BETTENDORF, IOWA (October 6, 2025) — Bettendorf Middle School is proud to announce it has been selected as Iowa’s first middle school to receive a Brain Health Retreat Room, launching in the 2026–27 school year. The project is made possible through a $40,000 grant and the continued partnership with Brain Health Now, a non-profit organization dedicated to changing the narrative around mental health by using the term “brain health” to reduce stigma and foster more supportive environments.
This innovative partnership began at Bettendorf High School, which was the first in the Quad Cities to open a Brain Health Retreat Room. The expansion to the middle school underscores the district’s commitment to supporting the cognitive, emotional, and social well-being of students — especially during the critical middle school years, when brain development and mental health needs are rapidly evolving.
The Brain Health Retreat Room at Bettendorf Middle School will provide a welcoming space for both students and staff.
- For staff, scheduled hours will be available for quiet reflection and reset.
- For students, the room will be open during select times with trained staff offering guided support to help individuals reset, recharge, and return to learning — or connect with a counselor for additional help.
This initiative aligns with growing research on adolescent brain development showing that the prefrontal cortex — the part of the brain responsible for decision-making, impulse control, and emotional regulation — is still developing during the middle school years.
“Too often, students struggling with anxiety, stress, or overwhelm are seen as misbehaving, when in reality their brains are doing exactly what developing teen brains do,” said Sarah Harris, MTSS-SEBH Coordinator.
“Middle school students are still maturing in areas like impulse control and emotional regulation, which can make it harder for them to manage stress and reactions in a school setting without support. We’re honored to lead the way in Iowa and grateful to Brain Health Now for believing in our students, staff, and district.”
In addition to the new Brain Health Retreat Room, Bettendorf Middle School offers a robust network of supports for student well-being, including:
- A dedicated team of counselors and a social worker
- Peer mentorship and WEB (Where Everybody Belongs) programs
- A school-based therapist and therapy dog
- Ongoing professional development for staff in trauma-informed care and adolescent development
- A Positive Behavior Support team focused on fostering safe and supportive learning environments
The Bettendorf Community School District remains committed to creating compassionate spaces where every student can thrive — academically, socially, and emotionally.
