Sunday, March 5, 2023
National School Social Work Week is March 5–11, 2023. Take time to appreciate our school social workers in MPS! School social workers are critical members of the school team in every MPS school.
This year’s theme for National School Social Work Week, chosen by the School Social Work Association of America (SSWAA), is “We Rise.” The theme recognizes how school social workers continually rise up to support their students, families, and school communities. The SSWAA website shares, “School social workers rise to share hope. They rise to listen and understand. They rise to challenge inequities. They rise to support all students.”
In MPS, school social workers rise up to sustain meaningful connections with students and families to support positive outcomes. They nurture connections through active listening, open dialogue, respecting boundaries, maintaining professionalism, providing encouragement, and empowering students and families.
MPS school social workers have a range of resources they can draw from to provide students and families with crisis intervention and mental health interventions, including the MPS Homeless Education Program, special education evaluation teams, school-based mental health supports, and Head Start for children ages 3 and 4. In addition, school social workers conduct home visits, connect students to community resources, and collaborate with school staff, families, and community partners to improve services.
School social workers are working diligently in our schools and behind the scenes to improve overall student wellbeing and academic outcomes. As we celebrate SSW Week, please thank a school social worker who supports staff, students, and families in our district. Working together, “We Rise!”
Thank you, MPS school social workers!