News and Upcoming Events
The Washington Association of School Social Workers (WASSW) is delighted to announce that Catheleen Schlotter of Cheney, Washington has been selected as the School Social Worker Association of America (SSWAA), School Social Worker of the Year for 2017. Catheleen will be honored at the SSWAA national conference in San Diego, CA on March 24th, 2017. Catheleen was also recognized as the WASSW School Social Worker of the Year in October 2016. The School Social Worker of the Year award is given to an individual who is recognized by their peers, colleagues, and supervisors as making outstanding contributions ranging from direct practice to state and national leadership.
Catheleen is an Assistant Principal and Reengagement and Intervention Specialist at Snowden Elementary in the Cheney School District. Catheleen is a former WASSW Board Member as well as an adjunct professor at Eastern Washington University. A colleague shared this, “Catheleen strengthens partnerships, brings a whole child view to the table, and advocates for crucial wrap around services for families. She is well respected amongst teachers, students, community members, families, and administrators.”
esa BEHAVIORAL HEALTH COALITION - WASSW IN ACTION!
What is the ESA Behavioral Health Coalition?
At the close of the legislative session last spring, our board members made meaningful contacts with representatives of the school psychologists, school counselors and school nurses association and together we created the first ESA Behavioral Health Coalition of Washington. As we know, there are distinctive and overlapping roles within our professions and as a result we created a document that illustrates our work at the tier 1, 2 and 3 level. As a group, we’ve come together for four meetings to work on a model where all of our roles play a critical role in addressing student health and wellness.
What have we done?
Our ESA coalition met with members at OSPI including deputy superintendant Gil Mendoza to begin the conversation about this important work. Each group was tasked with surveying our membership to discover how we are being utilized across the state. We intend to share this data that fully integrates all roles. We are searching for a multi-disciplinary model at districts across the US that have effectively integrated all of these roles to show improved student outcomes. If you know of any examples, please contact Carrie Syvertsen.
School Social Worker Survey Results
We also conducted a survey to get a better picture of our school social workers. 73 people responded and participated. Here is some preliminary data:
· Total number of districts represented = 36.
· 89% have their ESA School Social Work. 11% have their ESA counseling.
· 34% have the title School Social Worker; 27% have the title school counselor. 39% have an array of titles.
· 85% are paid on the certificated level
· 80% are 1.0 FTE
· 59% work with K-5; 14% work with 6-8; 27% work with 9-12
· F/L rate: 49% work with populations with 50% or more on F/R lunch
· 50% are paid by 100% gen-ed funds; 12% are paid by 100% SPED funds; 7% by discretionary building based funds; 8% through grants; 23% are a combination of multiple sources.
· 64% respondents serve 1 building; 19% serve 2 buildings; 16% ranged from 3 to 46 buildings.
· For all questions relating to our national model, respondents answered YES 70% or more on all 13 questions.
We continue to analyze our data and will work collaboratively within the coalition to promote our profession. Together, we plan to present at various conferences in 2016 including school principals and school superintendents, among others.
At the close of the legislative session last spring, our board members made meaningful contacts with representatives of the school psychologists, school counselors and school nurses association and together we created the first ESA Behavioral Health Coalition of Washington. As we know, there are distinctive and overlapping roles within our professions and as a result we created a document that illustrates our work at the tier 1, 2 and 3 level. As a group, we’ve come together for four meetings to work on a model where all of our roles play a critical role in addressing student health and wellness.
What have we done?
Our ESA coalition met with members at OSPI including deputy superintendant Gil Mendoza to begin the conversation about this important work. Each group was tasked with surveying our membership to discover how we are being utilized across the state. We intend to share this data that fully integrates all roles. We are searching for a multi-disciplinary model at districts across the US that have effectively integrated all of these roles to show improved student outcomes. If you know of any examples, please contact Carrie Syvertsen.
School Social Worker Survey Results
We also conducted a survey to get a better picture of our school social workers. 73 people responded and participated. Here is some preliminary data:
· Total number of districts represented = 36.
· 89% have their ESA School Social Work. 11% have their ESA counseling.
· 34% have the title School Social Worker; 27% have the title school counselor. 39% have an array of titles.
