Support groups are offered at Millard South twice a year, beginning in the second and fourth quarters. Groups last for approximately eight weeks, meeting once a week for 45 minutes at the end of rotating blocks. Support groups are a resource to help students be sucessful in the academic setting as well as provide social, emotional and psychological support. The groups are formed and facilitated by a school counselor and/or school psychologist with a psychoeducational focus. All groups are confidential and voluntary. If students would like to participate, they can refer themselves or be referred by someone else (anonymously). Each student is individually screened prior to the start of the group by the facilitator. Students participating are expected to maintain good academic standing in all classes. Teachers may keep students in a particular class if they choose to do so.
Please contact Ms. Townsend at (402)715-8436 or emtownsend@mpsomaha.org if you are interested, or would like more information.
Below is a listing of groups that may be offered during the school year. The types of groups established are based on the need of the students.
Teen Living : This group is designed to support students as they encounter the unique challenges of being young adults. A variety of topics will be addressed. Among these are relationship building, communication, decision making, life coping skills, living a healthy lifestyle, and any other relevant topics as deemed necessary by the group.
Peer Relationships : For young women who have experienced a pattern of problems and/or violence in dating relationships. Group members will learn more about healthy relationships that are based on respect and equality.
Family Relationships : For students who have difficultly in their relationships with parents, guardians, and other family members. Students that may need help living with divorced parents.
Anger Management : For students whose anger and/or emotions are a problem in their lives. The group will facilitate self-awareness of anger triggers; how anger can be useful; and different styles of expressing emotions: stuffing, escalating, and managing.
Grief and Loss : For students who need support in coping with a loss due to the death of someone in their lives.
Stress Management : For students who need help in developing strategies and/or coping mechanisms for handling difficult life situations. Transitioning to high school, time management skills, study skills, and life coping skills are some of the topics that are covered.
Study Skills : Learn effective habits, study skills, time management and other strategies necessary for success in high school.
Student Mediators: This group of 10 selected and counselor-trained seniors helps students resolve their conflicts in peaceful ways using confidential conferences. Students can volunteer themselves or others for mediation, and staff and parents can also make referrals. Participation is voluntary in all mediations.
A Better Future Today: This is a group of about 20 students grades 10-12 who have been trained in racial/sexual harassment prevention. They are prepared to speak in classrooms and at other district gatherings, with the hope of increasing respectful behaviors among all MPS students and staff members.
Last Updated: September 1, 2009