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Mental health is equally as important as physical health to us at Bentonville Virtual School. We take a tiered approach to mental health support that is both proactive and respondent. Classroom guidance (Tier 1) is provided to each virtual classroom monthly. Small group counseling and behavior support (Tier 2) is provided throughout the year based on qualified need and teacher, administrative, or parent referral. Individual counseling (Tier 3) is provided at any time based on student need. School counseling services are short‐term services aimed at the more effective education and socialization of a child within the school community. These services are not intended as a substitute for diagnosis or treatment for any mental health disorder.
SCHOOL-BASED THERAPY
At Bentonville Virtual School, we also offer school-based therapy in which a local mental health agency provides individualized therapy to their clients (our students) based on referral.
The agencies that serve Bentonville Virtual School are, in alphabetical order:
- Eason Counseling and Associates
- Friendship Community Care/Connections Behavioral Health
- Ozark Guidance/Arisa Health
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT
We currently use the Core Essentials Values Program for our character education for grades K-4 and Second Step Program for grades 5-6.
SOCIAL & EMOTIONAL LEARNING
We provide social and emotional learning through our classroom guidance program according to our district Comprehensive Counseling Plan (*excerpt provided below). Additional lessons are provided based on our annual building needs assessment data.
*Annual Calendar Elementary K-4 Lessons
September - Conflict Resolution
October - Bullying/Cyberbullying Prevention & Empathy
November - Sexual Abuse Prevention-Empower Me
January - Emotions/Coping Strategies/Owning Behavior
April - Careers
*Annual Calendar Middle School 5-6 Lessons
August/September - Introduction/Bullying Prevention
October - Suicide Awareness (6th grade)-S.O.S. in partnership with Ozark Guidance
November/December - Sexual Abuse Prevention-Empower Me
January - Problem Solving/Coping Skills
February - Empathy/Kindness
April/May - Careers
Parents who desire more information about school-based services should contact our school counselor, Michelle Eichler, for more information at 479.696.3397 or meichler@bentonvillek12.org.