Brain Health Retreat Room to help Bettendorf Middle School students

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Middle school is never easy, but a new program launching in the 2026-27 school year will help Bettendorf students navigate the challenges.

Bettendorf Middle School 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 funded through a $40,000 grant and a continued partnership with Brain Health Now. The nonprofit organization works to change the narrative around mental health by calling it “brain health,” reducing stigma and fostering more supportive environments.

The partnership began at Bettendorf High School, which was the first in the Quad Cities to open a Brain Health Retreat Room. Expanding to the middle school shows the district’s commitment to supporting the cognitive, emotional and social well-being of students. This is crucial during the middle school years, when brain development and mental health needs evolve rapidly.

The Brain Health Retreat Room at Bettendorf Middle School will be a welcoming space for both students and staff. Scheduled hours will be available for staff for quiet reflection and reset. The room will be open for students during select times, with trained staff offering guided support to help them reset, recharge and return to learning or meet with a counselor for additional help.

“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.”

Bettendorf Middle School offers a network of support for students, 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

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