Social Emotional
Services
At West Aurora High School we are committed to educating the whole child, social emotional learning as a part of our curriculum. As doing so, we are preparing students for the challenges and opportunities of today and tomorrow.
- COPING STRATEGIES AND SELF CARE
- WEST HIGH GROUP COUNSELING PROGRAMS
- COMMUNITY AND COUNSELING REFERRALS
- SOCIAL WORKERS
- WEST AURORA LEARNING MINDSET
- CASEL COMPETENCIES
- RESTORATIVE PRACTICES
COPING STRATEGIES AND SELF CARE
Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.
Over the course of your life, if you experience mental health problems, your thinking, mood, and behavior could be affected. Many factors contribute to mental health problems, including:
- Biological factors, such as genes or brain chemistry
- Life experiences, such as trauma or abuse
- Family history of mental health problems
Mental health problems are common but help is available. People with mental health problems can get better and many recover completely.
Coping Strategies
STRESS AND COPING CENTER:
Visit Nemours Kids stress and coping center for advice on how to handle stress, including different stressful situations.
https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/center/stress-center.html#cat20860
Coping skills are essential for good mental health and wellness. Coping skills are strategies that one utilizes to decrease the negative effects of stressful experiences.
Types of Coping Strategies include:
Mindful Breathing
Slow and steady breathing will increase oxygen to your brain and body, bringing both to a calmer state. Examples: deep breathing, breath focus
Calming self-talk
What we say to ourselves can cause us to feel more or less anxious/stressed. Stay calm and remind yourself that you CAN slow down, you CAN relax, you CAN handle it. Examples: “I can do this”, “One step at a time”.
Distractions
If you shift your focus onto something else, your mind will not be able to maintain that stressful/anxious state for long. Examples: writing, drawing, painting, listening to music, watching an engaging video/movie, employing a hobby – like photography, etc.
Social/Interpersonal
Having strong social ties helps us to navigate those stressful times. Spend time with people you enjoy. Surround yourself with positive people. Consider talking to someone you trust about what you’re experiencing.
Tension Releasing
Physical release when stress is heightened reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Examples: laughing, punching bag, progressive muscle relaxation
STRATEGIES FOR GENERAL WELLNESS:
Sleep
As important as a balanced diet and regular exercise, our bodies and minds need a full 8 hours of sleep for optimal performance. Commit to a regular sleep schedule.
Exercise
Exercising for at least 45 minutes 3 days per week reduces the level of cortisol in our bodies, increases the feel-good chemicals like serotonin and dopamine, and promotes better quality sleep.
Nutrition
You are what you eat, so be sure to indulge in plenty of fruits, vegetables, and complex carbohydrates every day. Employ the 8x8 rule for water intake - eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day.
Meditation
Mindful meditation reduces stress and improves memory, cardiovascular health, and overall wellness.
Getting Immediate Help
People often don’t get the mental health services they need because they don’t know where to start.
Talk to your primary care doctor, team of support staff in your student’s house at school or another health professional about mental health problems. Ask them to connect you with the right mental health services.
If you do not have a health professional who is able to assist you, use these resources to find help for yourself, your friends, your family, or your students.
Emergency Medical Services—911
If the situation is potentially life-threatening, get immediate emergency assistance by calling 911, available 24 hours a day.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline,
1-800-273-TALK (8255) or Live Online Chat
If you or someone you know is suicidal or in emotional distress, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Trained crisis workers are available to talk 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Your confidential and toll-free call goes to the nearest crisis center in the Lifeline national network. These centers provide crisis counseling and mental health referrals.
