Sioux Citys Opportunities School, focusing on behavior and mental health – KCAU 9

Posted: Nov 13, 2019 / 10:56 PM CST / Updated: Nov 13, 2019 / 10:56 PM CST

Were now well into the school year, long enough for someparents to notice some changes or struggles in their childs behavior oracademics.

In this weeks Mental Wellness Wednesday, where Siouxland schools turn when traditional interventions arent working.

Our school is a lot like a one room school house, Boys andGirls Home Education Director Ben Mohning said.

The Opportunities School at the Boys and Girls Home providessmall groups of students a chance to have highly indivualiszed care.

Both on academics and behavior, we try to help themunderstand more about their needs and what they can do to try and be a betterstudent and learn some of the social skills that they need, Mohning said.

Their focus is on behavior and improving a students overallmental health.

We have classroom environments that allow students toexpress themselves, talk about issues they may be having, almost a townhallwhere they can talk to each other about issues they may be having, Mohning said.

Teachers say those group sessions always end on a positivenote, encouraging one another and setting the tone for a positive day. Thatconstant focus on the positive helping students adjust their mindset andcontrol their behavior.

One thing were working on is meditation and breathingactivities, if they can move and breathe in a particular way, it can help themcalm down and bring things back down, Mohning said.

All skills that can help them learn how to better functionin a typical classroom setting.

Our goal from the time they start with us to the time theyfinish is to get them back to the public school, Mohning said.

If your child is struggling with their grades, behavior orother issues at school, the first step is to talk to your school administrator.School districts in the tri-state region can make the decision to referstudents to the opportunities school at the boys and girls home.

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Sioux Citys Opportunities School, focusing on behavior and mental health - KCAU 9