Mrs. Joy McDonald MSS, LSW
School Social Worker
Grades K - 5th
Room B106
267-599-2440 ext. 3256
Voicemail ext. 3773
[email protected]
"Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can't help them, at least don't hurt them." - Dalai Lama
I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself as the school social worker for Mill Creek Elementary School, serving students in grades K through 5th. A school social worker is a certified professional who supports students academically, socially, emotionally, and behaviorally.
As a school social worker, I interact with students, teachers, parents, and community agencies on a daily basis to ensure that students’ needs are being met. I primarily work with students receiving special education services. I provide individual and group counseling to students in areas such as social skills, anger management/relaxation, impulse control, and grief.
Additionally, I also assist parents/guardians with medical applications, provide referrals to outside agencies, and connect families to various resources.
If you ever have any questions for me, or would like me to work with your son/daughter, please contact me at 267-599-2440. I look forward to working with you and your child.
Joy McDonald MSS, LSW
(Mrs. Joy)
COVID 19 Resources:
Bucks County Behavioral Health Helpline: 215-399-5681,
M-F 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
United Way: https://www.uwbucks.org/covidresources/
PA 211: Get Connected, Get Help https://www.pa211.org/
PCCY: Child Helpline for Health Insurance. 215-563-5848 x 17
http://pccy.org/
Food Pantry List: https://www.bcoc.org/i-need-help-with/food-2/food-pantries-and-hours/
Fresh Connect: Free Farmers' Market. Friday in Bristol from 12 - 1 p.m. at the Lower Bucks Campus of Bucks County Community College, 1304 Veterans Highway, Bristol.
https://www.bcoc.org/i-need-help-with/food-2/fresh-connect/
Many other resources also remain available to Pennsylvanians in need of support, including:
Lenape Valley Mobile Crisis: 1-877-435-7709
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Nacional de Prevención del Suicidio: 1-888-628-9454
Crisis Text Line: Text “PA” to 741-741
Veteran Crisis Line: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990
Get Help Now Hotline (for substance use disorders): 1-800-662-4357
Pennsylvania Sexual Assault Helpline – 1-888-772-7227
National Domestic Violence Helpline: 1-800-799-7233
SCHOOL-BASED SERVICES:
Family Services
Big Brothers/Sisters
St. Mary’s Weekend Backpacks for Food
** If interested in any of these school-based services, please contact Lauren Kradoska ext. 2447 for grades K - 2, Kelly Keenan ext. 3255 for grades 3 – 5, or Joy McDonald ext. 3256 for grades K - 5.
SCHOOL-BASED EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS:
NOVA: Bully-free education classroom lessons.
"Peace Works!" through A Woman's Place: Skill training for healthy relationships.
"Steps for Success" through No Longer Bound: Small group lessons on prevention and training.
IMPORTANT COMMUNITY RESOURCES:
Contact (24-hour telephone counseling information and referral): 215-355-6611
Lenape Valley Mobile Crisis Support: 1-877-435-7709
Bucks County LIFE Program: Assists families who have a child that struggles with emotional, behavioral, social, and/or learning issues. 1-888-442-1590
Network of Victim Assistance (NOVA): 1-800-675-6900 http://www.novabucks.org/
Bucks County Housing Link: 1-800-810-4434
Bucks County Opportunity Council, Bristol (Focuses on self-sufficiency): 215-781-2661
Penn Community Bank (Reviews Credit Options, no counseling fee): 215-946-7400
Big Brothers/Big Sisters: 215-343-8260
"Welcoming the Stranger." Free educational opportunities to immigrants/refugees. 215-702-3445
PA Bullying Prevention Consultation Line: 1-866-716-0424
Lenape Valley Foundation Suicide Prevention: https://www.lenapevf.org/educationtraining/bucks-county-suicide-prevention-task-force/
PA Healthcare: https://www.compass.state.pa.us/Compass.Web/public/cmphome
PCCY's Child Helpline helps families get health insurance for FREE in every language. 215-563-5848 ext 17. https://www.pccy.org/
PARENTING:
Parenting Classes through Family Services: 215-757-6916 ext. 356 Annie Wise
St. Mary's Family Resource Center, Bensalem: 215-245-8563
St. Mary's Parenting Center, Langhorne: 215-710-5976
Children’s Comprehensive Health Guide http://www.drugwatch.com/health/children/
CHILD CARE:
Child Care Information Helpline: 1-877-4PA-KIDS
YMCA: 215-949-3400
Kid Time: 215-783-0521
THRIFT STORES:
Emilie United Methodist Church, Levittown: 215-945-5502
Impact Thrift Store, Bristol: 215-788-5485
Suited for Success, Bristol (Clothing for interviews): 215-781-0200
Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission, Penndel (Thrift/Furniture Store): 215-741-1010
Salvation Army Thrift Store, Fairless Hills: 215-946-1271
St. Mary Thrift Shop, Langhorne: 215-750-8400
FOOD BANKS:
"Weekend Back Packs for Kids" through St. Mary's Parenting Center (food and snacks for the weekend for your child(ren): Contact Joy at Mill Creek 267-599-2440
Mary's Cupboard, Levittown: 215-949-1991
Emergency Relief Association United Christian Church, Levittown: 215-547-1676
Martha's Cupboard, Levittown: 215-945-4486
Salvation Army, Levittown: 215-945-0717
Bristol Borough Community Action Group: 215-785-3296
Penndel Community Food Pantry: 215-752-8422
Loaves & Fishes Pantry, Fairless Hills: 215-946-5800
MENTAL HEALTH:
Counseling Services in Bucks County
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Care Connection
(215) 331-3200
1 Oxford valley Mall, Suite 812
Langhorne, PA 19047
3101 Bristol Road
Bensalem, PA 19020
Provides outpatient therapy and has Child Psychiatrist on staff
Accepts: Keystone East, CHIP,Aetna,Personal choice
Catholic Social Services
(215) 945-2550
200 Levittown Parkway
Levittown, PA 19054
Provides counseling services
Accepts medical assistance and works on sliding scale
Delaware valley Children’s Center
(215) 598-0223
2288 2nd Street Pike Suite 7
Newtown, PA 18940
Provides wrap-around services for children on Autistic Spectrum.