NATIONAL CRISIS NUMBER
Crisis Text Line is the free, 24/7, confidential text message service for people in crisis. Text HOME to 741741
Apps for Self Care
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BALANCED Track the things you wish you did more often. Be motivated to do them again and again. |
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MyFitnessPal is a smartphone app and website that tracks diet and exercise to determine optimal caloric intake and nutrients for the users' goals. |
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SANVELLO Symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression often arise when least expected. With Sanvello, you'll always have the right tools a tap away to relieve symptoms and feel better. |
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HEADSPACE Learn to meditate in just 10 minutes a day with the Headspace app. Daily meditation has been shown to help people stress less, exercise more and even sleep better. |
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HAPPIFY Happify can help reduce stress, overcome negative thoughts, and build greater resilience by providing effective tools and programs to improve emotional well-being. |
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CALM |
WEST HIGH GROUP COUNSELING PROGRAMS
Group counseling services can provide an opportunity for students to connect with others to gain new perspectives and relate to peers that are going through similar experiences. Group counseling services assist students in considering new strategies to cope and while improving their connectedness within school.
Below you will find the current groups that are offered at West Aurora High School. Please send a Schoology message directly to Mrs. Jacobson to learn more about participating in the group of interest, or touch base with anyone in your house.
COMMUNITY AND COUNSELING REFERRALS
While West Aurora High School does not endorse specific community agencies or therapists, we do work closely with local professionals. Feel free to use the suggestions below to help you find the right support or ask your student's counselor or social worker to help find an appropriate match.
Community
Aurora Township Library - Santori Branch
101 S River Street, Aurora, IL 60506
(630) 264-4100
www.aurorapubliclibrary.org
101 S River Street, Aurora, IL 60506
(630) 264-4100
www.aurorapubliclibrary.org
Services: Homework help, technology resources, book and media borrowing.
Volunteer Opportunities: Available. Must fill out an application and submit one letter of reference. Contact person is Sarah Garcia and she can be reached at (630) 264-4275.
Financial: No cost.
Aurora Township Youth & Community Center
313 Gale Street , Aurora, IL 60506
(630) 859-7501
www.auroratownship.org/youth-services
Services: The community center offers programming for all ages including sports, tutoring, art, community service, summer camp, and more.
Volunteer Opportunities: Available for high school age students. Contact Scott Thurman at scot.t@auroratownship.org.
Financial: Some minimal fees for programs. No sliding scale or insurance accepted.
Dominican Literacy Center
260 Vermont Street, Aurora, IL 60505
(630) 898-4636
www.domincalliteracycenter.org
Services: Teaching women to read, write and speak English.
Volunteer Opportunities: Available for 18+
Financial: Some minimal fees for programs. No sliding scale or insurance accepted.
Two Rivers Head Start Agency
1661 Landmark Road, Aurora, IL 60596
(630) 264-1444
www.trhsa.org
Services: Children school readiness, emergency services, food pantry, employment services, and more.
Volunteer Opportunities: Available. Go online to fill out an application or call for specific opportunities.
Financial: N/A
Health
VNA Dental Center
400 N. Highland Ave. 2nd floor, Aurora, IL
(630)892-4355
www.vnahealth.com
Services: Exams & X-rays;Cavity filling & extractions;Pulpotomies; Oral health education and Referrals to specialists
Financial: Medicaid accepted. (sliding scale)
VNA Health Center
400 N. Highland Avenue Aurora, IL 60506
(630) 892-4355
www.vnahealth.com
Services: School & Sports Physicals (no charge for VNA Medicaid Insurance patients); Lead screening; Acute illness treatment; Chronic Illness management; Behavioral health services; STD; Pregnancy Services
Financial: Medicare and Medicaid. Most insurance.
LGBTQ
Youth Outlook
Geneva, Naperville, and Dekalb drop in centers.
http://youth-outlook.org/services/youth/
Services: Weekly drop-in centers in social setting for youth to meet other LGBTQ+ young people and talk about topics that matter to them. Safe and supported groups.
Financial: N/A
Mental Health
AID (Association for Individual Development) Counseling
1230 N Highland Avenue, Aurora, IL 60506
(630) 859-1291
www.the-association.org
Services: Mental health and Developmental services at multiple locations across Aurora.
Volunteer Opportunities: Available for 16+. Contact Maureen Spradlin at mspradlin@the-association.org.
