When a student comes into the wellness center at Oceanside High School, clerk Emily Clement can immediately tell if they want to talk.

“If they want to chat, they do two things: They’ll either sit in one of those chairs right there, or they’ll sit in the other barrel chairs,” she said. “Nobody that wants to talk sits at tables.”

If a student needs time, she gives it to them. She invites them to make themselves at home, points them to the adult coloring books and puzzles. Often, after they’ve had a break, they might start talking — sometimes with her, sometimes with a group.

Sometimes they’ll request a counselor or social worker; other times, they’ll ask for a mentor to help them deal with a conflict.

Down the hall, there’s a food pantry — donations are delivered on Wednesdays — and a c

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