Student Services Resources
This page provides a comprehensive list of resources available for families.
Financial Assistance:
- Federal Student Aid Information
- Iowa College Aid Information
- Iowa Economic Development
- 2-1-1 – is a free, comprehensive information and referral system linking Iowa and Nebraska residents to health and human service programs, community services, disaster services and governmental programs. 211 is a one-stop source of information for people looking for services.
COVID-19 Resources for secondary students:
- Red Table Talk – Facebook link to 30 minute long video from motivational speaker Jay Shetty and psychologist Dr. Ramani share tips and tools for managing the emotional toll that’s been brought on by COVID-19
- Red Table Talk – Facebook link to 1hr long video “What you need to know about cornoavirus”. Jada and Will Smith host a special family Red Table Talk to get straight factual answers to their questions about the Coronavirus.
- National Public Radio (NPR) – just for kids comic exploring the new coronavirus
- Teen Wellness Guide
- Supporting Adults with Autism During Uncertain Times – This may be helpful for high school age students
Talking with kids about COVID-19:
- Parent Resource for talking to your child about COVID-19
- Talking with kids about Coronavirus and Help for Separated Parents
- Center for Disease Control– talking about Coronavirus
- Coronavirus WHO (video) from the World Health Organization “What do you know about the novel Coronavirus that is causing a health emergency?”
- Dear Families from Iowa Educators– A team of Iowa educators worked together to create this resource that includes videos, lessons, activities for children of all ages to help support families during this time.
- Why is Everyone Wearing a Mask? (ages 0-3)
- Social Story on Wearing a Mask
- Social Story on Masks for Children ages 4-6
Supporting health and well-being for our Linn-Mar students and families:
- Social Story– to share more information on COVID-19
- 10 Grounding Exercises– To help manage worry
- Journaling and Mindfulness through Mayo Clinic’s Gratitude Challenge
- Social Emotional Learning Resources
- Social Emotional Learning during School Closures- see website
- Managing Stress During Coronavirus Outbreak
- Relaxation Strategies
- Taking Care of Your Behavioral Health
- Addressing Anxiety about Novel Coronavirus
- Supporting Families During COVID-19
- K-12 Social Emotional Learning Activities To Do At Home
- Parents Guide to Meeting the Challenge During the COVID-19 Pandemic
- https://teacch.com/resources/teacch-tips/
- Supporting Individuals with Autism during COVID-19
- Supporting Individuals with Autism through Uncertain Times
Community resources available to help anyone that is struggling emotionally:
- Crisis Textline: Text HELLO to 741741
- National Youth Crisis Hotline: 1-800-442-HOPE (4673)
- Iowa Help Line: 1-855-800-1239 or text iowahelpline.org
- Iowa Crisis Chat: www.iowacrisischat.org
- Foundation 2 Crisis Line: at 362-2174 or use their chat line by clicking here.
- Iowa Warm Line: Serving: Benton, Bremer, Buchanan, Delaware, Dubuque, Iowa, Johnson, Jones, and Linn Counties 1-855-800-1239 Chat: IowaHelpline.org The warm line is a peer run, telephone based, non-crisis, confidential, listening line for anyone struggling with mental health or substance abuse issues. The Warm Line is staffed by people who have been through a similar journey and are in recovery themselves
Linn-Mar Contact Information
Every school counselor and student assistance counselor is available to support students during this time. Please feel free to reach out to them via email to set up a time to talk. If your family is in need for reaching community support and/or resources, please contact our Family Resource Specialist, Katie Smith.
| School Building – District | Job Role | Name | |
| District-wide | Family Resource Specialist | Shawn Knighton |
| School Building – Elementary | Job Role | Name | |
| Echo Hill, Linn Grove, Indian Creek, Novak | Student Assistance Specialist | Jacob Young, JR | |
| Westfield, Bowman Woods, Wilkins | Student Assistance Specialist | Tammy DeVries | |
| Indian Creek | School Counselor | Laura James | |
| Linn Grove | School Counselor | Kathryn Knudson | |
| Bowman Woods | School Counselor | Sally Wiley | |
| Echo Hill | School Counselor | Deb Bundy | |
| Novak | School Counselor | Cris Southwood | |
| Westfield | School Counselor | Kasi Shanahan | |
| Wilkins | School Counselor | Nick Mohwinkle |
| School Building – Intermediate | Job Role | Name | |
| Boulder Peak | School Counselor | Margaret Buonadonna | |
| Hazel Point | School Counselor | Jackie Adair | |
| Boulder Peak, Hazel Point | Student Assistance Specialist | Tera Cooling |
| School Building – Middle | Job Role | Name | |
| Oak Ridge | Student Assistance Specialist | Kristin Cannon | |
| Oak Ridge | School Counselor | Kimberly Woods | |
| Oak Ridge | School Counselor | Victoria Wanda | |
| Excelsior | School Counselor | Lindsey Starmer | |
| Excelsior | Student Assistance Specialist | Mike Shipley | |
| Excelsior | School Counselor | Erin Gorman |
| School Building – High School | Job Role | Name | |
| High School | Student Assistance Counselor | Kevin McCauley | |
| High School | Student Assistance Counselor | Janessa Walters | |
| High School | Student Assistance Counselor | Jessica Deahl | |
| High School | Academic Success Counselor | Tony Nicol | |
| High School | Academic Success Counselor | Danielle Patterson | |
| High School | School Counselor 9/10 | Greg Hall (A-G) | |
| High School | School Counselor 9/10 | Pete Martin (H-M) | |
| High School | School Counselor 9/10 | Sheryl Cline (O-Z) | |
| High School | School Counselor 11/12 | Dave Kennedy (A-G) | |
| High School | School Counselor 11/12 | Jennifer Thurston (H-M) | |
| High School | School Counselor 11/12 | Elizabeth Kreher (O-Z) |