Evans Junior High School is proud to announce the opening of its new Brain Health Retreat Room, which has been open since the beginning of the 2025–26 school year. This dedicated space is designed to support the mental and emotional well-being of students and staff, expanding the Ottumwa Community School District’s commitment to prioritizing student wellness and building on the successful model established at Ottumwa High School.

Brain health challenges among youth continue to rise nationwide. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 80% of U.S. students report feeling stressed sometimes or often, and 34% say they experience depression. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also reports that 1 in 6 K–12 students experience behavioral or emotional symptoms significant enough to meet the criteria for a brain health issue. Schools across the country are responding by creating spaces and systems designed to help students access support earlier and more effectively.

Through the vision and generosity of Debi and Andy Butler, and with the support of the Ottumwa Community School District, Evans Junior High is now part of this growing movement. The project is further strengthened by a three-year grant from the Ottumwa Legacy Foundation, the first middle school location supported by Brain Health Now. This Legacy grant funds a full-time Brain Health Liaison, a licensed mental health professional dedicated to helping Evans students access the support they need.

"Ottumwa Schools has been a true partner in changing how we care for our students’ well-being. After seeing the impact of the Brain Health Retreat Room at Ottumwa High School, I’m incredibly proud to open our second BHRR in Evans Junior High. This expansion signals more than a new space—it affirms a shared commitment to early, everyday support that helps students regulate, reset, and return to learning," said Debi Butler. "Thank you to Ottumwa’s administrators - especially Mike Stiemsma, educators, school counselors, and families for leading with courage and care. Most importantly, thank you to the Brain Health Retreat Room Liaisons, Brianna and Jessica, who are serving the students every single day. Together, we’re proving that when we change the words, we change the mindset—and when we change the mindset, we change lives."

The Brain Health Retreat Room provides a safe and welcoming environment where students and staff can practice brief self-regulation strategies. While it is not a therapy space, the room is led by a trained professional who guides students through activities such as breathing exercises, grounding techniques, meditation, problem-solving, or simply taking a quiet moment to reset.

The purpose of the Brain Health Retreat Room is to help students regulate their emotions and return to class ready to learn. It is not designed for avoiding class, socializing with friends, studying, or serving as a disciplinary space. Students are encouraged to try classroom-based strategies first. If additional support is needed, they may be referred by a teacher, staff member, school counselor, or self-referral. As long as students are respectful and willing to participate in a self-regulation strategy, they are welcome to use the space.

Once regulated, students return to class with a pass or may be referred to the school counselor for further support. For some students, a brief visit may be all that is needed. For others, the Brain Health Liaison can help connect them to additional mental health resources within the school or community.

The Brain Health Retreat Room at Evans Junior High School is open during regular school hours. It serves as a testament to the school’s and district’s dedication to fostering a supportive, healthy learning environment. By intervening earlier and offering structured emotional support, the program aims to reduce student absences and improve academic outcomes, helping students thrive today and into the future.