Troy Social Workers Help Students Adjust During Covid Year

School social workers and counselors play a unique role in the lives of students and their families. They are essentially advocates on behalf of students’ safety and well-being, stepping in to help with social, emotional, academic and behavioral problems that interfere with learning.

They have been especially busy during this Covid-19 school year, helping with strategies to adjust to uncertainty, instability and disruptions.

Marc Solodky, Coordinator of Student and Family Services for Troy Community School District 30-C, said these workers are trained mental health professionals who help students, families and teachers identify and resolve these situations.

“Many of our kids are in families that are overwhelmed and facing some real life obstacles,” he said, “and these workers are one of our first lines of connection and support for them. Sometimes our families identify these problems at home, and other times, they might be getting contacts from a teacher. They might not be sure of why a particular problem is happening, and they want to talk through it.”

Solodky said that in addition to normal, everyday stressors, more students this year are in families that have found themselves overwhelmed by even such basic necessities as food and roofs over their heads. Needs for such things as mental health assistance, dental, medical, food and clothing can play a huge role in how well they learn and adapt to a new learning environment. Social workers and counselors step in to directly assist families with these needs, including with crisis intervention, conflict resolution and anger management, as well as referring them to more appropriate community resources.

“These staff members are going to be experts at knowing what options may be available,” he said.

Troy Cronin Elementary School social worker Josefa Lopez said social workers and counselors have diverse training and skill sets to help students, families and staff understand and cope with the factors that affect students’ behavior and performance.

“We help build resilience in our students by helping them regulate their emotions and develop appropriate coping skills during this difficult time,” she said.

William B. Orenic Intermediate School social worker Erika Keen said challenges for students during this pandemic year have included feelings of isolation and increased anxiety. She and her coworkers have had to think outside the box, she said, such as by scheduling virtual meetings and even occasional home visits.

“I feel the connections we make with students is vital for them to feel safe and a part of the school community,” Keen said. “We want our students to feel welcome at W.B.O., even though they may not be in the building.”

“We're in this business because we love to help,” Solodky added. “We love to help kids, we love to help teachers, and we love to help parents work through the process of school.”