DARLINGTON — Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers, along with Wisconsin Department of Health Services Secretary, Kirsten Johnson, visited Darlington Elementary/Middle School on Wednesday, Feb. 7. The visit was part of Evers Administration’s efforts to ensure access to mental health supports for students across the state of Wisconsin.
Gov. Evers and Wis. Health Secretary Johnson were joined by DEMS Principal Michael Flanagan, District Administrator Cale Jackson and Darlington School Board President Bob Hermanson. Rosie the Redbird and DEMS students gifted the Governor with a Darlington Redbirds T-shirt.
Gov. Evers and Secretary Johnson met with DEMS guidance counselors Lori Nodorft and Trinity Winkers, whose focus was the building of student relationships with each other and adults, in safe environment circumstances. Students are offered safe spaces to work through their feelings and identifying emotions, and learning overall healthy ways to de-stress.
Darlington has implemented the ‘Sources of Strength’, which Flanagan said is necessary, as students need to have a safe space to get their energy out. He said the staff at DEMS has done amazing things to assist students.
Flanagan was happy to show Gov. Evers and Secretary Johnson one of the rooms in which students can find quiet time as they work on identifying emotions.
“I’m honored to have such an esteemed guest. It’s important to show the governor what amazing things the staff is doing to continue to build relationships from kindergarten through the sixth grade,” Flanagan said.
The safe practices seem to be working for most students. Good communication with students is the focus as DEMS continues to build upon safe environment practices.
Gov. Evers stopped in most classrooms along the DEMS hallways during the tour. He and Secretary Johnson stopped in Sara Erickson’s second grade classroom, Chelsea Haven’s third grade class, Paula Pittz and Mark Acherman’s sixth grade classes, and listened to students play their recorders in Tina Schliem’s music class.
Jamie Hartwig’s fourth grade class gifted Gov. Evers with an Honorary Kindness Club Certificate.
Gov. Evers enjoyed the conversations with students and teachers alike. The tour drew to a close in the cafeteria as students were lining up for lunch. Gov. Evers and Secretary Johnson were interested in lunch choices for students, with topics pertaining as such with young students.
Gov. Evers answered questions from the press after the DEMS tour, which lasted about an hour.
Gov. Evers noted in his 2024 State of the State address that he remains concerned about the state of mental and behavioral health in Wisconsin. Darlington is just one stop that Gov. Evers plans to make throughout the state.