Guidance

Our curriculum Character Strong focuses on conflict resolution, emotional regulation, and monthly character traits. Lessons are taught explicitly during guidance class in kindergarten through 5th grade. Lessons are included during advisory time in 6th through 8th grades.

Character Strong Character Traits Topics
These character traits are discussed in guidance class. Newsletters are sent home to their families about the current topic in guidance.

• Kindness Kickoff
• Respect
• Responsibilities
• Gratitude
• Empathy
• Perseverance
• Honesty
• Cooperation
• Courage
• Creativity

How does a student see the school counselor?

• Self-referral
• Parent-referral
• Administrative, teacher, or other staff referral
• Referred by friend(s)

Our school counseling program has shifted to skill based lessons. School counselors work alongside teachers, administrators and parents to support students in their social and emotional development. The school counselor's goal is to help remove any barriers students have to learning!

School counselors provide:

• Classroom lessons teaching social skills, managing strong emotions, organization & study skills, etc.
• Small group counseling (8-10 sessions)
• Short-term counseling (6-10 counseling sessions)
• Consultation with parents and teachers
• ​​​​​​​Mental health resources 

Mid-Prairie has partnered with Care Solace to better connect students, staff and families to mental health and substance abuse treatment options in our community. Care Solace provides a personalized pathway to community-based services regardless of need or insurance coverage. For more information click the link Care Solace or contact Mrs. Schlabaugh (East Elementary) mschlabaugh@mphawks.org, Mrs. Tyler (West) ktyler@mphawks.org, Tracy Rusch (Middle School) trusch@mphawks.org, Melissa Rediger (High School) mrediger@mphawks.org or Laura Schmitt (High School) lschmitt@mphawks.org.

Grace C. Mae Advocate Center-420 E. Polk Street, Washington, IA 52353- 319-653-2930- www.gracecmae.org

Iowa Family Counseling- 409 B Avenue, Kalona, IA 52247 Mailing: PO Box 308; Riverside, IA 52327 - 319-777-2774- https://www.iowafamilycounseling.com/ 

Imagine Therapy Solutions- 71 W First St, Riverside, IA 52327- 575 Cameron Way, Unit A, North Liberty, IA 52317- 319-626-2558- https://www.imaginetherapysolutions.com/

Turning Point Counseling and Psychotherapy- 412 C Ave, Kalona, IA 52247- 319-656-2085

Hillcrest Family Services- Brain Health Center Washington County- 2175 Lexington Blvd. Bldg. #2 Washington, IA 52353- Phone: (319) 653-6161- https://hillcrest-fs.org/services/mental-health-counseling/

24-hour Mental Health Crisis Line: 855-800-1239

Mid-Prairie Christmas Assistance Program

This program is available to Mid-Prairie Families with children 18 and under. This program may look different from year to year based on community organization involvement and donations received.  An application is required to receive assistance.  The school secretary will include this information in an email to all families in November. For more information please contact Mrs. Schlabaugh if your child is at MP East (K-2nd grade)mschlabaugh@mphawks.org, Mrs. Tyler ktyler@mphawks.org if your child is at MP West (PK, AK, 3rd grade & 4th grade), Mrs. Rusch trusch@mphawks.org if your child is at MPMS, or Mrs. Rediger mrediger@mphawks.org and Ms. Schmitt lschmitt@mphawks.org if your child is at MPHS.

Food Bags

Mid-Prairie partners with Feed the Kids to provide monthly food bags for families in the school district. The bags are available for pick-up in Kalona from 3:45-5:45 PM on the third Wednesday of each month.

Please contact Mrs. Schlabaugh if your child is at MP East (K-2nd grade)mschlabaugh@mphawks.org or Mrs. Tyler ktyler@mphawks.org if your child is at MP West (PK, AK, 3rd grade & 4th grade), Mrs. Rusch trusch@mphawks.org if your child is at MPMS, or Mrs. Rediger mrediger@mphawks.org and Ms. Schmitt lschmitt@mphawks.org if your child is at MPHS.