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Student Support Services » CIU 10 Social Workers

CIU 10 Social Workers

School social workers are licensed mental health professional who help remove barriers that might be getting in the way of a student’s success—whether those challenges are at school, at home, or in the community. They work closely with students, families, and staff to support academic achievement, mental health, attendance, and emotional well-being.

 

Here are just a few things school social workers do:

  • Help students who are struggling with social, emotional, or behavioral issues

  • Connect families to resources such as food, clothing, housing, or counseling

  • Support students during times of crisis or change

  • Work with teachers and staff to create a safe and supportive school environment

  • Advocate for students and families to ensure their needs are met

School social workers are a vital part of the school team—and their goal is to help every student feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.

If you ever need support or have questions about services for your child or family, don’t hesitate to reach out to your school social worker. They are here to help!

Dara F.

 

Dara Felker-Merritt, LSW

PVEI & Centre Hall Elementary

(O) 814-422-8814 ext: 2218

(C) 814-592-0792

 

Allison

 

Allison Smoczynski, LSW

Penns Valley Jr./Sr. High

(O) 814-422-2000 ext: 3412

If your child is facing difficulties at school, home, or in the community, or if your family could use help connecting with resources, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your school social worker. Whether it’s help with basic needs, emotional support, or guidance through tough times, we’re here to listen and assist.

 
The Penns Valley Area School District (PVASD) recognizes the vital role the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) plays in supporting school families by reducing food insecurity and ensuring children have consistent access to nutritious meals at home. PVASD understands that when families’ basic needs are met, students are better prepared to learn, maintain focus in class, and experience improved overall well-being. In response to the changes in the SNAP benefits, PVASD developed a list and provider links to several local community resources to help families access food, utilities, and other essential items. Families can also utilize the Resource and Support Request form link below to request help from a school social worker. 
 
Families can click the confidential link below to request items or support:

 

Together, we’re here to help our PV community. 💙

 

 
Click on the Links Below to Access Information About Resources in the Area
 
Penns Valley Food Pantries In the Area
 

The Backpack Program

The Backpack Program provides students with backpacks filled with nutritious food each Friday to ensure they have enough to eat over the weekend. Each participating child will receive breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a snack for both Saturday and Sunday. If you would like your child to take part in this program, please click the link above and complete the interest form. A school social worker will use the information you provide to complete the official registration and send it to your email for your signature.

 

MILITARY SHARE Fresh Express Mobile Food Distribution
YMCA of Centre County has partnered with the Central PA Food Bank's Military Share Program to provide a FREE food distribution for Veterans and their families. Pre-registration is REQUIRED. For more information please contact your school's social worker.
 

Other Community Resources

211
 
 
 
Local Resources
neighborly.findhelp.com
  
Feeding PA    Feeding PA
 
Utilities Help With Utility Assistance Programs
 
 

PVASD Community Closet Now Available!!


PVASD has established a PV Community Closet to support students and families across the district. Parents or students may request clothing or hygiene items as needed by contacting their school social worker or completing the Resource and Support Request form above.

 

 

 

 

Community Programs Who Support Our Students 
 
Our school social workers are proud to bring supportive programs into the school that promote student well-being, emotional growth, and academic success. These initiatives provide students with safe spaces to express themselves, build coping skills, and receive guidance during challenging times.
 
Tides is dedicated to serving grieving individuals of all ages by providing a healthy and compassionate support system so no one has to grieve alone. The Tides program runs a 6 week grief group at PVASD for student's who have lost a loved one. For more information, click  Here.
 
Centre County Youth Service Bureau Logo
YSB, the Youth Service Bureau, provides prevention programs to schools throughout Centre county. These evidenced based programs are geared toward tobacco, vaping, drug & alcohol awareness & prevention, anti bullying programs, conflict resolution, and healthy development. YSB also provides community programs such as the Clothing attic, Active Mondays, Squad events, and Independent Living work shops. For more information about these programs, click Here.
 
Centre Safe logo Allies in Action is an in-school volunteer program designed for students grades 10-12 to facilitate conversations and activities with younger students in 6th grade about bullying prevention, allyship, and promoting positive peer relationships. To learn more about their programs, click Here.
 
Mobile DentistThis is a convenient opportunity for your child to receive a dental exam and cleaning during the school day. If you would like help signing your child up for the Mobile Dentist, we are happy to assist with the registration process. Otherwise, parents can  Register here.  The Mobile Dentist will be here on the following days:

  • Centre Hall Elementary – May 26

  • Penns Valley High School – May 27

  • Penns Valley Elementary and Intermediate School – May 27

 
 
Community Supports You May Be Interested In
 
In addition to in-school support, we connect students and families with a variety of trusted mental health resources and community programs to ensure ongoing care and support beyond the classroom. Together, we are building a stronger, healthier school environment for everyone.
 
The YMCA  provides several anti hunger programs through out Centre and Clearfield county with their Back Pack Program. Students can sign up through their school, and receive a backpack full of food each Friday (or the last day of school for the week) during the school year. For more information about other anti hunger programs, click Here. Please reach out to the school if you're interested in registering your student in the Back Pack program.
 
Mental Health Support
 
Students’ mental health is essential to their academic success, personal growth, and overall well-being. When students feel supported emotionally and psychologically, they are better able to focus, learn, build healthy relationships, and cope with challenges. Prioritizing mental health not only reduces stress and anxiety but also creates a positive, inclusive environment where students can thrive both inside and outside the classroom. If concerns arise, reaching out to the school social worker is an important first step—they can provide support, connect students and families with resources, and help make appropriate referrals to ensure every student gets the care they need. Below, families can access several resources in the event of a crisis, as well as a link to a comprehensive list of community Mental Health providers. 
 
Community Mental Health Providers Link 
( Please note, this is a comprehensive list, and some information may change depending on the clinicians and insurance changes with  the provider. The list is updated periodically to keep it up to date. If you have question, please reach out to your school social worker.) 
 
Center for Community Resources

Crisis Intervention provides mental health intervention, assessment, support, screening, and referral services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Click Here for more information about their services.

Walk-In Crisis Services

2100 East College Avenue,
State College, PA 16801
Offered 6:00 am-12:00 am, 7 days a week.
 

People can call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org for themselves or if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.

988 serves as a universal entry point so that no matter where you live in the United States, you can reach a caring, trained counselor who can help. 988 offers 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing mental health-related distress. That could be: