Embedded Files
Small Group SUpportS
Small Group SUpportS
JMS offers small groups in the following four areas through the district-approved Character Strong curriculum. Students are identified for groups based on data from our SEL screener, behavior referrals, attendance data, grade data, and teacher/parent/student input. Parents are notified when students are placed in groups and have the option to opt their child out upon request. If you are interested in your child participating in one of these groups please reach out to your school counselor.
Self-Management
The Self-Management Group helps students feel more in control and teaches them how to complete daily responsibilities with minimal outside support. They will learn and practice strategies to improve focus, stay motivated, and manage their actions.
Regulation
The Regulation Group helps students gain confidence in managing strong emotions and avoiding trouble. They will learn to recognize intense feelings, understand their impact, and use strategies to feel more in control.
Coping
The Coping Group supports students in building confidence, managing challenging situations, and becoming their best selves. They’ll learn to recognize strong emotions, understand how these emotions influence them, and use strategies to feel better and make positive choices.
Relationships
The Relationships Group helps students build confidence, learn how to create healthy relationships, resolve conflicts, and stay connected in a positive way. They will receive support in developing a Relationship Plan with specific goals and skills they want to improve and develop.
Grief Group
Grief Group
Johnston Middle School, in partnership with Hamiltons Academy for Grief and Loss offers a 6-week grief counseling group on an as needed basis that will be led by trained facilitators from Hamilton’s Funeral Home and co-facilitated by one of the Johnston Middle School counselors. This is a group that will meet once a week for approximately 45 minutes, providing a safe place to express grief and concerns regarding their experience with loss. This group will also focus on stages people go through as part of their loss and how different coping skills work for different people. In the final week of group, students would have the opportunity to visit Hamilton’s Funeral Home as part of the closure of the group. Parent permission is required to participate in this group. Please reaach out to your childs school counselor if you are interested.
Substance Use Resources
Substance Use Resources
EFR Diversion Program
EFR Diversion Program
Johnston Middle School and Employee & Family Resources are partnering on a low-level diversion program. EFR’s Juvenile Delinquency Diversion grant focuses on diverting youth from the juvenile justice system and reducing recidivism. EFR provides diversion programming for code of conduct violations on school grounds. This program is designed to prevent further suspensions and contact with law enforcement. Parent permission is required for students to participate in this program, and this resouce will be provided on an as-needed basis. If you have questions or would like to talk further about this program, please contact your school counselor.
Community Resources
Community Resources
Emotional Regulation Therapy Group: Coping Skills and Beyond
Emotional Regulation Therapy Group: Coping Skills and Beyond
LGBTQIA+ Teen Support Group: Communication Skills
LGBTQIA+ Teen Support Group: Communication Skills
Student Mental Health & Well-Being Website
This is not a conclusive list of mental health and well being services available throughout the metro area. However, it can be used as a starting point to explore services and select the one that is a good fit for your family. Inclusion on this list does not mean the provider is endorsed by the Johnston Community School District. Please contact the provider directly to answer your questions including insurance coverage and available services.
Student Assistance Program (SAP)
The Student Assistance Program (SAP) provides FREE short-term therapy services to all district students and their immediate families. Staff will ensure students and their families get the help they need to address and resolve the identified issues.
Unity Point Behavioral Health Urgent Care
1250 East 9th Street in Des Moines will be open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7 days a week. The Urgent Care clinic provides immediate walk in services to individuals who are needing mental health services, psychiatric evaluation and assessment, addiction medicine, crisis services and community resources. This location will serve patients of all ages, children under 18 will need to have a guardian with them.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Dial 988 OR 1-800-273-8255
A 24-hour, toll-free suicide prevention service available to anyone in suicidal crisis. You will be routed to the closest possible crisis center in your area. With more than 130 crisis centers across the country, their mission is to provide immediate assistance to anyone seeking mental health services. Call for yourself, or someone you care about. Your call is free and confidential. From immediate suicidal crisis to information about mental health, crisis centers in our network are equipped to take a wide range of calls. Some of the reasons to call are listed below.
Call to speak with someone who cares
Call if you feel you might be in danger of hurting yourself
Call to find referrals to mental health services in your area
Call to speak to a crisis worker about someone you’re concerned about
Food Resources
Food Resources
Food Insecurity Resources
Dragon Power Bags - this is a weekend food program families are able to opt into if in need; a small bag of food will be sent home with your student on Thursdays for extra food support on the weekend
Johnston Partnership - provides support in a variety of areas, including food, clothing, household supplies, hygiene products, etc. There are no specific qualifications for using the Johnston Partnership.
iPad apps
iPad apps
All of the below apps are available in the self-service cart on student iPads.
Breath2Relax
This app is a stress management tool that provides information about the effects of stress on the body and walks you through breathing exercises.
Stop-Breathe-Think
This is an app that allows you to do a self check-in with your emotions, and offers short, guided meditations and yoga based on how you feel. This is customizable with different timers and sounds of your choice.
Take A Break
This is a meditation app, for a work break or stress relief, you may have music or not, the voice will walk you through the program
Calm
Cam is a meditation, sleep, and relaxation app that has audio content that strengthens mental fitness and focuses on stress, anxiety, insomnia, and depression. There is a 10-minute meditation called, 'The Daily Calm, as well as 100 Sleep Stories.
Websites
Websites
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