· 85% are paid on the certificated level
· 80% are 1.0 FTE
· 59% work with K-5; 14% work with 6-8; 27% work with 9-12
· F/L rate: 49% work with populations with 50% or more on F/R lunch
· 50% are paid by 100% gen-ed funds; 12% are paid by 100% SPED funds; 7% by discretionary building based funds; 8% through grants; 23% are a combination of multiple sources.
· 64% respondents serve 1 building; 19% serve 2 buildings; 16% ranged from 3 to 46 buildings.
· For all questions relating to our national model, respondents answered YES 70% or more on all 13 questions.
We continue to analyze our data and will work collaboratively within the coalition to promote our profession. Together, we plan to present at various conferences in 2016 including school principals and school superintendents, among others.
Lobby Day 2015
Written by Lara Evensen, University of Washington
School Social Work Intern at Chief Sealth International High School
Written by Lara Evensen, University of Washington
School Social Work Intern at Chief Sealth International High School
Six members attended the second WASSW Lobby Day on Monday, January 19, 2015 in Olympia. To prepare for the day of advocacy, WASSW members scheduled appointments and met with various representatives and senators to discuss the role of social work within our schools. Members chose to meet with both legislators from their own district as well as legislators who have a history of sponsoring or co-sponsoring bills that support educational initiatives.
Because our scheduled Lobby Day was so close to the beginning of the legislative session, the purpose of our advocacy was focused less on specific pieces of legislation and more on boosting the visibility of school social work. Key talking points included the importance of mental health services in K-12 schools, the ever-present need for continued prevention, assessment, and intervention services for at-risk students, and the role of school social workers as individual service providers who understand how to navigate complex systems in order to access resources for students, families, and communities. Members explained the distinction between SSWs and school counselors, advocated for official recognition in the Washington Administrative Code, and encouraged legislators to support upcoming bills that would allocate funds specifically to create positions accessible to school social workers.
At the end of the day, our members had met with representatives, senators, and staff from eleven different offices, including: Representative Gerry Pollet (46th Legislative District), Senator Tim Sheldon (35th Legislative District), Representative Tina Orwall (33rd Legislative District), Representative Steve Bergquist (11th Legislative District), Representative Reuven Carlyle (36th Legislative District), Senator David Frockt (46th Legislative District), Representative Jessyn Farrell (46th Legislative District), Representative Gael Tarleton (36th Legislative District), Representative Tana Senn (41st Legislative District), Representative Eric Pettigrew (37th Legislative District), and Senator Pramila Jayapal (37th Legislative District). Some representatives currently serve on the House Education Committee and the House Early Learning and Human Services Committee.
Reaching out to these legislators is an important first step that has brought us closer to greater visibility for our profession. However, we still have a long way to go. The next step is to schedule follow-up meetings with those who are supportive of our cause in order to get closer to our goal of being officially recognized as vital members of school support systems. We cannot continue to advocate effectively for students and families under current limitations, so we must organize and make our voices heard. Please contact your legislators and keep an eye out for further updates from WASSW regarding upcoming legislation and action!
Because our scheduled Lobby Day was so close to the beginning of the legislative session, the purpose of our advocacy was focused less on specific pieces of legislation and more on boosting the visibility of school social work. Key talking points included the importance of mental health services in K-12 schools, the ever-present need for continued prevention, assessment, and intervention services for at-risk students, and the role of school social workers as individual service providers who understand how to navigate complex systems in order to access resources for students, families, and communities. Members explained the distinction between SSWs and school counselors, advocated for official recognition in the Washington Administrative Code, and encouraged legislators to support upcoming bills that would allocate funds specifically to create positions accessible to school social workers.
At the end of the day, our members had met with representatives, senators, and staff from eleven different offices, including: Representative Gerry Pollet (46th Legislative District), Senator Tim Sheldon (35th Legislative District), Representative Tina Orwall (33rd Legislative District), Representative Steve Bergquist (11th Legislative District), Representative Reuven Carlyle (36th Legislative District), Senator David Frockt (46th Legislative District), Representative Jessyn Farrell (46th Legislative District), Representative Gael Tarleton (36th Legislative District), Representative Tana Senn (41st Legislative District), Representative Eric Pettigrew (37th Legislative District), and Senator Pramila Jayapal (37th Legislative District). Some representatives currently serve on the House Education Committee and the House Early Learning and Human Services Committee.
