INTERVENTIONISTS

BOB VERDOLINO: 5-8
AILEEN KEIGWIN: K-2
ALISON QUINN: 3-4

The Guidance staff here at the Florence Sawyer School/Emerson Wing would like to take this opportunity to introduce ourselves and give you some ideas about how to help your child make this a great school year. Please feel free to contact us should you have any questions or concerns on your child's behalf. We look forward to working with you and your families.

Aileen Keigwin-Interventionist K-2 (978)-779-2821 ext. 1148 Tuesday-Friday mailto:akeigwin@nrsd.net 

Alison Quinn - Interventionist 3&4 (978)-779-0539 ext. 3037 Wednesday, Thursday & Friday aquinn@nrsd.net 

Robert Verdolino - Interventionist 5-8 (978)-779-2821 ext. 2244 rverdolino@nrsd.net

The role of an interventionist (guidance counselor) today is probably very different than what you remember when you were in school. Our jobs are multi-facetted with no two days ever being the same. We are members of several different Teams here at school and work collaboratively with administrators, teachers and parents alike.

School interventionists are directly tied to the classroom. We support teachers and students in a variety of ways that directly affect student success and learning in the classroom. The greatest responsibility we have is to address the social/emotional needs of all the students in our school community. The intervention process may be long or short-term based on the needs of the student. We recognize the importance of a whole-child approach and looking at the many facets of the student rather than address separate issues in isolation. Lastly, through a consultative approach, we as school interventionists are able to have an impact on a large number of students, teachers and parents, rather than only the individual students whom we have direct contact with.

Building Responsibility

Routines and schedules start the year right.

The start of the new year can be exciting. It can also be a time of transition and apprehension. Here are some examples of ways to get your family back into a school routine:

• Set t he rules . Make sure your kids know the expectations now that they are back in school. Set a specific time to do homework and limit the amount of T.V. they are allowed to watch. Read everyday.
• Manage correspondence . The start of the school year means a lot of paperwork between home and school. Set-up an area in your home where your child knows to put his/her papers. Sign papers promptly and put in their backpack.
• Keep track of schedules . Post a calendar where everyone will see it. Have everyone write down their activities as they are scheduled. This will help you plan ahead. If a report is due the day after a birthday party for instance, your child will know to finish it earlier and not have to worry about rushing to finish it last minute and still be able to enjoy the party.

Adapted by Aileen Keigwin, from “12 ways to Gear up for School” Family Circle, September 1.