Delta/Summit Building

Social Workers

Mr. Paris Hardamon - x7750
Mr. Rob Soucek - x7760
Ms. Sheryl Marek - x7770
Ms. Katie Clark - x6129

What is a School Social Worker?

School Social Workers (SSW) are a vital part of the educational team, working together with educational administrators, teachers, counselors, psychologists, nurses, speech and language pathologists and other staff. Their unique graduate level training in social work enables them to understand and interpret the influences of the school, home, and community on children. School Social Workers identify factors that can make school a more successful experience for students.

 

 

What do School Social Workers Do?

 School social workers help STUDENTS:

  • Develop intervention strategies to increase academic success for at-risk students
  • Provide crisis intervention 
  • Cope with stress, develop decision making skills, assist with conflict resolution and anger management
  • Assist students in understanding and accepting self and others

 

 School social workers help PARENTS:

  • Participate effectively in their children’s education
  • Understand and meet their children’s social and emotional needs
  • Understand programs available to students with special needs
  • Utilize school and community resources effectively

 

 School social workers help SCHOOLS:

  • Identify factors in the child's home, school and community environments that may be a barrier to learning
  • Help teachers and staff strategize behavior management interventions and/or develop individual behavioral plans for at-risk students
  • Utilize their resources in meeting the educational, social, and emotional needs of students
  • Promote a safe school environment

 

 School Social Workers help COMMUNITIES:

  • Understand school policies, programs, and practice
  • Minimize those environmental factors which inhibit learning
  • Develop resources to adequately meet the needs of students and families
  • Advocate for new and improved community/school services to meet the needs of students and families

 

“About School Social Work - IASSW.” Illinois Association of School Social Workers, iassw.org/about/about-school-social-work/.

 

Resources
 
Stress Management

Stress can affect people of all ages, genders and circumstances and can lead to both physical and psychological health issues. By definition, stress is any uncomfortable "emotional experience accompanied by predictable biochemical, physiological and behavioral changes."

“Understanding Chronic Stress.” American Psychological Association, American Psychological Association, www.apa.org/.

 

Teen Depression
Up to 20% of teens will suffer from at least one depressive episode before they reach adulthood.
For more information see  TedTalk  on teen depression and Erika's Lighthouse
Suicide Prevention 
When parents understand what teen depression looks like, we can be alert to the changes in our teen's behavior that may indicate that a visit to a health professional is necessary.
 
 
"Parents and Adolescent Depression." Erika's Lighthousewww.erikaslighthouse.org/parents
Substance Abuse
The Student Assistance Program works with students in the school to provide information and support on a variety of topics with and emphasis of addictive substances (drugs, alcohol & tobacco).
 
 
Parent Newsletter:
Please click the link below to access the monthly newsletters. Check out important information from the counselor, social worker and school nurse.