Accepts medical assistance
Family Services Association of Bucks County
(215) 757-6916
4 Cornerstone Dr.
Langhorne, PA 19047
Provides outpatient therapy to child and adult
Has a child psychiatrist on staff
Accepts medical assistance and various private insurances.
Sponsors parent support group: Contact Annie Wise for more info (215) 757-6916 ext.217
Licensed professional Counseling Services
(215)493-0132
85 South Main Street
Yardley, PA 19067
Accepts: Takes many commercial insurances.
Live Well Services
(215)968-7600
203 Floral Vale Blvd
Yardley, PA 19067
Provides outpatient and group therapy
Has psychiatric services for 18 and older
Accepts Aetna, Personal Choice, Keystone East, United Behavioral Health among others.
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Foundations Behavioral Health
(215)345-0444
833 E.Butler Ave
Doylestown, PA 18901
Provides inpatient hospitalization and wrap around services
Accepts medical Assistance and various private insurances
Growth Opportunity Center
(215)947-8654
2910 Franks Road
Huntington Valley, PA 19006
Has child psychiatrist on staff
Accepts: Aetna, Personal choice, Keystone East, CHIP, Cigna, United behavioral Health, and others
The Horsham Clinic
(215) 540-1674 or 1-800-237-447
Provides inpatient and partial hospitalization
Accepts: medical assistance and various insurances.
Internet Behavioral Health
(267)699-300
4610 Street Road
Bensalem, PA 19053
(only has day time availability as of 9/27/18)
Accepts most commercial insurances and some CHIP insurances.
Lenape Valley Foundation Mobile Crisis
1-877-435-7709
24 hours/7days
Penndel Mental Health Center
(215) 752-1541
1517 Durham Road
Penndel, PA 19047
Provides outpatient, family based, wrap-around,
Has a psychiatrist on staff
Accepts medical assistance
Philmont Guidance Center
(215) 914-2119
727 Welsh Road, Suite 202
Huntington Valley, PA 19006
Provides outpatient therapy
Has child psychiatrist on staff
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Maternal Child Consortium(MCC)
(267) 525-7000
800 Clarmont Ave
Bensalem, PA 19020
Provides outpatient therapy and Family Based Services and Wrap Around(for children with Autism)
Accepts Medical Assistance,
Milestones Behavioral Health
(215) 337-2500
301 Oxford Valley Road
Suite 305B
Yardley, PA 19067
Provides Wrap around, outpatient
Has a psychiatrist on staff
Accepts:
Network of Victim Assistance (NOVA)
(215) 343-6543
Bucks County Office Center
1200 New Rodgers Road Suite D-6
Bristol, PA 19007
Provides free services to victims of abuse and crime
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Progressions
(215)364-3299
4610 Street Road
Trevose, PA 19053
Provides Wrap Around services
Accepts Medical Assistance
Renewed Hope Family Services
(215) 579-2180
790 Newtown Yardley Road Suite 422
Newtown, PA 18940
Provides: Outpatient counseling
Accepts many commercial insurances
Southampton Psychiatric Associates
(215) 355-2011
882 Jacksonville Road Suite 205
Ivyland, PA 18974
Provides outpatient and psychiatric services
Accepts various commercial insurances
Psychiatrists accept medicare
TLC
(215)860-9742
54 Friends lane 114
Newtown, PA 18940
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MILL CREEK ELEMENTARY’S SCHOOL HOURS: 9:20 – 3:45 p.m.
Please note, attendance continues to be monitored when we are learning virtually.
BTSD ATTENDANCE GUIDELINES
BTSD is committed to increasing our students’ attendance in school. Frequent absences by students disrupt the continuity of instruction in the classroom.
