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.

What groups are offered at CFMS:

Friendship Foundations- This group is designed to support students in identifying, fostering and maintaining healthy friendships.  Students will learn how to work through conflict with their friends, communicate effectively, and set and respect boundaries.

ADHD Avengers- This class examines positive traits of ADHD and how they make students unique. Participants will analyze their strengths and weaknesses, and explore new tools and strategies to help them grow in these areas. Our goal is to remind students of their “ADHD Superpowers.”

It's OK That You're Not Okay- Strategies for coping with your feelings when someone close to you is seriously ill or has passed away.

Free Being Me- This group is perfect for all students struggling with self-esteem, self-worth, and comparison.  Students will learn about their inner critic and try out new tools to help tame it when negativity arises. We will discuss the pros and cons of social media and how to create a social media experience that doesn’t tear down self-esteem.

Ducks In A Row (Therapeutic Organization)- This group focuses on skills to stay organized when you are stressed or having difficulty focusing.  Learn how to get your ducks in a row when your mind goes blank or when you have a hard time sitting still.  Learn how to get organized in a way that makes sense to you, gain skills in recognizing and managing emotions and stress, and build connections with your peers.

Fostering Hope- This group is for students who have been in or are currently in foster care. We will be working through skills on how to make great choices in a family setting, creating future life goals,  and focusing on the unique challenges of being in the foster system.

Relax- A group for students that need time to relax and regroup if they are feeling stressed and would like a moment to practice mindfulness techniques to help them focus, calm, and collect their thoughts.

Coping Skills- We will talk about regulating feelings and emotions, what happens when you have big feelings (including anger), how emotions show up in our bodies, and ways to cope and stay calm.

True Colors- This group is for students who identify as LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual, Transgender, Questioning/Queer, Intersex, Asexual, +). This group will provide a safe and nonjudgmental environment where students can fully express their individuality and share experiences.

S.O.S- A lifeline group for students who are being impacted or have been impacted by others addictions. This group will review tools and plans for safety and awareness. It will also talk about our own choices and how they impact our life.

Safety & Strength-For students who may have witnessed violence. We will talk about power and control, ways to stay physically and emotionally safe, coping skills, and healthy relationships.

While They're Away- This group is designed to support students who have a family member in jail or prison. Students will explore how life has changed since their family member left home and will learn strategies to help cope with these changes. An additional focus will be to help reduce the sense of confusion and stigma that accompanies family member incarceration.

Changing Families- Changing Families is a group designed to support students dealing with changes at home, such as divorce and separation. Group members will learn how to effectively communicate their feelings about how their family has changed and will learn about the responsibilities of both kids and adults in similar situations.

Culture Crew- This group brings students together who are part of a diverse population (for example, students of color, of different ethnicities and cultures, or religions). The goal is for students to know who they are and where they came from, leave inspired and empowered, and be their best selves.

Sibling Support- A group designed to help siblings of children with special needs come together and support one another. This group will allow participants to ask each other questions, obtain information, and discuss issues unique to having a brother or sister with special needs.

What groups are offered at CVHS this Fall:

ATOD Group: This small group provides a safe space for high school students to learn about the risks of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. Through discussion and activities, students build healthy coping skills, strengthen decision-making, and explore positive alternatives for personal growth.

Anger Management Group: This small group helps students understand and manage anger in a positive way. Through guided discussions and practical strategies, participants learn to identify triggers, express emotions constructively, and develop self-control and problem-solving skills.

What groups are offered at CVHS this Winter: TBD (More information coming within the next couple of months!)  

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.