How School Social Workers can help you and your child 

As members of the educational team comprised of teachers, administrators and pupil services, school social workers promote and support students' academic and social success by providing specialized services. We bring to the educational process an understanding of the psychosocial development of children and the influences of family, community, and cultural differences as they interact with the educational process. Some of the services we offer, although not limited to, include individual and group counseling, community resources and parent education/information.  

We encourage you to contact us at anytime with any questions or concerns you may have about your child or services that we may be able to provide.   KidsMentalHealthInfo.com has been designed as a resource for parents and caregivers to help them better understand their children's mental health and be better informed consumers of mental health services and supports.

Parents of children with mental health concerns as well as providers and experts in the field have helped create this rich resource for parents and caregivers.

Here you'll find:
- Frequently asked questions
- Links to vital local and national resources
- Insights to navigating the mental health care system
- A searchable resource library
- And so much more....... 

Know your Facts: Parental Influence is the most important factor in helping keep teens safe.

• 1 out of 3 8th graders drink alcohol
• Only 1 out of 100 parents believe his or her child binge-drinks
• Teen alcohol use kills about 6,000 people each year; more than all illegal drugs combined
• Reports show 74% of kids (8-17) said their parents are the leading influence on their decision about drinking

Scientific evidence shows that parental influence can reduce underage drinking. "Power of Parents, It's Your Influence" offers research-proven strategies to help parents keep their children safe from underage drinking.

Please visit madd.org/powerof parents to receive your free handbook and submit your questions to research experts in the alcohol prevention field.

Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact Jill E. Fontanella, LCSW, LADC School Social Worker at 203-879-8157

Hello I am Jill Fontanella and I am the Social worker at Wolcott High School and Tyrrell Middle School. I have over 10 years experience working for the Wolcott Public School system. Prior to working as a social worker I have worked in the substance abuse field, corrections and mental health. In addition to my experience I am also a licensed alcohol and drug counselor and licensed clinical social worker.

I work with both mainstream and special education students. I enjoy facilitating groups, individual counseling and providing as a resource to families. Aside from my usual social work duties I co-facilitate the Wolcott High School Peer helpers.

Hello, I am Tony Cianchetti and a social worker at Alcott Elementary School, Frisbie Elementary School, Wakelee Elementary School and Tyrrell Middle School. I have been employed by the Wolcott Public School System for over nine years and enjoy the broad age span of the students that I work with. As a licensed clinical social worker, I have also been employed at a therapeutic mental-health agency with as a clinician with a focus of biopsychosocial assessment, diagnosis and psychotherapy with adult individuals and couples.

I provide counseling services to regular education and special education students as well as coordinate special education programs and services for students with physical, mental, social, emotional, and other educational disabilities including autistic spectrum disorders, depression, anxiety and attention deficit disorder. In concert with my traditional school social work duties, I am also a member of the pre-school screening team and kindergarten readiness programs, facilitator of Alcott School's Second-Step anti-bullying program and assist parents in utilizing school and community resources to help children maximize their educational abilities.

Jill Fontanella, LCSW, LADC School Social Worker (Tyrrell/High School). I can be reached at either 879-8157 or JFontanella@wolcottps.org 

Tony Cianchetti, LCSW School Social Worker (Alcott/Frisbie/Wakelee/Tyrrell). I can be reached best by email ACianchetti@wolcottps.org