School Counselor

Welcome

Welcome to the Clear Creek Amana Middle School Counseling page!

At Clear Creek Amana we are dedicated to serving all students and helping them achieve both inside and outside of the classroom. School counselors are a key component of this goal. Through classroom instruction, small group, and individual counseling, school counselors support students in the following areas: academic, social/emotional, and career development. We look forward to getting to know each student in our building and helping them achieve their personal goals.

Meet the School Counselors

Mikkel Brown:

My name is Mikkel Brown, mikkelbrown@ccaschools.org. I will be overseeing 6th grade students and teaching the 7th grade careers elective. I received my Bachelor’s degree in English Literature and my Master’s degree in Counselor Education from the University of Iowa. I have worked in the CCA district for the last 5 years in various roles and I am so excited to be a part of the CCAMS staff and a proud member of the Clipper Family. Additionally, I have been an assistant coach for the defensive backs of the High School football team, and I have been in that role since 2013.

Tracy Rusch:

My name is Tracy Rusch, tracyrusch@ccaschools.org. I will be overseeing the 7th grade students and teaching the 8th grade high school prep elective. I received my bachelor’s degree in elementary and middle level education from the University of Northern Iowa. I received my master’s degree in counselor education from the University of Iowa. I have been in education for almost 20 years, but this is my first year at CCA Middle School. I am looking forward to working with the students, staff, and families at CCA!

Michaela Nelson:

My name is Michaela Nelson, michaelanelson@ccaschools.org. I will be overseeing the 8th grade students and teaching the 6th grade guidance elective. I received my bachelor’s degree in sociology and my master’s degree in counselor education from the University of Iowa. This is my first year working as a school counselor and I look forward to starting my career at Clear Creek Amana Middle School!

504 Plans

The counselors oversee the 504 plans at the middle school. Please reach out if you have any questions or need to set up a meeting for your student.

Programs and Services

Below are some of the programs and services that we offer at the middle school to meet student’s needs:

6th Grade Guidance elective - The elective helps prepare students to navigate peer friendships, learn and utilize coping skills, and be a positive friend and role model.
7th Grade Career elective - The elective helps students explore what their interests and strengths are, how those things inform our career choices. Students will explore the differences between, 2 year-college, Trade school and Universities.
8th Grade High School Prep elective - This elective course helps prepare students for high school. They will start planning their high school schedule, learn about extra-curricular activities, and practice important skills such as how to study.
Xello - This online platform is built to Increase Student Engagement, Enable Successful Transitions, Ensure Future Student Readiness, and meet the requirements of College and Career institutions.
Clipper Closet - The Clipper Closet is a location in the building where students can grab any essentials that they might need for school or home such as: school supplies, toiletries, and clothing.
CCA Food Pantry - The food pantry is located in the west campus, between the middle school and high school. The hours are Monday 4-6 PM, Wednesday 2-4 PM, and Saturday 8:30-11:30.

For more information on the role of school counselors please visit: The Role of the School Counselor

Why Middle School counselors? The Essential Role of Middle School Counselors

If you have any other questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to reach out to us through phone or email. Go Clippers!

6th Grade Students

Mikkel Brown
Counselor
mikkelbrown@ccaschools.org
319-545-4490

7th Grade Students

Tracy Rusch
Counselor
tracyrusch@ccaschools.org
319-545-4490

8th Grade Students

Michaela Nelson
Counselor
michaelanelson@ccaschools.org
319-545-4490

Bullying and Harassment Policies & Forms

What is Bullying

According to Iowa Code 280.28:

Bullying/Harassment is "Any electronic, written, verbal, or physical act or conduct toward a student based on the individual's actual or perceived trait or characteristics of the student and which creates an objectively hostile school environment that meets one or more of the following conditions:

Places the student in reasonable fear of harm to the person or their property
Has a substantially detrimental effect on the student's physical or mental health
Has the effect of substantially interfering with a student's academic performance
Has the effect of substantially interfering with the student's ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by a school"

There are 17 protected traits or characteristics in the law. "Trait or characteristic of the student" includes but is not limited to age, color, creed, national origin, race, religion, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical attributes, physical or mental ability or disability, ancestry, political party preference, political belief, socioeconomic status, or familial status.

The Department of Education states, “Conflict is not bullying. Conflict is "A disagreement or antagonism between two or more people. All parties involved have some responsibility in the encounter. It is not bullying when two or more kids with no perceived power imbalance fight, have an argument, or disagree."

Reporting

District Complaint Process

Clear Creek Amana strives to create a secure and nurturing atmosphere for everyone in our community. If you or someone you know is facing bullying or harassment, we urge you to report it. For our staff, if you have any grievances, we are available to address them. Additionally, it is essential to report any suspicions of child abuse promptly. We prioritize your safety, and our reporting protocols are crafted to handle these matters with sensitivity and promptness. Kindly use the instructions provided below to report incidents, and we appreciate your assistance in upholding a community that is both secure and respectful for everyone.

Bullying & Harassment (Students)

Prioritizing the safety and welfare of our students remains paramount. If you or someone you are aware of is facing bullying, harassment, or any form of victimization, we strongly recommend reporting it promptly. Your report enables us to take immediate and suitable measures to address the issue. We are dedicated to fostering a school environment where everyone experiences respect and protection. Kindly follow the provided steps below to report incidents, and be assured that your concerns will be treated with sensitivity and urgency.

Investigation Procedures

Complaint Form

Grievance Documentation (Staff)

If you find yourself needing to submit documentation for grievances, our School Support Officer is ready to provide assistance. We appreciate your feedback and aim to ensure that your concerns receive prompt and thorough attention. To simplify this procedure, kindly complete the form below. Please take the time to provide as much information as possible to enhance our understanding of the issue. Your willingness to communicate your concerns plays a crucial role in preserving a supportive and inclusive work environment.

Grievance Procedure