COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

P.O. BOX 2120

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23218-2120

SUPTS. MEMO NO. 48

February 29, 2008

INFORMATIONAL

TO:	Division Superintendents
FROM:	Billy K. Cannaday, Jr. Superintendent of Public Instruction
SUBJECT:	National Professional Social Work Month

 

March is National Professional Social Work Month. This year's theme Building on Strengths: Help Starts Here focuses on the important strengths inherent in each individual student, his or her family, and community. This month provides an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the important work being done by school social workers and visiting teachers.

 

School social workers use a strengths perspective. This approach emphasizes assisting school staff and families in identifying their strengths and using these strengths to aid students experiencing academic, social-emotional and/or behavioral difficulties.

 

School social workers are noted for their contributions in the following areas:

 

• Prevention and intervention services
• Assessment and screening
• Counseling services and crisis intervention
• Consultation, collaboration and advocacy
• Parent/family and community services
• Promoting educational equity
• Reducing barriers to learning

 

Division superintendents are encouraged to join the Virginia Department of Education in recognizing over 900 school social workers and visiting teachers as they strive to address the enormous challenges students face to achieve academic success.

 

Please contact Vivian Stith-Williams, student services specialist at 804-225-4543 or e-mail at Vivian.Stith-Williams@doe.virginia.gov if you have questions or need additional information.

 

BKCJr/vsw