School Social Work Services in District 202

Mrs. Colgan
School Social Worker

630-493-8173
SColgan@lisle202.org

Miss Paulson, Social Work Intern
CPaulson@lisle202.org

Click here to view the Schiesher Staff Feeling Words.

Character Counts Page

Click here to read the article "Molex Corporation Did It Again!"

Click here to read about "Paws Laws" Program!

Fun Facts

Birthday:March 4
Education:Monmouth College (5/99)
Graduate (MSW):Loyola University Chicago(5/05)
Graduate (M.Ed.Type 75): Benedictine University (8/10)
Pet: Huey, the dog (nickname Hue Bugs)
Favorite color:Blue
Favorite book:The Red Tent
Favorite movie:Forrest Gump
Favorite food:Pizza
Activities:Yoga, Reading, Traveling
Travel:Australia, Costa Rica, Peru, Europe, Naples Fl.
Professional Involvement:
NASW & IASSW(Board member-Secretary)

Be the change you wish to see in the world" -Gandhi

SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE SOCIAL WORKER:
Individual therapy (for all students who are being impacted academically)
Groups (see below)
Collaboration with staff
3-part grief counseling (Please contact Mrs. Colgan if you have had a recent death in the family and you would like your child to participate in some individual counseling).
3-part ADHD counseling (If your child has recently been diagnosed with ADHD and needs answers, please contact Mrs. Colgan. I meet with students 3 times to discuss their current diagnosis, what it means, and how they can succeed!
Support to parents
Social Work Class Time (see below)
Crisis intervention
Check and Connect Program

GROUPS AT SCHIESHER SCHOOL:
RAINBOWS*is a special program offered at elementary schools consisting of peer support groups to help children who have suffered a loss through death, separation, divorce or a family transition such as a remarriage.
When something significant happens in a family, such as a death or separation, the entire family is affected. Even though death, separation and divorce may appear initially to be adult problems, these do have profound effects on children in the family. Not only do parents grieve, children do also. Because of their age and limited life experience, children find it difficult to verbalize their feelings, and often can seem as though they are "fine". This program helps children put their feelings into words, work through their grief, build a stronger sense of self-esteem, and begin to accept what has taken place in the family. A journal will be provided to each student that is involved in the group.
*This program is completed for the 2011-2012 school year.

FRIENDSHIP GROUPS are run throughout the year to increase social skills and build self-esteem. Students are selected to join if their struggles are impacting their academics. Activities include: feelings board, high/low game, and relaxation time. Group members will learn feeling words, joining skills, reciprocal conversation/play, how to stay on topic, and how to relate to others. Subject matter varies based on group need. These groups are made up of 2 to 5 students who are in the same grade level and they are separated into boys and girls.

STRESS BUSTERS GROUPS*
This is a 12-week group that meets with students who are struggling with anxiety at school. Academics and peer issues in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades sometimes increase and this is a great group for students to participate in many activities to help them be successful. Small groups will meet weekly to increase coping skills, identify feelings, express themselves through "I" Messages, and practicing some much needed relaxation skills.
*Groups are starting in December. 3rd girls. 4th girls. 5th girls. 5th boys.

SOCIAL WORK CLASS TIME (Grades K, 3,4,and 5)
In district #202, we understand that learning and development occurs in all areas including socially and emotionally. There are three social/emotional learning standards (listed below) that we are responsible for developing in all children during their schooling.

I will spend six class sessions throughout the school year teaching the six character pillars: trustworthiness, respectfulness, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship. During a thirty minute class time once a month, the class will learn about a person or group of people that the students feel exemplifies each character pillar.

In class, the kids have been learning the four steps to problem solving (SEL goal #3):
1.) Define the problem
2.) Brainstorm solutions
3.) Evaluate solutions
4.) Make an agreement!
This is a great tool to use at school and at home!
Problem Solving Power Point

First Fridays are Character Days:
October 14-Wear BLUE for Trustworthiness
December 2-Wear YELLOW for Respectfulness
January 6-Wear GREENfor Responsibility
February 3-Wear RED for Caring
April 13-Wear ORANGE for Fairness
May 4-Wear PURPLE for Citizenship

Social/Emotional Learning Standards:
Goal 1 - Develop self-awareness and self-management skills to achieve school and life success.
Goal 2 - Use social-awareness and interpersonal skills to establish and maintain positive relationships.
Goal 3 - Demonstrate decision-making skills and responsible behaviors in personal, school, and community contexts.

Book 2 Some of Mrs. Colgan's favorite books:
The Blue Day Book for Kids by Bradley Trevor Greive
Personal Space Camp by Julia Cook
What to Do When You're Scared & Worried by James J. Crist
Dinosaurs Divorce by Laurene Krasny Brown and Mark Brown
Today I Feel Silly by Jamie Lee Curtis
Learning to Slow Down and Pay Attention by Kathleen Nadeau and Ellen Dixon
Don't Pop Your Cork on Mondays! by Adolph Moser
Have You Filled a Bucket Today? by Carol McCloud