Ms. Rouff, LMSW

School Social Worker, Dearborn High School

Free Online Resources

Governor Whitmer announced last week that two online resources would be available for FREE to support people’s emotional wellbeing during this time.

  • Headspace, https://www.headspace.com/mi, offers guided meditations, sleeping tools, and short exercises. 
  • Michigan Virtual launched Michigan Cares, https://michiganvirtual.org/sel/michigan-cares/, which provides lots of virtual lessons aimed at teaching social/emotional skills. You can make an account for free. I’ll likely be sending some of these out in the coming weeks.

Weekly Communication – Gratitude Journal

Hello all,

I hope you were able to find time over the last week to take a “break” and reconnect. It has been great to hear from some of you – please remember that I am available to connect over phone or video if you find yourself needing or wanting support, or even if you’d just like to say hi.

Here is a link to a Gratitude Journal template that provides prompts to record three good things each day for one week. It is important during these challenging times to think about and reflect upon what you are grateful for. Feel free to use the prompts and see what it feels like to express gratitude in such a format.

Stay safe and healthy,
Ms. Rouff

Square Breathing

Hi all,

I hope you and your families continue to stay safe and healthy. I wanted to reach out to check in, and also remind you that I am available to connect via email, phone or video during this time that we’re away. 

While there is so much going on in the world, it is critical to remember to BREATHE! Here is a link to a quick video that explains an exercise called Square Breathing. It can be useful when feeling stressed, anxious, and overwhelmed.

Please reach out if you need anything at all.

While we’re away…

Students and Families,

I hope you are staying safe and well. I wanted to reach out and let you know how social work services can continue while we are out of school. I will be available by email and can set up times to talk via phone or video chat. Appointments would likely be from 9AM-12noon Monday through Friday for 20-30 minutes. We can use whatever format you are comfortable with (Google Hangout, FaceTime, etc.) You can schedule an appointment by emailing me at rouffl@dearbornschools.org

Please remember the importance of taking care of yourself! Below are some tips:

  • Avoid excessive exposure to media coverage of COVID-19.
  • Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories. It can be upsetting to hear and see images repeatedly. Try to do some other activities you enjoy to instill a sense of normalcy.
  • Connect with others. Share your concerns and how you are feeling with a good friend or family member. Maintain healthy relationships and limit time on social media.
  • Maintain a daily schedule and eat healthy.
  • Maintain a sense of hope and positive thinking. Try to stay in the present.

These techniques may help if you are feeling anxious:

  • Use deep breathing and challenge your thoughts to reduce stress (see attached handout).
  • Include relaxation techniques like progressive muscle relaxation or guided imagery. 
  • Go for a walk, jog, dance, stretch, run up stairs.
  • Pick up a journal or sketchbook where you can express your emotions through writing or drawing.
  • Make a fidget ball by filling a balloon with rice or flour to reduce anxiety. Take a pipe cleaner and wrap around an unsharpened pencil or popsicle stick. 

These free apps may be useful: Relax Melodies, What’s Up, Breathe, Shine, Simple Habit, Calm and Mindfulness.

Be in touch, and let me know if you need anything at all. If you feel a friend needs support please share this note with them.

Thinking of you all,

Ms. Rouff

Welcome!

Hello, and welcome to my blog! My name is Lauren Rouff, and I am a School Social Worker at Dearborn High School. I graduated with my Masters of Social Work from the University of Michigan in Spring 2017, where I focused on Interpersonal Practice with Children and Youth. I am passionate about helping to create an inclusive, supportive school environment where all students feel safe, comfortable, and happy. I love the outdoors and travelling, and my favorite TV show is Friends. Looking forward to meeting you all and having a great school year! Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions: rouffl@dearbornschools.org.

Ms. Rouff

© 2025 Ms. Rouff, LMSW

Theme by Anders NorenUp ↑