Coping with Violence

In response to school violence, Mental Health Professionals across the country have developed resources to help families and educators navigate what they are seeing, hearing and feeling so they can find ways to cope.

Calm Down Center

This year, more than ever, our students will need social emotional support from parents, teachers and other trusted adults in their lives.  Providing this support will help by validating their feelings and teach them new ways to regulate their emotions.  Developing "Calm Down Centers" at home and school is one way to give students the space and tools they need to practice ways to express the many feelings that they may be experiencing. 

Mental Health Support in School

Addressing the mental health needs of students in school is extremely important because 1 in 10 adolescents will have a mental health issue serious enough to impact their function at home or school, per the Association for Children's Mental Health.

Agency Partners and Curriculum

The WSD partners with several community agencies to provide classroom based prevention education and early intervention targeted services. The agencies currently supporting our schools are Youth In Need, Compass Health, Child Center, CHADS, KUTO, Preferred Family Healthcare and Safe Connections.

Mindfulness Activities for Learners

Mindfulness is the practice of bringing full awareness to the present rather than focusing on the past or future. Mindfulness activities help reduce stress and anxiety, raise self awareness, improve attention and focus, promote a sense of calm, and can improve cognitive performance.

Counseling Resources and Hotline Numbers

The Wentzville School Counselors and Educational Support Counselors can provide families seeking outside counseling or mental health support with resources to help students who are experiencing mental health concerns. Parents and guardians should reach out to their child's school counselor for additional resources.

Substance Abuse Resources

Research has shown that a positive relationship with school creates a greater sense of community and attachment and is associated with reduced potential for drug and alcohol abuse. WSD staff develop positive relationships with students by listening to students, setting clear expectations, and boundaries and modeling a positive view of learning.

Suicide Prevention

The Wentzville School District is focused on the safety and healthy development and well being of its students. In addition to developing guidance for staff to recognize and intervene with a student or staff member who contemplates suicide, students are provided with suicide prevention education from several community agencies.

Grief/Loss Resources

Grief can have a profound effect on a student's learning and school performance. An increased understanding regarding the impact of grief on children is essential when a student experiences the death of a friend or loved one. While each student will be affected differently, there are some strategies and supports that can be helpful to the grieving student.

Common Mental Health Issues in School Age Children

The ability to recognize when students are struggling with mental health concerns is important because these issues often develop during childhood or adolescence. They are treatable, and early detection and intervention strategies help improve resilience and the ability to succeed in school and life.

DESE Trauma-Informed Schools Initiative