity to unwind, read, or engage in low-stimulation activities, allowing them to self-regulate based on their individual needs.

Attention to Visual Design

The visual aspect of the Hub was also a significant focus during the renovation. A large, immersive wall mural now graces the space, offering a fresh aesthetic while helping to distinguish this area from surrounding academic sections. Designed to invoke a sense of calm, the mural serves as both a visual anchor and an environmental feature that supports students who may be sensitive to their surroundings.

Additional sensory-supportive elements have been included, such as crash pads and ball dart boards, which provide safe outlets for physical movement and stress relief. These elements engage students in full-body play and promote coordination within a structured setting, allowing for an enjoyable yet supervised experience.

Enhanced Functionality and Accessibility

To further enhance the Hub, the furniture layout was restructured to promote better flow and accessibility while ensuring clear sightlines for staff supervision. This updated arrangement fosters individual use as well as small-group interactions, allowing for shared recreational time among students.

Samantha Supino, the Director of Facilities, emphasized the intent behind this renovation: "This renovation was about much more than updating a space — it was about being intentional with every design choice. Our goal was to create a Hub that feels welcoming, flexible, and responsive to how our students actually use the space."

A Dynamic Environment for Growth

The newly renovated Student Hub reinforces Shrub Oak International School’s commitment to a student-centered design philosophy. As a dynamic and inclusive space, it caters to creative expression, social connections, and personal regulation. The Hub aims to provide students a meaningful environment where they can engage, recharge, and connect with one another.

About Shrub Oak International School

Shrub Oak International School is dedicated to transforming the lives of autistic children, adolescents, and young adults. By utilizing individualized strengths-based educational strategies, the school helps students form meaningful relationships, navigate their communities, and realize their potential. The Pines at Shrub Oak, located on the campus, is a specialized therapeutic program catering to neurodiverse individuals. Through innovative approaches and a nurturing environment, Shrub Oak International School shares a vision of inclusion and growth for all its students.