Thank you SMSD Social Workers

The Shawnee Mission School District thanks all social workers for the vital role they play in the lives of the school community.

This week, the School Social Work Association of America promotes National School Social Work Week with the theme “Beacon of Hope: School Social Workers- Lighting the Way.”

These individuals are essential to the success and overall wellbeing of every school and district, Dr. John McKinney,  director of student and family services said. They provide the stability and calm that has been especially important in an unprecedented school year, he added.

“Addressing the many and varied needs of our students is essential to their social and emotional wellbeing as well as their academic success,” McKinney expressed. “ School social workers are trained to help with the social and emotional needs of our students and families. More than that, it is who they are. Social work is more than a chosen profession, it is a calling.”

Social workers are trained, licensed professionals who provide support in numerous areas including but not limited to:

·      Addressing mental health concerns

·      Behavioral support

·      Social-Emotional support

·      Individual and group counseling

·      Providing services and resources for students and families

We invite everyone to join us in thanking social workers for what they do to support, students, families, staff, and the community.