Reaching out to these legislators is an important first step that has brought us closer to greater visibility for our profession. However, we still have a long way to go. The next step is to schedule follow-up meetings with those who are supportive of our cause in order to get closer to our goal of being officially recognized as vital members of school support systems. We cannot continue to advocate effectively for students and families under current limitations, so we must organize and make our voices heard. Please contact your legislators and keep an eye out for further updates from WASSW regarding upcoming legislation and action!
November 6th, 2014 - Effective School Staffing Model - School Counselors, School Psychologists, and School Social Workers
The American School Counselor Association (ASCA), the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), and the School Social Work Association of America (SSWAA) endorse an Interdisciplinary Teaming Approach to SISP staffing that involves School Social Workers, School Psychologists and School Counselors. Working together, we are stronger than we are if we work in isolation or in competition with our mental health related partners in support of all students. The national organizations collectively will continue to promote the unique roles of school counselors, school psychologists, and school social workers and will support state and local affiliate efforts toward appropriate hiring models that recognize the role and importance of each of these professionals. Please follow this link for the full text of the joint statement.
School Social Worker Carrie Syvertsen in the News promoting our profession
Carrie Syvertsen a school social worker at Chief Sealth High School and current vice President of WASSW was interviewed recently about our profession especially in light of the recent school shooting at Marysville-Pilchuck High School. Carrie is able to underscore the importance of our presence, skills and resource in the school setting and for students who become disconnected from others. Read the whole article here.
As of May 24th, 2014 the Praxis II: School Social Work Content Knowledge is no longer a requirement for Initial ESA Certification.
As of June 7th, 2014 the Educational Testing Service (ETS) stopped offering this pencil and paper test. Since there is no computer version of this exam, the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) and the Professional Educators Standards Board (PESB) has removed the Praxis exam as a requirement for certification. For current requirements or to apply, please see the following link: http://www.k12.wa.us/certification/ESA/Initial.aspx
Our hope is to work with both OSPI and the PESB to discuss how this change (and possible future changes to our certification) impacts our profession. We will provide updates as we receive them. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns that you have.
As of June 7th, 2014 the Educational Testing Service (ETS) stopped offering this pencil and paper test. Since there is no computer version of this exam, the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) and the Professional Educators Standards Board (PESB) has removed the Praxis exam as a requirement for certification. For current requirements or to apply, please see the following link: http://www.k12.wa.us/certification/ESA/Initial.aspx
Our hope is to work with both OSPI and the PESB to discuss how this change (and possible future changes to our certification) impacts our profession. We will provide updates as we receive them. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns that you have.
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In July, Ann Waybright, WASSW President, represented Washington State at the School Social Work Association of America Delegate Assembly in Denver.
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SOCIAL WORK AND SCHOOL LAW COURSE NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE - Summer 2014
Please click here to find more information about an online class that meets the Washington State certification requirements for School Social Work. The course will be offered online during Summer 2014 through Eastern Washington University.
Please click here to find more information about an online class that meets the Washington State certification requirements for School Social Work. The course will be offered online during Summer 2014 through Eastern Washington University.
Celebrate School Social Work Week
March 2 - 8, 2014
You are thoughtful, kind, caring, compassionate, a problem solver, a good listener, empathetic, and highly valued!
Thank you for all that you do!
Thank you for all that you do!
This week is all about you and the profession that you have chosen to dedicate yourself to! School Social Work Week 2014 is a chance for you to spend some time celebrating you and all of the hard work that you do! We hope that you are able to take some time to reflect on your work this past year and realize just how valuable you are.
If you looking for some ways to celebrate this week, here are some suggestions:
* Write an article for the school/district newsletter
* Write a short description for a local newspaper acknowledging School Social Work Week
* Offer to present at a faculty meeting on topics that you are familiar with, such as mental health, bullying, suicide prevention,
substance abuse, etc.
