Kicking off the 2012-2013 school year!

Hello! My name is Jessica Amedeo and I am the new Social Worker for Prairieview Elementary School. As we are nearing the end of our first month of school, I’d like to take a moment to give you an idea of my background and experience. I'd also like to explain a little bit about my role as School Social Worker.

For the past five years I was working as School SocialWorker for a Special Education Cooperative in the South Suburbs. There I gained valuable experience working with children with varying abilities, strengths, and challenges. Prior to that, I received my Masters Degree in Social Work from University of Illinois at Chicago. In 2004, I received my Bachelors Degree fromUniversity of Wisconsin - Madison. I grew up in Downers Grove and attended school at both Center Cass School District 66 and Downers Grove South High School. About a year ago I moved back into the Downers Grove area along with my husband, our son, and our Miniature Australian Shepherd, Oliver.

I am so excited to be back in the Center Cass School Dist 66 community. I feel very committed to serving this wonderful community and hope to become a resource to you and your family.

Some parents/families may wonder, "how would a School Social Worker be a resource to my child/family?" or "when would a parent or student seek the assistance of a School Social Worker?".

Just like any other Educator, my role is to help students learn. The "subject" that I focus on is called Social/Emotional Learning. Some students find this area to be more challenging than others and require extra support in learning about a variety of topics such as: friendship skills (how to greet others, how to have a conversation on a topic of mutual interest, etc.), conflict resolution strategies, recognizing emotions in self and others, and managing one's own emotional responses. Other students may be going through a difficult time such as a loss of a loved one or a significant life change that is impacting their ability to learn to their full potential. I am able to provide support both short and long term through small group, one on one, or whole classroom groups/discussions based on student needs. I also am involved in the school wide PBIS initiatives in teaching and reinforcing the school wide expectations of being respectful, being responsible, and being safe.

Click the link for more information on School Counselors (School Social Work is a type of School Counseling). http://kidshealth.org/kid/feeling/school/school_counselors.html#

On this blog I plan to post links and information to helpful resources both internet and community based... I also plan to provide updates regarding topics being covered during Social Work time. Check back periodically for updates!

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. I can be reached at 630-783-5158 or jamedeo@ccsd66.org.

Here's to a great school year!