SOCIAL WORK
School Social Workers in District 163 are committed to helping students achieve educational success by working with parents and educational staff to understand the social-emotional needs of the students in our culturally and socio-economically diverse community. In District 163, School Social Workers believe in helping students to think critically, solve problems in a non-violent manner, and make positive decisions in real life situations. A variety of services are provided to help accomplish these efforts such as crisis intervention, individual/group counseling, and consultation with school personnel, parents and community agencies. School Social Workers help the educational team understand and interpret the influences of the school, home, and community on children and identify factors that can make school a more successful experience.

School Social Workers help STUDENTS:

• Achieve maximum benefit from their educational opportunities
  
• Understand themselves and others
  
• Improve interpersonal relationships
  
• Cope with stress
  
• Develop decision making skills

School Social Workers help PARENTS:

• Participate effectively in their children's education
  
• Understand and meet their children's social and emotional needs
  
• Understand programs available to students with special needs
  
• Utilize school and community resources effectively

School Social Workers help SCHOOLS:

• Understand factors (cultural, societal, economic, familial, health, etc.) that affect students' abilities to make maximum use of their school experience
  
• Utilize their resources in meeting the educational, social, and emotional needs of their students
  
• Promote a safe school environment

School Social Workers help COMMUNITIES:

• Understand school policies, programs, and practices
  
• Minimize those environmental factors which inhibit learning
  
• Develop resources to adequately meet the needs of students and their families

How can I contact the School Social Worker?

Each school within the District offers comprehensive School Social Work services. Please fell free to call your child's school and ask to speak to the School Social Worker who will be happy to assist you.