Social Emotional Learning
Welcome to the Jamestown School Social Worker and School Psychologist Webpage! We are excited to be able to work in Jamestown supporting students and families. In our roles as school social worker and school psychologist, we work with students and parents in a variety of ways to help students be successful and achieve to their fullest potential- academically, socially and emotionally.
We have the pleasure of teaching children Social and Emotional Learning in their classroom environment utilizing various curriuculums. The tools students are exposed to are designed to empower them to solve problems and better relate to their peers. At the middle school level, this work is accomplished through their advisory program. Social Thinking, Character Education, Empathy, Bullying Prevention and Conflict Resolution are some of the topics we address. These lessons help students make good choices both in and out of school; promoting the 5 Core Competencies of Social and Emotional Learning as described by CASEL (Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning)
Self-awareness, Self-Management, Social Awareness, Relationship Skills and Responsible Decision-Making
In addition to classroom lessons, we provide counseling services to identified students to address acute issues which impact their ability to learn. Group counseling, individual counseling, and parent consultation are offered through our offices at both schools. We offer a variety of groups depending on the needs identified throughout the school year. Group topics can include: children of divorce/separation, anger management, stress management, friendship/peer relations, social skills, grief/loss, etc. Students may also wish to just come in and talk to one of us if they are having a bad day.
School Psychologists and School Social Workers work with students, teachers and families to increase student achievement by identifying barriers to learning and providing needed support in academic, social, emotional and behavioral areas. The School Psychologist evaluates eligibility for special education services and provides counseling and instruction to promote wellness and resiliency with all students. The School Social Worker also provides counseling, classroom lessons and support as well as advocacy and linkage to community resources as needed to enhance a child's ability to thrive within the school setting.
It is our goal in Jamestown to provide a safe environment where students feel valued. Please do not hesitate to contact one of us if you feel we can be of assistance in anyway. Our door is always open and you are always welcome to come in and talk.
You can contact us at:
Melrose
401-423-7020
Lawn
401-423-7010
Melissa Gill
School Psychologist
gill.melissa[email protected]
Kathleen Soares
School Social Worker
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
CurriculuGuidance programs focus on prevention. We give all students knowledge and practical skills that will help them build their social/emotional development. Listed is the curriculum we teach in classes at Melrose.
-
* Social Thinking: Social thinking helps break down a range of social concepts into more concrete terms to help students understand the social expectations that surround them. Teachers can use the social thinking vocabulary in their classrooms to encourage increased awareness of social thinking for all students.
-
* Kelso's Choice: This is a conflict management curriculum designed around Kelso the Frog. This program offers nine options students can choose from to resolve minor conflicts on their own. Students will be able to determine the difference between minor problems they can handle and serious problems that require an adult's help.
* Positive Behavior Interventions and Support (PBIS): Teaching students on how to Be Safe, Be Respectful & Be Responsible
*Lunch Bunches:
S
* Are skill based. Kids learn coping skills and how to handle situations
* Meet during the school day- once a week
* A great way for students to give and receive help
* Include approximately 2-5 students in each group
* Not a therapy group- a place to gain coping skills, share feelings and learn new things!
* If you are looking for professional outside counseling, please do not hesitate to contact Mrs. Gill or Mrs. Soares for resources*
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