* Send flowers to yourself
* Send a thank you note to your principal or supervisor for their support
* Bring a treat to share with staff
* Make a sign for the teacher's lounge
* Organize a school social workers get together after school
* Send thank you notes to other school social workers
* Host an "Open House" in your office so staff can see what you do
* Present at a staff meeting about your job/statistics
* Have students create posters about school social work
* Have Superintendent/School Board recognize the important role of school social workers within the district
* Treat yourself to something special this week - that favorite coffee you love, eating lunch not at your desk, a manicure or pedicure,
download a movie or television show that you have been meaning to watch, read a book that is not work related, etc.
* Hang up State and Department of Education proclamations in your office
* Make a list of accomplishments from this past year as a reminder of the work that you have done
* Thank the students that you work with
If you looking for some ways to celebrate this week, here are some suggestions:
* Write an article for the school/district newsletter
* Write a short description for a local newspaper acknowledging School Social Work Week
* Offer to present at a faculty meeting on topics that you are familiar with, such as mental health, bullying, suicide prevention,
substance abuse, etc.
* Send flowers to yourself
* Send a thank you note to your principal or supervisor for their support
* Bring a treat to share with staff
* Make a sign for the teacher's lounge
* Organize a school social workers get together after school
* Send thank you notes to other school social workers
* Host an "Open House" in your office so staff can see what you do
* Present at a staff meeting about your job/statistics
* Have students create posters about school social work
* Have Superintendent/School Board recognize the important role of school social workers within the district
* Treat yourself to something special this week - that favorite coffee you love, eating lunch not at your desk, a manicure or pedicure,
download a movie or television show that you have been meaning to watch, read a book that is not work related, etc.
* Hang up State and Department of Education proclamations in your office
* Make a list of accomplishments from this past year as a reminder of the work that you have done
* Thank the students that you work with
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| school_social_worker_week_2014.pdf |
WASSW Lobby Day 2014
Lobby Day Update 2014
Several members attended the first ever WASSW Lobby Day on Friday, January 31st, 2014 in Olympia. At the beginning of January, WASSW members scheduled appointments with various representatives and senators. Members choose who they wanted to meet with. Some members met with legislators from their own district. Other members chose to meet with legislators who have sponsored or co-sponsored bills that were closely related to our profession.
Some examples of bills that are of particular interest to our profession are HB 1336 – Increasing the capacity of school districts to recognize and respond to troubled youth, HB 1424 – Enhancing the statewide K-12 dropout prevention, intervention, and reengagement system, HB 1688 – Establishing a requirement and system for reporting incidents of student restraint and isolation in public schools, SB 5117 – Regarding family involvement coordinators in public schools, SB 5333 – Providing mental health first aid training to teachers and educational staff, SB 5570 – Concerning school funding, and SB 5571 – Increasing public awareness of mental illness and its consequences.
In addition some of the legislators that members met with also serve (or have served) on various committees such as the House Education Committee, the Senate Early Learning and K-12 Education Committee, the Joint Select Committees on Education Accountability and Addressing School Funding, and the K -12 Dropout Prevention Workgroup.
In all, members met with representatives, senators, and staff from seven different offices. Those offices include Senator Rolfe – 23rd Legislative District, Representative Fey – 27th Legislative District, Representative Farrell – 46th Legislative District, Representative Gerry Pollet – 46th Legislative District, Senator Frockt – 46th Legislative District, Representative Mark Hargrove – 47th Legislative District, and Representative Pat Sullivan – 47th Legislative District.
Key talking points were the current state of mental health needs of students in our schools, the necessity for continued identification, prevention, and intervention services for at-risk students, and the role that School Social Workers play in supporting students and families who are faced with these challenges. Members explained the current lack of recognition that School Social Workers have in the Washington Administrative Code. Members also asked for support in developing a bill for the next legislative session that would write School Social Workers into the Washington Administrative Code – similar to what School Counselors were able to accomplish in 2007.
Almost all of the members of the legislature that we met with agreed to schedule follow up meetings to develop a plan of action. The current legislative session is predicted to end in March or April. Next steps include setting up follow up meetings with those that showed interest and developing a detailed plan of how to go about meeting the goal of being written into the Washington Administrative Code.
Our work is far from over and cannot be accomplished without the help of our membership. We highly encourage you to contact one or more of the above legislative offices in addition to your own legislators to express your desire to have this bill developed. The more voices that we have, the better chance we have at reaching our goal.
