"Empowering Students to Succeed"
Natasha Sippial: Social Work Coordinator: (334) 223-6850
The Social Work Program was developed to assist students in overcoming barriers to the learning process. School social workers work with students, parents, teachers, and administrators to identify and address emotional/mental, social, and concrete needs that often interfere with the student’s ability to achieve academic success.
School social workers believe the following:
- Each student is valued as an individual;
- Each student should be allowed to participate in the learning process and to learn in the least restrictive environment;
- Individual differences should be acknowledged, and intervention should focus on supporting student’s academic goals; and
- Each child, regardless of race and socioeconomic status, has a right to equal treatment in the school setting.
MPS social workers are highly trained professionals who provide a wide range of services with the overall goal of maximizing the potential of students. Services include:
- Assessing student needs as they relate to issues affecting educational adjustment and performance
- Providing case management, crisis intervention, and counseling services
- Linking students and their families with school and community resources
- Conducting home visits as needed
- Advocating for student needs within the family, school, and community
- Developing intervention strategies to enhance academic performance for at-risk students
- Collaborating with school staff, administrators and community agencies to address student needs
- Helping families to understand school programs, policies, and services
Students are generally referred to MPS social workers by guidance counselors, school nurses, and administrators. Referral reasons include mental health issues, financial difficulties, medical concerns, behavioral problems, parent-child conflict, family crises, suspected child abuse/neglect, poor academic performance, and truancy/excessive tardiness.