Financial: N/A
Communities in Schools
1433 Prairie Street, Aurora, IL 60506
(630) 256-4500
www.cisaurora.org
Services: In-school counseling and resource connection.
Volunteer Opportunities: Available. Contact Paul Klinger at (331) 301-5182 or pklinger@cisaurora.org.
Financial: No cost.
Depression Hotline
(630) 482-9696
(800) 273-8255
Family Counseling Services & 1-2-1 Mentoring
70 S. River Street, Aurora, IL 60506
(630) 844-2662
www.aurorafcs.org
Services: Behavioral health, mentoring, continuing education. “Garage” for life skill learning.
Volunteer Opportunities: Available for 18+ in the 1-2-1 Mentoring program. Contact Marcus Abate. mabate@aurorafcs.org.
Financial: Most insurances, including Medicaid are accepted. Sliding scale utilized.
Family Focus
550 Second Street, Aurora, IL 60505
(630) 844-2550
www.family-focus.org
Services: Parenting, after school, and immigration services.
Volunteer Opportunities: Not available.
Financial: N/A
Gateway Foundation
400 Mercy Lane, Aurora, IL 60506
(630)966-7466
Hotline: 877-505-4673
www.recovergateway.org
Services: Outpatient, Residential/inpatient, Bridge Program, and Aftercare. Drug Rehab Program; education groups; individual counseling; family and education counseling;Recreational and team building activities;12-step education, recovery planning.
Financial: Most insurance, including Medicaid.
Linden Oaks
801 S. Washington
Naperville, IL 60540
(630)305-5027
www.eehealth.org
Services: Inpatient and outpatient treatment and detoxification. Anxiety;Depression;Substance abuse;Prevention services;Self-Injury; School refusal/avoidance;Student intervention program; Eating Disorders
Volunteer Opportunities: Available at Edwards Hospital.
Contact Netta Ward at (630)305-5005.
Financial: Most Insurance, including Medicaid under age 20.
Mutual Ground
P.O. Box 1911
Aurora, IL 60506
www.mutualground.org
Services: 24-hour crisis line, counseling and shelter for victims of sexual and domestic violence.
Volunteer Opportunities: Available. Yard work, painting, etc. Contact Julie Judd for more information.
Financial: No cost.
National Youth Crisis Hotline
(800) 442-4673
AMITA Behavioral Health
1325 N Highland Avenue, Aurora, IL 60506
(630) 801-2556
https://www.amitahealth.org
Services: Inpatient and outpatient facility and ADHD/Learning Disabilities program.
Volunteer Opportunities: Available. Contact Laurel Serrurier at Laurel.Serrurier@presencehealth.org. Application found online.
PDF of volunteer opportunities: volunteer.pdf
Financial: Most insurances, including Medicaid are accepted. Offers financial assistance.
Rosecrance
2135 City Gate lane, Suite 300, Naperville, IL 50563
(815) 391-1000
www.rosecrance.org
Services: Substance Abuse and Mental Health; education, individual and family support. Naperville Office- Prevention and Early Intervention Program: Assessment, three class sessions and urine screen. Other locations- Residential, Partial Hospitalization, Outpatient and Recovery Homes. Financial: Most Insurance, including medicaid.Possible financial assistance.
Suicide Hotline
(800) suicide or 784-2433
Suicide Prevention Services
528 S. Batavia Avenue, Batavia, IL 60510
General Agency: (630) 482-9699
Hotline: (630) 482-9696
www.spsamerica.org
Services: Prevention, intervention, and postvention suicide services. Services offered in-school or at agency location. Individual counseling, groups, and hotline available.
Volunteer Opportunities: Available. Contact Bryan McCullin by calling the agency and asking to speak with him. Students 18+ can volunteer at the hotline and other projects are available throughout the year for younger students.
Financial: Insurances accepted decided on case-by-case basis. Medicaid is not accepted. Sliding scale utilized.
Taking Control
106 S. Lincolnway, North Aurora, IL 60542
(630) 801-1669
www.takingcontrolcounseling.com
Services: Individual and family counseling. Accepts all clients regardless of ability to pay.
