The Bear Cave , the social-emotional hub at the campus , helped smooth the transition for Felix when he transferred to Yosemite last year from another district middle school . He met other students there and connected with support staff . It ’ s headquarters for the school ’ s social-emotional paraprofessional , school psychologist , social worker , re-engagement teacher and counseling assistants .

Felix said he likes the relaxed vibe of the oversized room – a former shop classroom – and “ the hands on the walls .”

Painted pairs of handprints from students who have visited the room decorate the walls . For Felix , they remind him of making handprints in elementary school .

Now in eighth grade , Felix has not always had an easy life . He has goals now , however , including playing football and basketball at Sunnyside High School next year and perhaps a professional sports career . His back-up plan , he says , is to be an architect .

He still enjoys spending time in the Bear Cave , but lifting weights with school psychologist

Kong Vang , left , is the school psychologist at Yosemite Middle School who has helped eighth-grader Felix Lopez-Henson with social-emotional challenges .

Kong Vang is even more fun . Felix said they have a friendly rivalry in the weight room , where 5-foot-6 Vang can deadlift and bench press more than Felix , who is 6 feet 2 inches tall .

Vang was the first to invite Felix to the Bear Cave , which offers comfy couches , art supplies , video games , a chess set and other activities . Students may be referred to visit the room by their teachers or staff , but it ’ s also open to any student before school and at lunch .

“ The Bear Cave was able to support Felix by being a foundation for trust and safety , assisting him to cope through social-emotional challenges from school and home , as well as teaching life skills such as emotional regulation , conflict resolution skills , resiliency and goalsetting ,” Vang said .

Felix said he ’ s better at controlling his temper now and tries to avoid conflict with other students .

“ Mr . Vang told me to just ignore them and go on with your life ,” Felix said .

Felix Lopez-Henson likes weightlifting and sports .

• Received national attention as an innovative approach to helping students cope with social-emotional issues

• Opened in 2011 in a portable classroom and transitioned to the new room in 2014

• All Fresno Unified high schools have social-emotional centers for students , as well as some elementary schools