Our next “Feature-A-Teacher” will highlight Pieter B. Coeymans Social Worker, Ms. Hannah Barry. This series works to recognize the extensive efforts of our school staff as they continue to motivate, collaborate and provide opportunities that keep our students engaged during their time at RCS.
Today’s Q&A highlights Ms. Barry’s dedication to her students and her ability to adjust her daily duties to best meet the needs of our students.
Can you tell RCS a little bit about yourself?
I moved a lot growing up and have lived in seven different states. I also lived in England for all of my high school years. I moved back here in 2007 and have worked for RCS since then, so I must have found my spot! I love working at Pieter B. and am really proud to be part of our “Pieter B. Family.” I like traveling, cooking, being active (running, biking, swimming, skiing) and find it motivating to train for races, usually triathlons or running races. I recently ran the New York City Marathon in honor of one of our students, Alivia Nunziato. She is in treatment for leukemia and is just so sweet and amazing. She inspired me to run this marathon with Team in Training, which means I raised money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society while training for the race. Pieter B. participated in the fundraising (we raised over $4000!), and we all wore orange for leukemia awareness the Friday before the race to show our support for Alivia.
Why did you decide to become a Social Worker? What makes you passionate about your profession?
I decided to be a school social worker because I loved working with kids, and working in a school setting gives you a unique opportunity to help them in their daily setting. I am passionate about helping students be socially successful and connected to their peers and community because that feeling of belonging is so important. Seeing students make progress socially or emotionally is so rewarding - such as when a student learns to ask another to play rather than playing alone or learns to use their coping strategies when they are overwhelmed with an academic task. These skills are so important as they help students feel more comfortable during their school day and get used beyond the classroom throughout their life.
How has the COVID-19 pandemic changed how you work with students?
Due to the pandemic, I have had to learn so many new ways to work on social/emotional goals and provide social opportunities for our students in google meets. I had never heard of a Boom Card or a Jam Board (to name a few), but now I am very comfortable with using them! Now that we are back in school, my groups are smaller so that they can keep their distance in my office, and we have had to find creative ways to do some of our activities. My puppy puppet that used to give the kindergarteners hugs if they follow the rules during Second Step lessons now gives them “air hugs” - but they still love him!
What is social-emotional learning, and why is it so important to our student's educational journey?
Social-Emotional Learning is teaching the students skills like self-regulation, relationship skills, decision making, and self-advocacy. It is important because these skills help our students learn to navigate issues that we all face at times, and the bonus is that students have better academic outcomes when these are taught!
What advice do you have for students who may be struggling?
Talking about your feelings can help (with your family, friends, or counselor), and know that everyone struggles sometimes. I encourage any student who is struggling to reach out to their social worker or a staff member for help!
What’s your favorite memory teaching at RCS? Who or what inspires you on a day-to-day basis?
One of my favorite memories is being a contestant in a “Minute to Win it” assembly years ago at Pieter B. The students were cheering SO LOUDLY as we (6 or 7 staff members) did ridiculous challenges like picking up cotton balls with vaseline on our noses or keeping balloons up in the air with only one hand. The whole school was definitely having fun together that day!
I am inspired by the students I work with every day by seeing their resilience and compassion for others.
