Keeping Everyone in the Loop

At the beginning of the school year, I talked about our process for selecting students.  We work directly with the school administration, teachers and faculty to determine who is most in need and would benefit from our services.  We introduce ourselves to the faculty and staff through a Welcome Breakfast and make sure everyone understands Partnership with Children’s program and how improving student’s social, emotional and behavioral skills can increase academic success and improve classroom productivity.

Let me assure you, our interaction with the school’s staff does not stop there.  We work with teachers and faculty to keep up with how students are functioning when not in their weekly group or individual sessions.  One of the things that make Partnership with Children’s program so successful is that we connect EVERYONE in a student’s life. 

Every month we hold a PPT (Pupil Personnel Team) meeting to evaluate our program.  The PPT is a large group that engages a number of resources beneficial to the students.  I am in the group, along with the principal, the assistant principal, two speech teachers, the after school tutoring coordinator, a family social worker, the school’s social worker and a social worker from an external facility (in case we determine the student or family needs additional counseling beyond our scope of work).  Each month’s agenda consists of specific student cases that need to be addressed.  For instance, even though Partnership is helping Jack focus more in class, he is still struggling with math and might benefit from some after-school tutoring.  Or Megan seems to have trouble in English—maybe a speech screening is in order.

Partnership with Children doesn’t just focus on the emotional well-being of the student—we focus on the WHOLE student.  Sometimes there are other factors that our social workers might not be aware of.  In order to best serve the student, we work with all constituents in his life—teachers, administrators and families.  By integrating ourselves into the student’s life and keeping everyone in the loop, we’re able understand the root of behavioral issues, resolve the problems and help the student succeed personally and academically.