Hi, my name is Kathy Holtzman and I am a School Social Worker.  I have my Master Degree in Social Work and have worked in schools for 17 years.  I am in my 4^th year at Ransom Grade School as a part time social worker and also currently serve Deer Park and Lostant grade schools.  I enjoy working with your students and really feel comfortable in the small, rural school setting. 

I meet with several students in small group or individual settings to deal with issues such as friendship, teasing, social skills, motivation, anger management, etc…

I welcome any contact with parents.  If you would like to contact me at the school, I am available on Wednesdays from 8:00-3:30.

We kicked off the 2010 -2011 school year with a game “Freedom To Choose” that was played by all grade levels.  It was a combination of Who Wants to be a Millionaire and Jeopardy and the kids answered questions in the categories of school rules, community rules, getting along with others, and classroom rules.  All the students had fun reviewing rules and problem solving in this entertaining activity.

In the fall grades K-4 participated in the Steps To Respect program.  It is a safety curriculum dealing with several issues including:

• Fire Safety

• Gun Safety

• Bike Safety

• Stranger Safety

• Safe and Unsafe Touches

Currently,

Grade 4 is participating in a Bully Prevention Program dealing with issues such as options for responding to bullying or teasing, what do you do as a bystander, reporting vs. tattling.  The program includes role playing as well as a literature unit.

Grade 5 in participating in an interpersonal relations/problem solving group.  This group deals with giving and receiving compliments and learning how to respectfully confront an issue with another student as well as being confronted by another.  There is problem solving involved in the process.

Grades 7/8 participates in a Team Building group.  They learn many life skills through fun team building activities.  The skills include:  learning to work with and get along with others (whether you like them or not), respect for the differences in others, team work, cooperation, dealing with frustration in accomplishing a difficult task, responding to others leadership, being a good listener and follower.

Miss Illinois visited Ransom on January 13, 2009.  Erin O'Connor spoke about the 6 Pillars of Character.  After addressing the students she answered students questions. 

Below are the 6 Pillars of Character.  If you want to learn more please go to the 6 Pillars of Character website. http://charactercounts.org/sixpillars.html

Trustworthiness

Be honest • Don’t deceive, cheat or steal • Be reliable — do what you say you’ll do • Have the courage to do the right thing • Build a good reputation • Be loyal — stand by your family, friends and country

Respect

Treat others with respect; follow the Golden Rule • Be tolerant of differences • Use good manners, not bad language • Be considerate of the feelings of others • Don’t threaten, hit or hurt anyone • Deal peacefully with anger, insults and disagreements

Responsibility

Do what you are supposed to do • Persevere: keep on trying! • Always do your best • Use self-control • Be self-disciplined • Think before you act — consider the consequences • Be accountable for your choices

Fairness

Play by the rules • Take turns and share • Be open-minded; listen to others • Don’t take advantage of others • Don’t blame others carelessly

Caring

Be kind • Be compassionate and show you care • Express gratitude • Forgive others • Help people in need

Citizenship

Do your share to make your school and community better • Cooperate • Get involved in community affairs • Stay informed; vote • Be a good neighbor • Obey laws and rules • Respect authority • Protect the environment