- December 14, 2025
With all the pressures students are under with testing, changes in curriculum and bullying, Flagler Schools Psychologist John Seaton wanted to create a group at Wadsworth Elementary School to help students deal with the anxiety.
The anxiety group was successful last year and is now in its second year.
“The pressure these kids are under is phenomenal,” he said. “They need a helping hand, and that is what we try to do with this group.”
The group runs in three separate forums, one for each grade level, 4-6, and is facilited by both Seaton and his intern, Natale Manes. Students in the group have been identified by teachers, and parents have given consent for them to join. Parents may also request for their child to join the group if they feel they are experiencing anxiety, by calling Seaton at his office, 446-6720.
The group follows a curriculum which takes a look at all the types of anxiety and what they feel like. It explores how a student knows they are having anxious feelings and examines triggers that cause anxiety. The group then practices strategies of how to try to avoid the triggers, and relaxation techniques.
“There is a lot of sharing in the group,” Seaton said. “Sharing is what makes the difference.”
Since the anxiety group has been running smoothly, Seaton hopes to also implement an anger management group at the school starting with sixth grade. That group is still in the planning stages.