TriCity Family Services
1120 Randall Court
Geneva, IL 60134
(630) 232-1070
www.tricityfamilyservices.org
Services: Counseling, eating disorder treatment, support groups, ADHD track, and more.
Volunteer Opportunities: Available. Contact Jennifer Downing, Special Events and Volunteer Coordinator, at 630-232-1070 or jdowning@tricityfamilyservices.org.
Financial: Most insurances, including Medicaid are accepted. Sliding scale utilized.
Mentorship
Boys 2 Men
150 W Illinois Ave, Aurora, IL 60506
Clayton Muhammed
(630) 774-9306
Christian Walls (West High Representative)
Services: Peer to peer mentoring for boys grades 8-12.
Volunteer Opportunities: Not available.
Financial: No cost.
Family Counseling Services & 1-2-1 Mentoring
70 S. River Street, Aurora, IL 60506
(630) 844-2662
www.aurorafcs.org
Services: Behavioral health, mentoring, continuing education. “Garage” for life skill learning.
Volunteer Opportunities: Available for 18+ in the 1-2-1 Mentoring program. Contact Marcus Abate. mabate@aurorafcs.org.
Financial: Most insurances, including Medicaid are accepted. Sliding scale utilized.
Triple Threat Mentoring
100 S River St, Aurora, IL 60506
(630) 570-9506
Services: Mentoring opportunities available for high school students through the elementary schools (SPARQ). Sports camps and other mentorship opportunities.
Volunteer Opportunities: Available.
Financial: Cost may apply depending on program.
Substance Abuse
Breaking Free, Inc
(630)897-1003
www.breakingfreeinc.org
Contact: Tiffany Markelz
Services: Assessment, Treatment, Counseling
See brochure
Family Counseling Services
(630)844-2662
www.aurorafcs.org
Services: Assessment, Counseling
Amita-Mercy Behavioral Health
(630)801-2657
Linden Oaks
(630)305-5027|
https://www.eehealth.org
Services: Assessment, Treatment, Counseling
Rosecrance
(815)391-1000
https://rosecrance.org
Services: Assessment, Treatment
SOCIAL WORKERS
School Social Workers identify factors that can make school a more successful experience for students.
School Social Workers are trained mental health professionals with graduate level training in social work, who provide services related to a person’s social, emotional and life adjustment to school and/or society. School Social Workers are a vital part of the student services and special education teams. Their unique training enables them to understand and interpret the influences of home, school, and environmental circumstances on a student’s academic and social success.
WEST AURORA LEARNING MINDSET
The West High mindset is not only a belief but an expectation that all students are active in the West High community; resilient in their efforts to overcome challenges, and motivated to maximize their personal potential.
West is Community, we support each other’s growth academically and socially, encouraging new experiences to better understand ourselves and the world around us.
West is Resilient, we bounce back and learn from the challenges and adversity we face.
West is Motivated, we are driven in our desire and efforts to reach our individual potential and accomplish the goals that we set for ourselves.
CASEL COMPETENCIES
The process through which children and adults acquire and effectively apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships and make responsible decisions.
RESTORATIVE PRACTICES
All humans are hardwired to connect. Just as we need food, shelter and clothing, human beings also need strong and meaningful relationships to thrive.
Restorative practices is an emerging social science that studies how to strengthen relationships between individuals as well as social connections within communities.
At West Aurora High School, we value building relationships and enhancing our school community and culture.
When a relationship or the community has been harmed we respond compassionately and facilitate a Restorative Conference. Restorative Conferences are peer led and aim to address the wrongdoing experienced, include all that were involved and affected by an incident to explore what happened, discover what one was thinking at the time, understand who was affected and develop a plan to make things right.
If you have experienced or engaged in wrongdoing and would like the opportunity to make a wrong right, our Restorative Student Leaders would be happy to assist. Click on the button below to request more information about participating in a Restorative Conference.
