Welcome to the K-5
Social Emotional Health Department

Cortney’s Corner
My name is Cortney Ralph. I could not be happier to be a part of the Amanda-Clearcreek team! I am excited to be the K-5 Social Worker. I am looking forward to working with students, families, and teachers. I hope to be a positive influence and make a difference with the students and community.

My Mission
My mission as a Social Worker is to help students, families, and teachers address mental health, behavioral concerns, positive behavioral support, academic, and classroom support.

What is a Social Worker?
Social workers provide services to students to enhance their emotional well-being and improve their academic performance.

Individual Check-Ins
A student can be referred by a parent / guardian, teacher, or by their own request. Check-In topics can range from study skills and other academic issues to social skills, peer relationships, family concerns, or any other issues that may be concerning to the parent / guardian, teacher, or student.

Social Emotional Groups
Social-Emotional Groups are made up of 4-6 children. These groups will be held weekly for 20 minutes. They will focus on topics such as anxiety, social skills, resiliency, and empowerment.

Melissa’s Message
My name is Melissa Bennett. My dream in education has always been to make a difference in the lives of my students and their families. I truly believe my position as the K-5 Social Emotional Learning Teacher will allow me to do just that. Through lessons, students will learn that they are important, special, and loved.

My Mission
My mission is to bring a smile to students' faces every single day. I want them to know that school is a safe place where they come to learn, laugh, and have fun! When this happens, their self- confidence will rise, their anxiety will lessen, and they will become the best students that they can be. I can’t think of anything better than that!

What is Social Emotional Learning?
Social Emotional Learning is 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.

Social Emotional Learning Lessons
All K-5 students will have the opportunity to participate in a Social Emotional Learning Lesson once a week. Topics of discussion will include: Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Social Awareness, Relationship Skills and Responsible Decision-Making.

Contact Information
Please feel free to contact us at any time if you have any questions or concerns.
cralph@amanda.k12.oh.us
sgrossnickle@amanda.k12.oh.us