As School Social Workers we are very good at advocating for our students and families in need. This is the one time that we need to advocate for ourselves. If we do not take the time to advocate for ourselves, no one else will.
Several members attended the first ever WASSW Lobby Day on Friday, January 31st, 2014 in Olympia. At the beginning of January, WASSW members scheduled appointments with various representatives and senators. Members choose who they wanted to meet with. Some members met with legislators from their own district. Other members chose to meet with legislators who have sponsored or co-sponsored bills that were closely related to our profession.
Some examples of bills that are of particular interest to our profession are HB 1336 – Increasing the capacity of school districts to recognize and respond to troubled youth, HB 1424 – Enhancing the statewide K-12 dropout prevention, intervention, and reengagement system, HB 1688 – Establishing a requirement and system for reporting incidents of student restraint and isolation in public schools, SB 5117 – Regarding family involvement coordinators in public schools, SB 5333 – Providing mental health first aid training to teachers and educational staff, SB 5570 – Concerning school funding, and SB 5571 – Increasing public awareness of mental illness and its consequences.
In addition some of the legislators that members met with also serve (or have served) on various committees such as the House Education Committee, the Senate Early Learning and K-12 Education Committee, the Joint Select Committees on Education Accountability and Addressing School Funding, and the K -12 Dropout Prevention Workgroup.
In all, members met with representatives, senators, and staff from seven different offices. Those offices include Senator Rolfe – 23rd Legislative District, Representative Fey – 27th Legislative District, Representative Farrell – 46th Legislative District, Representative Gerry Pollet – 46th Legislative District, Senator Frockt – 46th Legislative District, Representative Mark Hargrove – 47th Legislative District, and Representative Pat Sullivan – 47th Legislative District.
Key talking points were the current state of mental health needs of students in our schools, the necessity for continued identification, prevention, and intervention services for at-risk students, and the role that School Social Workers play in supporting students and families who are faced with these challenges. Members explained the current lack of recognition that School Social Workers have in the Washington Administrative Code. Members also asked for support in developing a bill for the next legislative session that would write School Social Workers into the Washington Administrative Code – similar to what School Counselors were able to accomplish in 2007.
Almost all of the members of the legislature that we met with agreed to schedule follow up meetings to develop a plan of action. The current legislative session is predicted to end in March or April. Next steps include setting up follow up meetings with those that showed interest and developing a detailed plan of how to go about meeting the goal of being written into the Washington Administrative Code.
Our work is far from over and cannot be accomplished without the help of our membership. We highly encourage you to contact one or more of the above legislative offices in addition to your own legislators to express your desire to have this bill developed. The more voices that we have, the better chance we have at reaching our goal.
As School Social Workers we are very good at advocating for our students and families in need. This is the one time that we need to advocate for ourselves. If we do not take the time to advocate for ourselves, no one else will.
WASSW Lobby Day 2014
Please join us in Olympia on Friday, January 31st, 2014. We will be meeting with various politicians and public servants at their offices to discuss our needs as a profession and to ask for support with our efforts to grow our numbers and recognition in the state. Among agenda items to discuss are the need to fully fund basic education, the need to understand the mental health needs of students in the school setting, and the need for the legislature to recognize and codify into law the importance of the role of school social workers in public schools.
We already have meetings scheduled with Rep. Eric Pettigrew of the 37th Legislative District and Senator Christine Rolfes of the 23rd Legislative District. This is an ongoing process that we will continue to work on over the next few weeks. Please consider joining us for this very important day. We will be posting additional information soon. As always, if you have questions please contact us.
Please join us in Olympia on Friday, January 31st, 2014. We will be meeting with various politicians and public servants at their offices to discuss our needs as a profession and to ask for support with our efforts to grow our numbers and recognition in the state. Among agenda items to discuss are the need to fully fund basic education, the need to understand the mental health needs of students in the school setting, and the need for the legislature to recognize and codify into law the importance of the role of school social workers in public schools.
