School Social Work Newsletter - Spring 2017

Spring 2017

Andrea Bylykbashi Receives Social Work Services Impact Award  

Andrea Bylykbashi is the recipient of the 2016-17 Social Work Services Impact Award: the first winner of an award to recognize outstanding contributions in school social work services.  Andrea has developed research-based, effective, and culturally competent interventions and programs to help address the specific needs of Kilmer Center students and their families, including parent workshops and sibling groups. Andrea is extremely knowledgeable about community resources and is a strong advocate for families in connecting them to the services they need.  She is a tireless advocate for Kilmer Center students and it is our pleasure to recognize her impact on students, families, and the school community.  Congratulations to Andrea and all of the nominees!

YouTube, Snapchat, Facebook...Oh My!!!

By Christine Healy

Summer is fast approaching, and with it comes more free time for our school-age children.   Many adults too will be taking time off from work.  So what will we be doing with all that free time?  Given how pervasive digital and social media has become in our society, inevitably some of it will be spent in front of a screen. 

In 2016, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released new guidelines for children’s screen media use to help families balance digital and real life.   While there are certainly advantages to having children be familiar with, and skilled in, the use of digital media, there are also downsides. Too much screen time has been linked to obesity, irregular sleep patterns, and loss of social skills. There is also the risk of exposure to violence, cyberbullying, sexting, and online predators. So how do parents begin to establish limits for their children’s access to digital media?  Or how do parents keep up with the ever changing digital landscape?  Depending on the educational and entertainment needs of the family, parents should consider these tips: 

Establish screen time rules: teach children about being responsible and safe online, help them be aware of their digital footprint, and set a good example with your own virtual behavior.

Ensure screen time quality: not all apps, games, and programs are created equal. Know what your child is watching (and listening to) on his/her devices and who are his/her friends, use parental controls to filter content, and watch and discuss programs together with your child. It can be especially difficult for parents of teenagers to strike a balance between respecting their privacy and making sure they are safe. For more information and help with setting parental controls, visit Common Sense Media and Connect Safely.

Promote times and places to unplug: establish media-free times and zones for everyone in the family, plan enjoyable activities that involve socialization and physical exercise, and keep screens out of the bedroom.

Managing your child’s screen time and content can be a challenge, but by establishing household digital rules, parents can help ensure a safe and fun experience on media screen.

References:

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2016, October 21). American Academy of Pediatrics Announces New Recommendations for Children’s Media Use. Retrieved from https://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/pages/american-academy-of-pediatrics-announces-new-recommendations-for-childrens-media-use.aspx

Common Sense Media: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/

Connect Safely: https://www.connectsafely.org/

Summer Resources

Resource information contributed by Angie Huber and Sherry Noud

Summer Camps and Recreations
Check out the wide range of camps, institutes, and other summer opportunities on the FCPS website: https://www.fcps.edu/node/28758.

Volunteer Opportunities
Explore opportunities for youth, adults, and families to volunteer at http://www.volunteerfairfax.org/.

Parent Clinic (July 10-Aug. 4) & Student Clinic (July 31-Aug. 11)
Parents and/or guardians or high school students can schedule a 45-minute consultative appointment with a school social worker or psychologist. Please monitor the e-notify system from FCPS for information regarding upcoming Parent Clinic and Student Clinic opportunities during the summer months.

Summer Meal Sites

• FCPS is barbecuing daily at 17 locations across the county from June 26 through August 25, 2017. Children choose from a menu of: hamburgers, cheeseburgers, hotdogs, turkey sausages, and grilled chicken or rib patties. All meals offer sides of fresh fruits and vegetables, along with ice cold milk. For more information please call Food and Nutrition Services Fairfax County Public Schools 703-813-4800.
• The Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood & Community Services is participating in the Summer Food Service Program. Meals will be provided to all children without charge. Meals will be provided at a first come, first serve basis. More information about the sites and times available at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/ncs/summermeals.htm
• The Supper Program provides free lunch and snacks for children in summer camps at Community Centers (Bailey’s, Gum Springs, Huntington, James Lee, Sacramento, South County, Southgate, Willston).

Vaccinations and  Physicals:

• Documentation of immunization is required for children entering kindergarten and sixth grade and for new students transferring into FCPS. Visit the Fairfax County website for information regarding free immunizations: http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/hd/immun/immunupdate.htm
• Information for clinic sites in English and Spanish available at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/hd/pcs/pcspdf/clinics-span.pdf
• Free sports physicals for Fairfax County residents aged 3-18 at Jeanie Schmidt Clinic in Herndon on August 14, 9:30 AM-1:00 PM.
• Free sports physicals provided on July 16 at one of the Inova Medical Group primary care offices in Annandale and Springfield.

Collect for Kids:

FCPS and its public, private, and non-profit partners comprise Collect for Kids to ensure all students have the supplies they require to be successful in school. This year, Collect for Kids is organizing a county-wide backpack drive with drop-off points in FCPS administrative centers, county government centers, and every Board of Supervisor’s office.  For more information, please visit the website http://collectforkids.org/

For information and referrals to county and/or community-based resources to meet basic needs, contact Coordinated Services Planning (CSP) at 703-222-0880.

2017 Back to School Resource Fairs

• Lee High School — August 8, 2:00-6:00 PM
• Stuart High School — August 10, 1:00-5:00 PM
• Mt. Vernon High School — August 17, 2:00-6:00 PM
• South Lakes — August 12, 11:00 AM-2:00 PM

From Social Work Services Leadership:

By Mary Jo Davis and Carrie Mendelsohn

We would like to thank all school social workers for the support that they have provided this school year to students, families, faculty, and school communities.  We are so grateful to have such a dedicated group of mental health professionals in Fairfax County Public Schools providing social work support in schools.   We hope that everyone enjoys the upcoming summer break and has a fun and relaxing summertime!

Social Work Services