MCCSC SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKERS

School social workers work with students, parents and teachers to nurture school success. A major goal is to help reduce, and ideally eliminate, problems and obstacles that interfere with a student's learning. When a referral is made we begin by looking at the student's unique situation. Next we develop a plan that works with the student's strengths. Attitude and behavior are areas where the student has the most personal power to work on improvement. In addition, we look to use the student's positive influences such as support and involvement, from parents, school professionals, and community people. Utilizing student and parent strengths, as well as school and community services are critical in this goal planning process. In the long run we're here to assist in teaching students more effective skills, encouraging them in healthy directions and habits, and coaching them forward through personal and academic challenges. There's nothing more rewarding than seeing our students improve and succeed as they graduate to the next level!

Your school social worker has a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree and is licensed to practice by the state of Indiana. School Social Workers are school-based professionals skilled in helping to resolve your student's problems so they can come to school ready to learn. MSW professional standards are high. Your school social worker is trained to work with children and their families in many different areas. More specifically, your school social worker can help with...

• Personal and family problems that can affect a child's attitude and performance at school
• School issues, such as how to deal with peer pressure and friendships
• Academics, including ways to improve study skills
• Plans for the future - because a child's future begins with the plans that are made today
• Referrals to outside resources for additional help

We also assist with the following areas:

• ATTENDANCE: Why is classroom attendance so important?
  Learning from the student and parent why attendance is a problem and brainstorming ways to maximize the days a student is in the classroom. 
• BUILDING EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE
  Teaching students to conceptualize their emotions as this skill allows the student to ultimately manage their emotions and behavior
• ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE
  The School Assistance Fund -- funded by United Way.
  Limited financial assistance for: Bradford Woods, School Clothing, Vision Exams and Eyeglasses, Emergency Dental Exams
• HELPING WITH SPECIAL EDUCATION ASSESSMENTS
  Meeting with parent/guardian for a comprehensive social history report for the special education assessment committee
• CONFLICT MEDIATION
  Helping to resolve disputes among peers from the classroom, playgrounds, hallways, and community
• CRISIS INTERVENTION
  Professional assessment and optimal intervention in student emergencies involving personal, school, and or family concerns
• DRUG/ALCOHOL ABUSE
  Referral to community assessment, education and treatment agencies or therapists who work in a team effort with the schools
• MENTAL HEALTH
  Referral to community mental health professionals who can work with the school as team to help with any concerns
• CLASSROOM PRESENTATIONS Personal safety, problem solving, positive social skills, good hygiene, sexual abuse prevention.

How Students Are Referred to the School Social Worker:

• Student Self-Referral
• School Personnel
• Parents
• Community Agencies
• Other Students

City of Bloomington: Social Service Assistance for Spanish Speaking Community

" No pessimist ever discovered the secret of the stars, or sailed to an uncharted land, or opened a new doorway for the human spirit"-- Helen Keller