The recent shooting at an Iowa school has affected people of all ages, with news and social media information circulating. Children, especially, might experience a wide variety of emotions, such as fearfulness, shock, anger, grief, and anxiety in response to this news, according to David Brown, behavioral health state specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

Some of these difficulties might stem up in their concentration on schoolwork, changes in appetite, mood, and possible trouble sleeping. This is normal and should begin to disappear in four to six weeks, according to Brown.

The American Psychological Association offers the following advice.

• Listen to them. Take the time to actively listen to what your child or teen has to say. Many times, all children or teens want is someone to listen to them. In many cases, that is the best help you can offer.
• Affirm and support their need for help. If a child or teen tells you they are feeling afraid or upset, for example, tell them you are proud of them for sharing their feelings. Let them know you appreciate the courage it took for them to talk with you and for trusting you to help them.
• Be genuine. Try to avoid speaking from a script. Teens can tell when you’re not being genuine. When you are open, authentic and relaxed, they can be open, authentic and relaxed as well.
• Take “news breaks.” Your children may want to keep informed by gathering information about the event from the internet, television or newspapers. It is important to limit the amount of time spent watching the news or staying connected online because constant exposure may heighten their anxiety and fears.
• Check in often. Be sure to check in regularly with your children and teens as you monitor their coping. Provide extra time, attention and patience.

“If adverse reactions continue or at any point interfere with your children’s or teens’ abilities to function at home or at school, or if you are worried, you can find local mental health professionals by going to www.iowamhdsregions.org/,” Brown said.

Gov. Kim Reynolds ordered all flags in Iowa to be lowered to half-staff immediately on Thursday, January 4, and remain at half-staff until sunset on Sunday, January 7, 2024, in support of students, families, teachers and staff at Perry High School and the Perry community.

“Our hearts are heavy today, and our prayers are with everyone in the Perry community,” said Gov. Kim Reynolds. “This senseless tragedy has shaken our entire state to its core. I want this community to know that every Iowan stands with you.”

Flags will be flown at half-staff on the State Capitol Building and on flag displays in the Capitol Complex. Flags will also be at half-staff on all public buildings, grounds and facilities throughout the state.

Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties and other government subdivisions are encouraged to fly the flag at half-staff for the same length of time as a sign of respect.

Dear Mount Pleasant CSD Families,

As you may be aware, there was an incident of school violence this morning at Perry High School, which is in a community just outside of Des Moines. While all the details are not yet clear, our thoughts are with the students, staff, and families of Perry, at this time.

I have spoken to our local law enforcement officials, including the Mount Pleasant Police Department, our School Resource Officer, and the Henry County Sheriff’s Office. They believe the incident in Perry to be isolated and there is no indication of an active threat to school safety here at Mount Pleasant CSD.

Out of an abundance of caution, I’ve asked the Police Department and the Sheriff’s Office to increase the patrols and presence in and around our schools. The safety and security of our school community remains our top priority.

We know that some students may struggle to process terrible news like this. Our school counselors are ready and available to assist, as needed. We are encouraging students to stop by the office at their school at any time if they need support.

AS A REMINDER – This Friday, January 5, is a regular school day schedule. There is no early release this Friday.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you for your attention to this important update.

House File 718 has caused quite the stir Henry County. Across different departments, drastic budget cuts will be required to reach a general basis levy of $3.50, which is currently $4.83 in our county. Many programs will need to be cut out completely just to make a small dent in the budget, while Henry County Supervisor Greg Moeller believes personnel is where the bulk of cuts will come from.

The County Attorney’s Office met with the supervisors on Thursday, January 4^th, to discuss these potential cuts to their budget. After a motion passed at a recent meeting completely voiding raises in the county, the attorney’s office proposed a new budget that is around a 4% decrease. Cutting nearly $20,000 from their budget will see popular services such as the drug test kits be abolished. These kits allow first time drug users the opportunity to prove that they can “get clean” and avoid potential greater punishment.

It was revealed that a 3.89% cut is nowhere near enough, and it seems 12% is more appropriate. A supervisor mentioned that the board is not picking on a single department. Darin Stater, County Attorney, told the board that he “slashed” his budget 18 years ago, and that personnel is what he needs to run the office properly.

Supervisor Moeller responded, “I don’t see how your personnel will all make it through the next four years.” After this comment, Stater made it clear that he believes not every department should experience the same cuts, saying “I suggest [the] cuts shouldn’t start with public safety.”

Uncertainty seems to be in the air regarding House File 718, which will see the county needing to decrease their budget 1.3 million dollars by 2027.

There is a Mount Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce Public Official’s Reception this evening, which promises to provide potential answers to the questions that everyone is asking.

Nearly 100 middle and high school students participated in Youthify’s New Years Eve “Light Up the Darkness” event.  24 adult leaders

This event saw the return of the annual black-light dodge-ball tournament, a variety of games, and a concert for the students, and 24 adult volunteers, to enjoy. Christian recording artist, PEABOD, traded Seattle, Washington, for Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, on New Year’s Eve to perform.

While many enjoy the games and the music, there is one clear mission that all the adult leaders want to get across. According to Parnell Davis, regional director for Heartland Youth for Christ, the “kids need hope.” The only hope that can be found in the world, Parnell says, is Jesus Christ.

Youth(ify) hosts quarterly events to connect children to Jesus and develop authentic relationships. Volunteers from many church congregations in Southeast Iowa come together to “bridge the divide” for the students. Many may see this as their best event yet. According to Parnell, half of the room of kids asked for prayer. Some students were struggling with depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. Remarkably, over 10 students made a decision to follow Jesus during this event.

*Youth(ify) is a ministry of Youth for Christ uniting like-minded churches and organizations to facilitate quarterly events for kids grades 6th-12th grade with the purpose of developing authentic, Christ-sharing relationships and getting kids involved within the local church.

**Youth(ify) wants to extend another big thank you to their sponsors Sanity Coffee House Quality Equipment AG SOS DJ Prayz Him and Prayz Him Ent.