Dear Parent/Guardian of a Randolph School Student,

Thank you for visiting the School Social Worker Website focusing on Mental Health and Well Being for our students and your family! I hope this space will be a helpful resource for you.  If you recognize that your child is struggling, don't be afraid to talk about what you are noticing and ask open-ended questions to gain information. There are also many adults in school who care about your child - partnering with us can really help! Communicating with your child's teachers, administrators or the school social worker can be helpful in gathering information and gaining support.

As the school social worker, I work with students to support their development academically, socially and emotionally.  To do this, I meet with students individually in my office as they request or are referred by peers, teachers and parents. The meetings are strengths-based and solution-focused to help students develop coping skills for life. I also work with students in small group settings. A small group experience may offer support in the areas of family change, anxiety and social skills. Groups are typically 2-6 students, and take place during the school day, preferably during non-core instruction time. Students participating in groups are referred by themselves, parents or teachers. Parents sign a permission form for sessions with me, whether they’re individual or group meetings.

I strive to create a completed loop of communication with all those involved in the healthy academic, social and emotional development of the student. However, it is important for you to know that students who see me are protected by confidentiality. This means what is said to a school social worker remains private and confidential from other students, school staff, and even parents, unless the student gives permission.  This ethical standard is in place to encourage students to seek help when they need it and increase the likelihood they will seek out adult support.  I am here to advocate for students and I continually work with students to involve their parents and help them come up with ways to share information with the adults at home. Limits of confidentiality are related to student safety. If a student reports thoughts of hurting themselves, thoughts of hurting others, or other people hurting them, by law I must make an appropriate report that may include parents, police, or the social services department of the county of residence. If a student reports thoughts of hurting self or others, parents will ALWAYS be contacted.

I am here to support our students and their families and welcome your questions or concerns at any time.

Sincerely,

Lori Nicolai