•                                                                             SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER

     

    Greetings Parents & Guardians:

    My name is James Smith and I am the school social worker at Oakside Elelmentary School.  I earned my Masters Degree in Social Work from Hunter College School of Social Work and and earned a Bachelors' Degree in psychology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice.  I have been working in the Peekskill City School District for many years proviing a variety of supports to students and their families.

    My primary responsibilities are to provide support to students (and their families) to ensure that they are successful in school. In many instances, this is done in a collaborative approach that includes school administrators, teachers, the school psychologist and school counsleor. Some things that can effect a student's functioning in school might be academic difficulties, social and emotional concerns, and diffiulties with friendship skills. In addition, there are often concerns at home that could effect a student in school. When these types of concerns arise, I may refer the child and family to appropriate resources in the community. I also provide indiviual and/or group counseling support for students who may be experiencing some of these concerns. My role is often to work as a bridge between home, school, and the community to maximize the students academic success.

    If you have any questions or concerns regarding your child, please don't hesitate to call or e-mail me at:

    (914) 737-1591 Ext: 6514 or at:

    jsmith@peekskillschools.org

    Office Hours:7:40am-3:00pm

     

     BELOW YOU WILL FIND SOME USEFUL TIPS AND RESOURCES TO SUPPORT YOUR CHILD:

    Counseling/Social Emotional Learning and Wellness

    It is very important to remember that children look to adults for guidance on how to react to stressful events. If parents seem overly worried, children's anxiety may rise. Parents should reassure children that health and school officials are working hard to ensure that people throughout the country stay healthy. 

     

    Remain calm and reassuring

    • Children will react to and follow your verbal and nonverbal reactions
    • If true, emphasize to your children that they and your family are fine. 
    • Remind them that you and the adults at their school are there to keep them safe and healthy.
    • Let your children talk about their feelings and help reframe their concerns into the appropriate perspectives.

     

    Make yourself available

    • Children may need extra attention from you and may want to talk about their concerns, fears, and questions.
    • It is important that they know they have someone who will listen to them and make time for them.

     

    Writing Or Drawing 

    Some students have difficulty expressing themselves, so writing or drawing can help students share what’s on their minds.  

     

    Monitoring Technology Usage

    It is important to limit your child’s television viewing or access to information on the internet and through social media.  Try to avoid watching or listening to information that might be upsetting when your child is present. This is a time when you should engage your child in games or interesting activities instead.  

     

    Additional Resources: 

     

    • Go Noodle

     

    Categories- SEL and Mindfulness Videos 

    https://app.gonoodle.com/

     

     

    • Positive Psychology 

     

    25 Fun Mindfulness Activities for Children 

    https://positivepsychology.com/mindfulness-for-children-kids-activities/

     

     

     

    Lesson- Life Skills- Social Emotional Learning 

    https://www.flocabulary.com/

     

    Sample Accommodations / Modifications that Support Student Learning:

     

    • Give your child one problem or question at a time (if multiple questions on a page show them only one) 
    • Get another blank piece of paper and cover all words on a page and only show only one sentence or one part at a time

     

      • Provide a sample

     

    • Explain directions in many ways in your own words

     

      • I read, you read, Let’s read together and decide what to do first, second and third.  
      • Check for understanding- have the child repeat back what they heard and ask what does that mean?
      • Help your child create a plan of attack- Lets do this first then follow with xyz.

     

    • Provide breaks for your child 10-15 minutes of work (5 minute break) 
    • Use highlights and colors on worksheets- underline vocabulary words, key words 

     

     Counseling/Mental Health Services 

     

    • St. Vincent's Crisis Prevention and Response Team

     

    Call (914) 925-5959

    24/7 Telephone Coverage

    Mobile Response Now Monday - Saturday: Services available in Spanish

     

    • Four Winds Westchester

     

    To Make a Referral:

    Call (914) 763-8151 or 1-800-528-6624

    24 Hours A Day, 7 Days A Week

     

     

    • Westchester Medical Center

     

    100 Woods Rd, Valhalla, NY 10595

    Main Emergency Department (914) 493-7307

    Pediatric Emergency Department (914) 493-6001

     

     

    • Westchester Jewish Community Services

     

    1101 Main St. Peekskill, NY

    (914) 737-7338

    WJCS.com

     

     

    • Andrus Children’s Center

     

    50 Dayton Lane #205 Peekskill, NY

    (914) 965-3700

    Andrscc.org

     

     

    • Mensana Center

     

    7 Croton Avenue Cortlandt Manor, NY

    (914) 962-5800

    Mensanacenter.com

     

     

    • Hygeia Integrated Health Services

     

    3505 Hill Boulevard Suite K Yorktown Heights, NY 

    (914) 352-6116

              Hyinhealth.com

     

          8) OPWDD: Crisis Number for Students with Intellectual Disabilities 

    44 Holland Avenue, Albany, New York 12229

    1-(866)-946-9733

    https://opwdd.ny.gov/opwdd_services_supports/introduction