Guidance Department

Social Worker

Jessica Wheatley
jessicawheatley@sd54.org

Social Worker

Patricia McGinn
847-357-2085
patriciamcginn@sd54.org

School Psychologist

Meg Kwak
847-357-2154
megkwak@sd54.org

School counselor

Hannah Rakofsky
847-357-6554
hannahrakofsky@sd54.org

Helen Keller Junior High School’s guidance department consists of a seventh- and eighth-grade social worker and a school psychologist.  The guidance program is designed to serve the academic, social and emotional needs of all students.

ALL students at Keller can receive assistance in

• Coping skills,
• Peer relationships,
• Problem-solving skills,
• Academic support,
• Easing the transition into junior high and high school,
• Bullying,
• Anger management,
• And more.

PARENTS can receive help in

• Addressing home and school concerns,
• Homework,
• Bullying,
• Outside counseling referrals and
• Community assistance.

How can you make use of the guidance program at Keller?

• Students can pick up a request form in the main office.
• A staff member may refer a student.
• Parents can call the guidance department.

Community Resources

District 54 Community Closet and Food Pantry

District 54 offers a community closet and food pantry for our students and their families who are in need of free clothes or food.  You can obtain access to the community closet and food pantry by contacting Keller’s Guidance Department.

Area Food Pantries

• Schaumburg Township: 847-884-0030
• Catholic Charities  (Des Plaines): 847-376-2100
• Barrington Township: 847-381-5632
• Willow Creek  (Hoffman Estates): 847-882-3663
• Harvest Bible Chapel: 847-398-7005

Community Counseling Support

We have a comprehensive list of community agencies that provide support groups for grief and loss, family, group and/or individual counseling. Please contact Keller’s Guidance Department for further information.

Financial and Housing Assistance

• CEDA: 847-392-2332
• Catholic Charities: 847-376-2110 (Des Plaines)
• WINGS: 847-951-8670
• Schaumburg Township: 847-884-0030
• Hanover Township: 630-540-9085
• Willow Creek: 847-882-3663
• Centro de Informacion: 630 550-5131
• Salvation Army: 847-348-7395
• Center of Concern: (847)823-0453

Teen Services

• Hoffman Estates Park District:  847-885-7500
• Schaumburg Park District:  847-985-2115
• The Barn Teen Center:  847-524-3388

Prescription Services

• Simple Savings Card (reduced prescription costs): http://simplesavingscard.com/