We already have meetings scheduled with Rep. Eric Pettigrew of the 37th Legislative District and Senator Christine Rolfes of the 23rd Legislative District. This is an ongoing process that we will continue to work on over the next few weeks. Please consider joining us for this very important day. We will be posting additional information soon. As always, if you have questions please contact us.
Washington State Chapter NASW Social Work Awards Dinner
When: Wednesday, March 26, 2014 from 6-9 PM
Where: The Museum of Flight
Why: To celebrate our profession
As members of WASSW we thought it would be nice for us to sit together during this celebration. At this time we have decided to reserve one table for WASSW members. If you are interested in joining other WASSW members at this table, please send an email to eromanuk@yahoo.com. After notifying us, you will be asked to send the cost of one ticket to our treasurer ($65 - the reduced rate, checks can be made out to WASSW).
Space at each table is limited to 10 people. Seats will be reserved on a first come basis - don't hesitate to let us know and turn in your ticket money as soon as possible!
For more information on this event, please visit the website at: http://nasw-wa.org/943/
When: Wednesday, March 26, 2014 from 6-9 PM
Where: The Museum of Flight
Why: To celebrate our profession
As members of WASSW we thought it would be nice for us to sit together during this celebration. At this time we have decided to reserve one table for WASSW members. If you are interested in joining other WASSW members at this table, please send an email to eromanuk@yahoo.com. After notifying us, you will be asked to send the cost of one ticket to our treasurer ($65 - the reduced rate, checks can be made out to WASSW).
Space at each table is limited to 10 people. Seats will be reserved on a first come basis - don't hesitate to let us know and turn in your ticket money as soon as possible!
For more information on this event, please visit the website at: http://nasw-wa.org/943/
WASSW Conference
The WASSW Conference will be October 11 and 12 in Federal Way Washington. For more information and to register, click HERE.
The WASSW Conference will be October 11 and 12 in Federal Way Washington. For more information and to register, click HERE.
July 23, 2013
Senator Patty Murray Awarded 2013 Children’s Champion Award
The School Social Work Association of America (SSWAA) has awarded Senator Patty Murray (WA) their 2013 Children's Champion Award for her ongoing efforts to fight for the federal programs and services that support our neediest students and families.
For more than two decades in the US Senate, Senator Murray has been a tireless voice for programs and services supporting children in public schools, including children in military families and children with disabilities.
Senator Murray has used her leadership as Chair of the Senate Budget Committee to speak on behalf of the "children and families whose voices do not get heard." This has become increasingly challenging in our current fiscal climate. In a political environment that continues to push for cuts to our non-defense discretionary programs, Senator Murray has not wavered in her strong stance to protect these programs that have already bore the brunt of cuts in recent years. Advocacy for these programs, services and safeguards for children remains critically important, particularly in light of our country's increased child poverty levels.
In addition to leading the Senate Budget Committee, Senator Murray has also maintained a strong position on the Senate Appropriations Committee, which ultimately funds federal programs, as well as the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, which authorizes federal education, health and social services programs. Using her leadership role on these Committees, Senator Murray has continually stood up for children and has repeatedly proven herself an unwavering champion.
To acknowledge Senator Murray as a champion for children and families, SSWAA presented her with the Children's Champion award during their annual Summer Legislative and Leadership Institute. SSWAA members work in schools to address students' social, emotional, and behavioral concerns that limit their ability to benefit from their education. school social workers provide positive behavioral support, academic and classroom support, and consultation with teachers, parents and administrators to enhance the school's ability to meet its academic mission, especially where home, school and community collaboration is the key to achieving student success.
For more information, contact SSWAA Executive Director, Frederick Streeck,
FStreeck@SSWAA.org
Senator Patty Murray Awarded 2013 Children’s Champion Award
The School Social Work Association of America (SSWAA) has awarded Senator Patty Murray (WA) their 2013 Children's Champion Award for her ongoing efforts to fight for the federal programs and services that support our neediest students and families.
For more than two decades in the US Senate, Senator Murray has been a tireless voice for programs and services supporting children in public schools, including children in military families and children with disabilities.
Senator Murray has used her leadership as Chair of the Senate Budget Committee to speak on behalf of the "children and families whose voices do not get heard." This has become increasingly challenging in our current fiscal climate. In a political environment that continues to push for cuts to our non-defense discretionary programs, Senator Murray has not wavered in her strong stance to protect these programs that have already bore the brunt of cuts in recent years. Advocacy for these programs, services and safeguards for children remains critically important, particularly in light of our country's increased child poverty levels.
