3K-8th Grade Student Services

High School Student Services

Who are School Social Workers?

Social Workers Are There to Help!

by Amber Hodgson, M.A., CCC-SLP

Social workers are people who have special training for helping children, families, schools, and the community with many different types of issues. Social workers can have different titles depending on their job, so you might hear the terms clinical social worker, pupil personnel worker, case manager, child welfare social worker, student advocate, family services social worker, youth services specialist, or child protective services social worker. Some roles of a social worker include: counseling families who are going through tough times; teaching social lessons at schools (e.g., conflict resolution); supporting family members of the elderly or ill in nursing homes or medical settings; arranging adoptions; assisting single parents in finding day care; locating foster homes for abandoned or abused children; or advocating for students with special needs. As you can see, social workers have many roles, and they are very important helpers in our communities!

Things Social Workers can help students with:

• Finding ways to cope or deal with any emotions during this or any difficult time

• Provide resources to other people/places that can help you or your family if you need anything

Things Social Workers can help families with:

• Assess needs and connect to community resources, including (but not limited to) helping you provide for your family during this time

• Brainstorm ways to help your child find healthy ways to deal with any emotions they are feeling at home.

• Brainstorm ways for you to help your child's behaviors at home.

Who are School Psychologists?

By National Association of School Psychologists

School psychologists provide direct support and interventions to students; consult with teachers, families, and other school-employed mental health professionals (i.e., school counselors, school social workers) to improve support strategies; work with school administrators to improve school-wide practices and policies; and collaborate with community providers to coordinate needed services. They are experts in learning, behavior, mental health and school systems.

Things School Psychologists can help students with:

• Talking about any way that they are feeling during this or any difficult time

• Finding ways to cope or deal with any emotions

• Helping set goals and figure out how to do your best learning whether online or in person!

Things School Psychologists can help families with:

• Questions about Special Education evaluations, re-evaluations, and referrals.

• Brainstorm ways to help your child find healthy ways to deal with any emotions they are feeling at home.

• Brainstorm ways for you to help your child's behaviors at home.

Who are School Counselors?

By American School Counselor Association

School Counselors help all students in the areas of academic achievement, personal/social development and career development, ensuring today's students become the productive, well-adjusted adults of tomorrow. They help all students apply academic achievement strategies, manage emotions and apply interpersonal skills, and plan for post-secondary options.

Mrs. Easley serves as the High School Counselor and works to meet the academic, personal/social and career development needs of students in grades 9-12. As a first-generation college graduate and product of MPS, she works passionately and diligently to help students uncover their unique talents and abilities while pushing them to realize their highest potential and post-secondary aspirations.

Things School Counselors can help students with:

• Achieving academic success through various strategies and goal setting

• Help manage emotions and apply interpersonal skills

• Plan for post-secondary options (college, military, work force)

Things School Counselors can help families with:

• Collaborate with families to explore options for student success

• Assist with planning for post-secondary options (FASFA completion, ACT/SAT prep, job shadow)