Each student has an assigned Pupil Support Services team, or PSS for short. The primary goal of the PSS team approach is to help students academically, socially, emotionally, and behaviorally succeed in school. As students attend and graduate, we want them to be happy and safe, and making progress toward their potential as effective learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens, and effective contributors.

Each PSS team includes the following:

• Dean of students: Works with the student's family, counselor, teachers, and support personnel to assist students with behavioral issues, student conflicts, and any other issues that may interfere with the student's safety and success.
• Three counselors: Address the academic, career, and social-emotional needs of students. All have at minimum a master’s degree in school counseling.
• School social worker: Provides individual student counseling on a short-term basis and facilitates student support groups.  

Other 

NOTE: The prefix for each extension listed below is 708-434-XXXX.

Director of Student Services:  Kris Johnson/ Ext. 3258 / kjohnson@oprfhs.org

Division Secretary:  Gabrielle Van Zant / Ext. 3259 / gvanzant@oprfhs.org
 

The services provided for the school community by all members of the PSST (guidance counselors, deans of students, and Social Workers) address the following:

• Critical thinking / decision making skills;
• Conflict resolution;
• Drugs and Alcohol abuse;
• Harassment / Bullying prevention and intervention;
• Student and school behavior interventions;
• Development and implementation of district policies and procedures;
• Home visits;
• Recommendations for suspensions and expulsions;
• Participating in the identification process for determining eligibility for special education or 504 services;
• Staff Development;
• Consultations with faculty and staff  related to topics such as student attendance, behavior, special education, emotional well-being, and physical/mental health;
• Consultation with parents;
• Crisis prevention and intervention services;
• Consultation, referral, and coordination of services for students and families with community agencies and programs (Police, Parenthesis, Health Dept, Youth Services, etc.);
• Networking with outside/community agencies and resources;
• Alternative placement of students;
• Stress reduction & management for students and parents;
• Student rights & responsibilities / self-advocacy skills.

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AFTER SCHOOL HOURS…

Teachers, Coaches, Staff, Security, Tutors, etc.:

 If you are dealing with a student in a crisis situation outside of school hours and need assistance, call the Thrive Crisis Number 708.383.7500, press 0, and say “I need to speak to a family crisis worker” Or call the police (911) and ask  for a juvenile/youth officer.