In addition to leading the Senate Budget Committee, Senator Murray has also maintained a strong position on the Senate Appropriations Committee, which ultimately funds federal programs, as well as the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, which authorizes federal education, health and social services programs. Using her leadership role on these Committees, Senator Murray has continually stood up for children and has repeatedly proven herself an unwavering champion.
To acknowledge Senator Murray as a champion for children and families, SSWAA presented her with the Children's Champion award during their annual Summer Legislative and Leadership Institute. SSWAA members work in schools to address students' social, emotional, and behavioral concerns that limit their ability to benefit from their education. school social workers provide positive behavioral support, academic and classroom support, and consultation with teachers, parents and administrators to enhance the school's ability to meet its academic mission, especially where home, school and community collaboration is the key to achieving student success.
For more information, contact SSWAA Executive Director, Frederick Streeck,
FStreeck@SSWAA.org
Friday, October 11 and Saturday October 12, 2013
WASSW Annual Fall Conference
FEDERAL WAY, WA
March 19-22, 2014
SSWAA 17th Annual School Social Work Conference
School Social Workers: Making a Difference in Schools, Homes and Communities
CHICAGO, IL
Wednesday March 26, 2014
NASW Social Work Award Gala
SEATTLE, WA
WASSW Members at the SSWAA Conference in San Diego
March 20-23, 2013.
Colleen Moe
Melissa Saxon
Dianne Breen
Elise Dalke
Ann Waybright
Frederick Streeck
Sue Martin
Melissa Saxon
Dianne Breen
Elise Dalke
Ann Waybright
Frederick Streeck
Sue Martin
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Happy SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER WEEK - March 3-9, 2013
Click here to download the Proclamation of School Social Worker Week by Randy Dorn, Superintendent of Public Instruction for the State of Washington.
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Update 12/15/2012
We are deeply saddened by the tragic events that took place yesterday at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. Our thoughts are with the families, friends, and community members impacted by these events.
As members of school communities, we may be faced with some tasks and challenges in the future in response to this tragedy. We want to offer you quick access to some resources that might help you in your professional and personal work.
The National Association of School Psychologists has updated their website to include resources about how to reinforce school safety, dealing with death in a school, coping with crisis, and information about responsible media coverage of crisis events. You can access these resources at: www.nasponline.org
The Center for School Mental Health has compiled resources related to school crisis response and dealing with traumatic events in schools. You can access these resources at: http://csmh.umaryland.edu/Resources/OtherResources/CSMHListofTraumaResources.pdf
The School Social Work Association of America has updated their website to include resources on School Social Worker's guidelines in working with students after a tragedy. You can access these resources as well as resources for parents, resources for other educators, information on self care, and grief and psychological first aid at: http://sswaa.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=500
Please let us know if you need further information or support from the WASSW.
Happy SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER WEEK - March 3-9, 2013
Click here to download the Proclamation of School Social Worker Week by Randy Dorn, Superintendent of Public Instruction for the State of Washington.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Update 12/15/2012
We are deeply saddened by the tragic events that took place yesterday at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. Our thoughts are with the families, friends, and community members impacted by these events.
As members of school communities, we may be faced with some tasks and challenges in the future in response to this tragedy. We want to offer you quick access to some resources that might help you in your professional and personal work.
The National Association of School Psychologists has updated their website to include resources about how to reinforce school safety, dealing with death in a school, coping with crisis, and information about responsible media coverage of crisis events. You can access these resources at: www.nasponline.org
The Center for School Mental Health has compiled resources related to school crisis response and dealing with traumatic events in schools. You can access these resources at: http://csmh.umaryland.edu/Resources/OtherResources/CSMHListofTraumaResources.pdf
The School Social Work Association of America has updated their website to include resources on School Social Worker's guidelines in working with students after a tragedy. You can access these resources as well as resources for parents, resources for other educators, information on self care, and grief and psychological first aid at: http://sswaa.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=500
Please let us know if you need further information or support from the WASSW.