Social Worker
Erin Sugrue, LICSW
Webpage
Room 200B
(952) 848-4338
EriSugrue@edina.k12.mn.us
Resources
- Section 504
- Additional Parenting and Mental Health Resources
- District Social Workers website
- Free and Reduced Meals Program
- Edina Resource Center
Services
Social work services are available to all students and families. As the school social worker, I work with students, teachers, and families to help support students' emotional, social, and educational development as they navigate their way through the elementary years. Below are examples of the some of the services available.
Individual Work
Teachers or parents/guardians who feel a student is struggling with an emotional or social issue or skill may refer a student to work individually with me. Children may also self-refer if they feel they need extra support for issues they are facing. Depending on the specifics of the situation, I generally work with the student to identify the problem and together develop a plan for how the student can better cope with or address this problem. Some issues I often address with students in individual sessions include divorce or separation, grief and loss, peer pressure, school anxiety, and other issues relating to emotional health.
Small Group Work
Each year I offer a variety of small groups for children that address topics such as social skills, family change, self-esteem, self-control, and anxiety. In the groups, students learn about and practice skills that they can then apply in other environments. Small groups (3-6 students) allow students to practice skills in a smaller, more comfortable setting. They also allow children to give support to and receive support from other students who are struggling with similar issues as they are.
Classroom Presentations
Periodically throughout the year I go into classrooms to conduct presentations and lead discussions on topics such as conflict resolution, teasing, anxiety, self-control, good decision-making, cliques, communication, and understanding and appreciating diversity.
Resources and Referrals
As the school social worker, I can help refer children and families who are needing additional services not available within the school, such as individual or family counseling, financial assistance, or other social services, to the appropriate community resources. Please call me at 952-848-4338 if you or your family are in need of resources or referrals. In addition, see my Resources page for links to various books and websites.
Consulting with School Staff and Families
When a student is having a difficult time at school, either academically, behaviorally, socially, or emotionally, I am available to consult and work with teachers, parents, and students to develop intervention plans to help the student experience more success.