The Student Connections program, a long-standing support group at Chippewa Falls Middle School, is designed to help students navigate the challenges of early adolescence. This proactive program supports the emotional well-being of students by providing a safe space to build developmentally appropriate coping strategies, problem-solving skills, and strong interpersonal connections. The ultimate goal of Student Connections is to promote positive social, emotional, and academic growth—creating a healthier and more supportive school environment for all.

We are excited to announce that, starting this fall, the Student Connections program will be expanding to Chippewa Valley High School! We are also tentatively planning to launch at Chippewa Falls High School this winter, further extending the program’s positive impact.

By reaching more students at critical stages of their development, Student Connections continues to empower youth with the tools they need to succeed—in school and beyond.

How does the program work? Groups of students (maximum of ten) meet with an adult facilitator for 40-50 minutes weekly for 6-8 weeks. 

Who is invited? Chippewa Falls Middle School Students, Chippewa Valley High School Students, and Chippewa Falls High School (Tentatively)

What are the benefits of these groups?

A place to:

-Be listened to

-Set goals

-Be reassured

-Give/get information

-Give/feel support

-Raise self-esteem

-Better understand self & others

-Take positive action

-Realize you're not alone

-Show a caring attitude

Where are groups held? Various rooms within Chippewa Falls Middle School Students, Chippewa Valley High School Students, and Chippewa Falls High School (Tentatively)

When are groups held? During the school day.

What are the goals for these support groups?

-To give students opportunities to give and receive support.

-To allow students the opportunity to address personal/family/school concerns that may be affecting their learning.

-To teach students coping skills.

-To promote positive and healthy choices.

-To prevent minor concerns/issues that students deal with from becoming major ones.

-To help students work cooperatively with each other.

-To improve the school climate for students and staff at CFMS, CVHS, and CFHS.

25-26 Fall:
CFMS Group Offerings (Groups that are currently running):
ADHD Avengers (6th Grade):  Celebrate ADHD strengths, understand challenges, and discover new ways to grow.
ADHD Avengers (7th & 8th Grade):  Celebrate ADHD strengths, understand challenges, and discover new ways to grow.
Copings Skills: Discusses emotional regulation, how emotions manifest physically, and ways to stay calm.
Friendship Foundations: Teaches students essential skills to build and maintain positive friendships.
Free Being Me: Focuses on self-esteem and self-worth, helping students understand and manage their inner critic and navigate social media positively.
Helping Hands Group: Group that helps decorating lunch bags for Meals on Wheels.
RELAX- 6TH GRADE: Provides a space for students to practice mindfulness techniques to reduce stress and improve focus.
RELAX- 7TH GRADE: Provides a space for students to practice mindfulness techniques to reduce stress and improve focus.
RELAX- 8TH GRADE: Provides a space for students to practice mindfulness techniques to reduce stress and improve focus.
Safety & Strength: Supports students who have witnessed violence by discussing safety, coping skills, and healthy relationships.

CVHS- Semester 1 Group Opportunity:
ATOD Group: Helps high school students understand the risks of alcohol, tobacco, and drug use. Students learn healthy decision-making, coping strategies, and how to resist peer pressure while building skills for a healthier lifestyle.
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25-26 Winter
CFMS Group Offerings (starting in January):
Active & Connected: A fun, high-energy group with movement games, workouts, and team activities to stay active and make new friends!
ADHD Avengers: Celebrate ADHD strengths, understand challenges, and discover new ways to grow.
Bake & Breathe- Mindfulness in the Kitchen: A calming group that combines mindfulness and baking to help you relax, focus, and enjoy the moment—one recipe at a time.
Coping Skills: Discusses emotional regulation, how emotions manifest physically, and ways to stay calm.
Culture Crew: Empowers students from diverse backgrounds to understand their identity, feel inspired, and be their best selves.
Ducks In A Row (Therapeutic Organization): Teaches organizational skills to help students manage stress, focus, and build peer connections.
Free Being Me: Focuses on self-esteem and self-worth, helping students understand and manage their inner critic and navigate social media positively.
Friendship Foundations: Teaches students essential skills to build and maintain positive friendships.
Fostering Hope: Supports students in foster care with skills for making good choices, setting goals, and addressing unique challenges.
It's OK That You're Not Okay: Offers strategies for coping with emotions when dealing with serious illness or loss of a loved one.
Mental Game: Build focus, confidence, and mental toughness to perform your best
Power Up: A group for middle schoolers to boost confidence, build a strong mindset, and believe in themselves.
Relax: Provides a space for students to practice mindfulness techniques to reduce stress and improve focus.
Safety & Strength: Supports students who have witnessed violence by discussing safety, coping skills, and healthy relationships.
S.O.S: Offers tools and plans for students affected by addiction, focusing on safety, awareness, and making healthy choices.
Strong Through Change: Support for students facing family changes like divorce or incarceration—sharing, coping, and finding strength together.
True Colors: A safe, nonjudgmental environment for LGBTQIA+ students to express themselves and share experiences.

CFHS- Semester 2 Group Offerings
ADHD: A supportive group for students with ADHD to learn helpful strategies, build self-awareness, and connect with others who share similar experiences.
Anger Management Group: Teaches high school students how to recognize triggers, manage their emotions, and develop healthy ways to express anger. Students build skills in coping, communication, and conflict resolution to improve relationships and decision-making.
ATOD Group: Helps students understand the risks of alcohol, tobacco, and drugs while building healthy decision-making and coping skills.
Healthy Relationships/Safety: Helps students build respectful relationships through better communication, boundary-setting, and trust.
Real Talk: Life Under Pressure: A group for teens to share struggles, get support, and learn simple ways to handle daily pressures and feel more in control.
RELAX (coping with stress/anxiety): Provides a welcoming space for students to explore relaxation techniques that help reduce stress, improve focus, and promote overall well-being.
Self-Esteem/Friendship: A space for students to build confidence, develop healthy friendships, and learn how to feel good about themselves while connecting with others
Sorted & Supported: A supportive group where students build organization habits, share tips, and use dedicated time to get things done—together.
Strive & Thrive: A student group focused on managing perfectionism and stress through open discussions, practical tools, and peer support to build healthier habits and mindsets.
Strong Through Change: A supportive group for students experiencing family changes like divorce or having a loved one incarcerated—focused on sharing, coping, and finding strength through connection.

CVHS- Semester 2 Group Offering:
Anger Management Group: Teaches high school students how to recognize triggers, manage their emotions, and develop healthy ways to express anger. Students build skills in coping, communication, and conflict resolution to improve relationships and decision-making.

Groups are open to all students who attend Chippewa Falls Middle School.  Students can self-refer into a group, or be referred by parents, teachers, or counselors.  If a parent would like their child to participate in a group or does NOT want their child to participate, please contact Sami Behnke, Student Connections Coordinator at 715-726-5214 or email at behnkesm@chipfalls.org or please contact Ann Zenner, CCLC Director at 715-726-2588 or email at zennerak@chipfalls.org.