Goal: We strive to build a positive relationship with each and every student in order to meet the middle school students’ unique social emotional, behavioral and developmental needs.
Illinois SEL (social emotional learning) standards:
1A = Identify and manage one’s emotions and behavior.
1B = Recognize personal qualities and external supports.
1C = Demonstrate skills related to achieving personal and academic goals.
2A = Recognize feelings and perspective of others.
2B = Recognize individual and group similarities and differences.
2C = Use communication and social skills to interact effectively with others.
2D = Demonstrate an ability to prevent, manage and resolve interpersonal conflicts in constructive ways.
3A = Consider ethical, safety, and societal factors in making decisions.
3B = Apply decision-making skills to deal responsibly with daily academic and social situations.
3C = Contribute to the well being of one’s school and community.
1. Individual Student Check-ins: Every single student at Herrick meets with a counselor or social worker throughout the school year. In these counseling sessions, we focus on the individual needs of the students which include the following:
Academic Goal Setting - creating a plan for improvement (1C)
Encouraging students to find their strengths - self esteem building (1B)
Problem Solving and decision making (3A, 3B)
Conflict Resolution (2A, 2B, 3B)
Building Emotional Tolerance (1A)
Dealing with Teasing and Bullying (2A, 2B, 2D)
Ways to Get Involved (1B,3C)
Coping Strategies (1A, 1B, 2D)
Making Friends (2B, 2C)
Social Skills - positive peer relations (2B, 2C, 3C)
Transition to Middle School and Preparation for High School (1B, 1C, 3B)
New Student Orientation (1A, 1C)
2. Small Group Social Work and Guidance Counseling: Based on identified students’ needs, we facilitate small groups with topics including, but not limited to:
Social Skills (2B, 2C, 3C)
Self Esteem/Confidence (1B)
Self Control (1A)
Problem Solving (3A, 3B)
Anger Management (1A, 2C)
Academic Improvement (organization, time management, study skills, academic attitude) (1C,3B)
Divorce (1B, 2A)
Attendance (1C, 3B)
Grief ( 1B)
Coping Strategies/Relaxation (1A, 1B, 2D)
3. Classroom Presentations or Group Guidance
6th Transition Presentation - Counseling staff introduces themselves and presents “All About Herrick” to each feeder school. We discuss the transition, the academics, and the unique opportunities at Herrick. (1C, 3C)
Introduce Support Services - Discuss services we provide, and how to access the support staff. Each student will complete a needs assessment survey. (1B)
HAHASO (Help, Assert, Humor, Avoid, Self-Talk, Own it) - This presentation deals with six strategies for dealing with teasing and bullying. (2D)
The Legacy of Herrick - Positive Impact on Other Students. This presentation addresses the history of Herrick and how every student is a part of the community and can contribute to the continued success of their school and classmates. (3A, 3C)
Differences Presentation - The purpose of this presentation was to increase understanding and acceptance of student’s with special needs. These are some topics that were discussed by presenters: In-house SASED Program, Cerebral Palsy, Epilepsy, Autism, and Hearing Impairments. (3A, 3C, 2B)
Calm Classroom Strategies - The purpose of this 5-10 minute presentation is to increase focus, relaxation response, mindfulness, and academic attention in the classroom setting. (1A, 3C)
Career Exploration - Web-based Career Cruising allows students to research career options for their future. (1B, 1C)
* Other presentations based on the needs of the students and staff
4. Crisis Intervention - (1A, 3A)
Suicide Screening
Department of Children and Family Services Cases
Outplaced Students
Self-Injury
Family Crisis Situations
Student Runaway
Physical Altercations
Internet issues/Cyberbullying/Harassment
If you have any questions regarding the support services available at Herrick Middle School or any topics listed on this document, please contact:
Julie Ekman Social Worker jekman@dg58.org
Steve Gross 8th grade Counselor sgross@dg58.org
Julie Quinlan 7th grade Counselor jquinlan@dg58.org