In the new OHS, students have a new space to receive support from social workers for help with social or emotional needs in the new student center. The purpose of the student center is to give students support.
At the new OHS there are many places in the building available for students to connect with adults they trust. One of them being the student center. The student center revolves around helping students and providing support. Compared to the old OHS, there is now a designated area for students to connect with people who can offer them help.
This spot in the building is intended for language coaches, Somali and Latino, social workers to give students the opportunity to talk to trusted adults. It also includes a prayer room for Muslim students. Along with the prayer rooms, the construction team included a foot wash corner for when students make ablution to pray.
This space is for the students. Somali interpreter Ms. Fathia Ali said, “It’s all about student support. There’s rooms for Latino students and helping them translate things as well as their parents.” The student center is busier during the afternoon due to students coming from the career center since there isn’t a bathroom in that area. Junior Hamdi Moalim said, “I’m glad there’s a spot in the school called the student center because it makes it feel like I can stop by whenever I need to.”
As for the social workers in the area their job consists of working with students with behavioral problems, mental health struggles, helping them achieve in school, and helping them function in their home life. The three social workers who work at OHS are Ms. Nancy Williams, Ms. Kari Black and Ms. Casie Devos. Ms. Williams’ and Ms. Black’s offices can be found in the career center while Ms. Devos’ office is found in the student center. The student center is found in room 212.
