Social Work Services
September 16, 2008
Mrs. Colgan, School Social Worker
Schiesher School
630-493-8173
SColgan@lisle202.org
Fun Facts
Birthday: March 4
Education: Monmouth College (5/99)
Graduate: Loyola University Chicago (5/05)
Graduate (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
Favorite vacations: 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
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 will be offered to all student in grades 3rd-5th grade. A sign up sheet will be distributed at the beginning of the 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.
SOCIAL WORK CLASS TIME (Grades 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 eight class sessions throughout the school year taking your child’s class through six areas of growth. These areas include: caring, fairness, respect, responsibility, citizenship and trustworthiness. During a thirty minute class time once a month, the class will participate in different games, activities, acting, and projects to gain more understanding of these six areas.
First Fridays are Character Days:
October 1-Wear BLUE for Trustworthiness
November 5-Wear YELLOW for Respectfulness
December 3-Wear GREEN for Responsibility
January 7-Wear ORANGE for Fairness
February-NONE due to ISAT testing
March 6--Wear RED for Caring
April 8-Wear PURPLE for Citizenship
A few of my favorite books:
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.
Updated: 5/24/10 SC
