As I think of the people who have impacted
my practice as a School Social Worker, I immediately think of Jack Scott.
Jack has been a School Social Worker in the Mead School District for
18 years. Jack worked at Evergreen Elementary School for many years
and most recently at Colbert Elementary School. Jared Hoadley, Principal
at Colbert Elementary had nothing but positive things to say about Jack!
He produces the "Friday Morning News" once a month. He videos students
that use puppets that talks to character counts. This is a very entertaining
and successful program at Colbert Elementary.
Jared wishes Jack would talk more about this program as it is a great asset to their school.
He has implemented the Be Cool series within the school and runs multiple
groups with children. Jack is visible throughout the school. He spends
recess on the playground supporting kids with skills such as how to
play and how to be a good friend. Jack works closely with the entire
staff at Colbert.
He facilitates book studies with Para-educators.
While at Evergreen, Jack founded the Morningside Club in the church next door
to the school. This is a neighborhood after school program that provides
opportunities for kids to develop positive relationships and good experiences
instead of being home by themselves. He did this with no money and a
lot of commitment. He recruited volunteers from local colleges and dedicated
countless hours of his own time. It is a pivotal part of the Evergreen
Community. Although Jack is no longer involved in the program he is
very much remembered!
Liz Pfiffner, School Social Worker, Mead School District said that Jack
loves being with kids! His focus is the work he does with children.
He is on the playground and in the classroom. Jack is known for his
funny stories and his sense of humor. He is enthusiastic and engaging.
He has a huge fish tank in his office; he does magic, juggles, and tells
jokes. All of which help him to build relationships with children. This
is a central part of who he is. Kids love him and feel connected to
him and their school. Liz felt that Jack recognizes individual expertise
and knowledge and works to utilize these strengths to find a collaborative
solution. He is a leader within their School Social Work team and serves
on district committees. "Among the school social work group he is known
for being knowledgeable, fun, and his dedication and levity is part
of the glue that make our social work team rewarding and successful"
said Beth.
Jack works to improve the profession of School Social Work through his
continued work on the Eastern Washington School Social Work PEAB. Jack
has volunteered on this board for many years and is a leader in ensuring
a positive experience for our School Social Work students. Jack is often
known to have a practicum student at his side! He is committed to giving
back to our profession. Jack teaches the School Social Work Law course
at EWU and has also taught the Advanced Practice class. When we interview
our graduating students at the end of the year they always express that
a highlight was the School Law class they took with Jack! Yikes, law
is fun?! We tease Jack that he is the "rock star" of school social work!
When I shared this with his principal Jared said, don't you mean the
"banjo star"!
Jack is a School Social Worker. He is humble in his contributions. He
is a true inspiration to me and everyone who knows him! Thank you Jack
for the work you do and the compassion and devotion you bring with it.
