School social workers are trained mental health professionals who have Master’s degrees in social work as well as certification by the State of Connecticut Department of Education. At Smith School, the social worker works with children, families, and school staff to ensure that all students feel successful, safe, and valued at school.
 
The School Social worker collaborates with the Planning and Placement Team (PPT) to assess students who are referred for Special Education services. She provides counseling services to mandated special education students as well as non-mandated students. Through several programs, she helps students learn the skills and strategies for getting along successfully with others:

Social Skills Groups: in small groups, children learn problem solving, conflict resolution, and cooperation

Puppet Friends: an interactive puppet program for kindergarten and 1st grade teaching "getting along" skills.

Peer Mediation: teams of fifth grade students are trained in the steps of mediation to assist their school peers with resolving conflicts peacefully.
All students from gr. 1 through 5 can participate in mediations.

Whole Classroom Activities: team building, 4th grade leadership day, class meetings provide students an opportunity to learn listen to each other and develop effective cooperation.

If you would like more information about Smith School’s Social Worker or the services she can provide, please contact Karen Bachman by email at: karen_bachman@whps.org or call her at 232-3334, extension 229.