Johnston County Public Schools is celebrating National School Social Work Week from March 4-8 by showcasing the role school social workers play in the lives of students.
JCPS school social workers are joining thousands nationwide participating in the week, themed “Lucky Enough”, to highlight their vital role in helping students meet the academic, social, and emotional challenges on the road to becoming successful and productive young adults.
Students and staff throughout JCPS are sharing the reasons why they are lucky enough to work with a school social worker.
“The connections and relationships that are built through the efforts of social workers enable students to find success both in school and in their future endeavors,” said JCPS Director of Social and Emotional Learning Dr. Amanda Allen.
More than 37,000 students in the district’s 45 schools are served by 17 school social workers. Each of these employees serves an average of 2,200 students by linking families to resources, bridging the gap between community and school, mediating between stakeholders at school and home, and removing barriers to student success.
“School social workers play a vital role in supporting students and families within our schools and our communities,” said JCPS Lead Social Worker Susan Kelly.
National School Social Work Week is sponsored by the School Social Work Association of America (SSWAA), the only national organization exclusively dedicated to the profession of school social work.
“School social workers are Specialized Instructional Support Personnel, working with students and their families, so that children feel supported at home and at school,” said Myrna Mandlawitz, Government Relations Director of the SSWAA.