PA Truancy Law:
- The first 10 absences in the school year MAY be excused by a parent/guardian note OR a healthcare provider.
- After 10 absences, a DR NOTE WILL BE REQUIRED for each additional absence for the remainder of the school year.
- Absences shall be considered unexcused until a written note is received by the attendance secretary within 10 school days. [email protected]
- Notes that are received after the 10 day deadline may be considered by the attendance committee for extenuating circumstances.
Procedures:
- After the third unexcused absence (no note within 10 school days), parent/guardian will receive a warning letter from their child's school. Along with the letter will be an invitation to attend a "School Attendance Improvement Conference."
- At the "School Attendance Improvement Conference," a plan will be developed to identify resources and strategies for improving the student's attendance.
- If the unexcused absences continue, referrals to an attendance program or Bucks County Children and Youth will be made.
- Continued unexcused absences will result in a citation in front of a District Magistrate.
For more information, please contact Leslie Rothberg, Home and School Visitor, at 267-599-2039 or [email protected]
** If you have any questions/concerns, please contact Joy McDonald at 267-599-2440 or through email [email protected].
For more information on the importance of attendance, please visit "Attendance Works."
http://www.attendanceworks.org/
ELEMENTARY STUDENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (ESAP) PROGRAM:
Mill Creek’s ESAP team is comprised of trained school personnel and a member from “Bucks County Drug and Alcohol Council.” Our team helps identify and intervene with students who are experiencing difficulty being successful in school. Our team is available to help students and families access school and community services for academic, social, and/or emotional needs. The program does not diagnose or treat students.
OUR MISSION:
The ESAP team is committed to the utmost confidentiality in all aspects of the intervention process. Matters brought before the team will not be shared outside of the team unless there is a professional/parental need to know. Parent permission is obtained before any student is interviewed by a team member.
WHO MAY SEEK HELP:
Any student enrolled in Mill Creek Elementary School may seek help through the Student Assistance Program.
HOW TO MAKE A REFERRAL:
Students are referred to the program by teachers, parents/guardians, administrators, and school staff. Referrals may be made to Lauren Kradoska (K-2), Kelly Keenan (3-5), the school counselors, or Joy McDonald (K-5), the school social worker, at 267-599-2440.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER A STUDENT IS REFERRED:
After a student is referred to the SAP team, factual information is compiled regarding the student’s behavior, academics, attendance, and appearance. The team reviews this information and determines the level of concern. Parent(s) are contacted when necessary and a meeting is scheduled to discuss the findings with the parent. An action plan is then developed by the team.
PARENT INFORMATION:
- Pennsylvania Department of Education Student Assistance Program’s Website: http://www.sap.state.pa.us/
- Mill Creek’s School Counselors: Lauren Kradoska 267-599-2440 ext. 2447 and Kelly Keenan 267-599-2440 ext. 3255
- Mill Creek’s School Social Worker: Joy McDonald 267-599-2440 ext. 3256
BTSD’S BULLYING INFORMATION AND REPORTING:
Bullying means an intentional electronic, written, verbal or physical act or series of acts directed at another student or students, which occurs in a school setting and/or outside a school setting, that is severe, persistent or pervasive, not a single incident, that creates an typical imbalance of power, and has the effect of doing any of the following:
- Substantial interference with a student’s education.
- Creation of a threatening environment.
- Substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the school
Bullying, as defined by school policy, includes cyberbullying. School setting means in the school, on school grounds, in school vehicles, at a designated bus stop or at any activity sponsored, supervised or sanctioned by the school.
What to do in the event that you or your child suspects that they are being bullied: Notify your building principal, assistant principal, or counselor/social worker of the suspected case of bullying and provide them with as much information as possible. Request to have the district's "Bully Reporting Form."
BULLY PREVENTION RESOURCES
1) The Pennsylvania Department of Education, Office for Safe Schools bullying prevention web page contains resources for parents, educators and professionals serving youth in school and out-of-school time settings.
- http://www.education.pa.gov/K-12/Safe%20Schools/Pages/Bullying-Prevention.aspx#tab-1
2) PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center includes a toolkit for National Bullying Prevention Month.
3) Stop Bullying.Gov is a federal government website managed by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services and contains links to the kids homepage, facts, what you can do and kids videos, games.
4) PA Bullying Prevention Consultation Line: 1-866-716-0424
- Messages can be left 24 hour a day, seven days a week, and will be returned Monday-Friday during normal business hours. The Bullying Prevention Consultation Line is a toll free number that will allow individuals experiencing chronic and unresolved bullying to discuss effective strategies and available resources to deal with school-based bullying; and is available, to students, parents/guardians and school districts across the state of Pennsylvania.
5) Promoting Safe and Supportive Schools: A bully prevention and intervention toolkit
6) Network of Victim Assistance (NOVA). Education, advocacy, and counseling. 1-800-675-6900 http://www.novabucks.org