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As a school social worker, Jodie Darnell attends to the emotional and psychological needs of her students. This critical work extends well beyond the classroom and forms a critical safety net for them so that they have the knowledge, resources and support to succeed in school and in life.
Wheeling Elementary School second-grader Alejandra Hernandez Ramos is one of these students. Ramos meets with Darnell nearly every week to talk about her feelings and practice a variety of different mindfulness techniques.
"Miss Darnell taught me breathing exercises and helps me whenever I am feeling sad or upset," said Ramos. "She really cares about me and my family."
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 Alejandra Hernandez Ramos
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Darnell joined Wheeling Elementary in 2020. Since then, she has played a vital role in helping students like Alejandra meet academic, social and emotional challenges head on. She enjoys connecting with students and their families, and she goes above and beyond to build trusting relationships with them to provide a bridge between home and school.
"I love my work because it gives me the opportunity to build really strong relationships with students and their families," said Darnell. "I love problem solving with the students, parents and staff when challenging situations occur and being able to see the growth that happens as a result of that collaboration."
In addition to her work at Wheeling, Darnell is developing a social-emotional program for the new Clara Brown Entrepreneurial Academy, which will open for the 2022-23 school year. She recently acquired a grant to create a "rejuvenation room" housed inside the school, which will give staff the opportunity to decompress and center themselves.
"As a social worker, I believe in supporting the social and emotional needs of students and staff alike," said Darnell. "Teaching can sometimes be challenging and I think having a space to rejuvenate is invaluable."
Join Aurora Public Schools March 6-12 as we celebrate Darnell and the many incredible school social workers during National School Social Work Week! The annual celebration, sponsored by the School Social Work Association of America, is a time for us to pause and honor school social workers for the vital role they play in creating and maintaining positive, safe and supportive learning environments.
If you see an APS school social worker this week or at any time in the future, please thank them for their commitment to ensuring every student shapes a successful future!