Bettendorf Middle School is proud to announce that it has been selected as Iowa’s first middle school to launch a Brain Health Retreat Room, beginning in the 2026–2027 school year. This exciting opportunity is made possible through our continued partnership with Brain Health Now, a non-profit organization dedicated to transforming the way we think and talk about mental health.
This initiative builds on the success of our earlier collaboration at Bettendorf High School, which became the first in the Quad Cities to implement this innovative space. The Brain Health Retreat Room is designed to support the cognitive, emotional, and social well-being of students—particularly during the critical middle school years, when brain development is rapidly evolving and mental health needs often emerge more prominently.
Founded by Debi Butler, Brain Health Now aims to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health by promoting the more inclusive term “brain health.” The addition of a Brain Health Retreat Room at Bettendorf Middle School represents a significant step forward in our district’s commitment to supporting both students and staff.
The space will serve as a welcoming, restorative environment that promotes reflection, emotional regulation, and connection.
It will offer:
Dedicated staff hours for students seeking guided support to reset, recharge, and return to learning;
Scheduled times for staff to engage in quiet reflection and self-care; and
Integration with existing counseling services, allowing students to connect with counselors when additional support is needed.
This initiative aligns with growing research on adolescent brain development, which shows that the prefrontal cortex—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. “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 continues to prioritize holistic support for students through a range of programs and services, including:
A dedicated team of counselors and a social worker
Peer mentorship and WEB programs
A school-based therapist and therapy dog
Professional development in trauma-informed care and adolescent development
A Positive Behavior Support team focused on maintaining safe, supportive learning environments
Together, these efforts reinforce our district’s ongoing commitment to ensuring every student and staff member feels seen, supported, and ready to thrive.
