NES School Social Work Update
Miss McGill
Translation for Families for SMORE newsletter
Hello NES students and families,
I hope everyone is able to take time to care for themselves and for each other in this time of uncertainty. As much as we are all concerned about lost time on learning, it is important that we don't allow that pressure and worry to add to our overall stress levels.You are receiving this letter because I typically meet with your student at least once a week for a social skills group, individual counseling, check-in’s, or a lunch group.
At NPS, we are working diligently to get up to speed in terms of the best ways to meet the needs of our students. This week, I am learning all about connecting with students in a meaningful way from a distance. I would very much like to continue to work with your student to the best of my abilities during this time. I will be creating an online sign in sheet for those students who would like to continue working together remotely at this time starting with individual check-in's. There are several considerations in moving forward with online sessions; I have outlined them below.
At this time, students will need
A phone or internet connection at home
A quiet (or as quiet as possible) place to talk
As much privacy as possible, given your living situations
A scheduled time to hold virtual conversations during normal school hours
A tenement of counseling and social work is confidentiality, which now includes both privacy and quiet in my home location, in addition to privacy and quiet for our students at home as well. We will be using Zoom, a video conferencing system that ensures a private connection designed to maintain personal privacy. I will not be recording the audio or visual features of our conversations. That said, as I am a mandated reporter (meaning if I am informed about potential harm to a child, I am required to report it to the appropriate agencies).This information will be outlined to your student at the start of each session.
I believe that if we work together, we can make these obstacles workable. Please let me know if you anticipate challenges in providing the above listed needs. I am happy to work with families to find workable solutions. I will be sending out a weekly newsletter to all student’s on my current caseload with additional links, activities, and resources for Parents during this stressful time. Please reach out with any questions, concerns, or comments through my email mcgillh@npsk.org.
Take Care,
Holly McGill
Sign up for Zoom Check-in's
I will be utilizing SignUp to schedule check-in's with students. On Signup you will see I have created "office hours," of available 20 minute time slots. Check-in's will be held through my Zoom account.
SIGNUP: Here's how it works in 3 easy steps:
1) Click this link to see our SignUp on SignUp.com: https://signup.com/go/xKDoRzt
2) Review the options listed and choose the spot(s) you like.
3) Sign up! It's Easy - you will NOT need to register an account or keep a password on SignUp.com.
Note: SignUp.com does not share your email address with anyone. If you prefer not to use your email address, please contact me and I can sign you up manually.
ZOOM MEETINGS:
Student's do not need a Zoom account to access check-in. Once time slot is selected I will schedule the check-in into my Zoom Calendar, and Parent's will receive an email with my Zoom meeting code noted below. Click the link to join!
Miss McGill Zoom Info:
- 266-579-0929
- https://zoom.us/j/2665790929
Resources for Families
Fairwinds Counseling Center : 508-228-2689
A Safe Place: 1-508-228-2111
Gosnold Crisis: 1-877-784-6273
Nantucket Family Resource Center: 508-815-5115
Nantucket Cottage Hospital: 508-825-8100
Parental Stress Hotline: 1-800-632-8188 open 24/7
Cox Connect Connect2Compete Program- free/reduced internet services
https://www.cox.com/residential/internet/connect2compete/covid-19-response.html
Local Coronavirus News and Information:
http://nantuckethospital.org/home/coronavirus-news-and-information/
Holly McGill, M.Ed Counseling, School Social Worker
Email: mcgillh@npsk.org
Location: 30 Surfside Road, Nantucket, MA 02554, USA
Phone: 508-228-7290 2173