Celebrate School Social Work Week — March 3 – 9, 2024
School Social Work Week provides an excellent opportunity to let others know of the great work that you are doing! So take this opportunity to “toot your own horn” and let others know how you are impacting the lives of students as you address barriers to learning and increase successful educational and academic outcomes especially during these very difficult times. See the History of SSW Week by National Today.
Celebrating the “Pearls of Wisdom” that each SSW brings to their schools!
SSWAA & NYSSSWA encourage you to not only celebrate and be acknowledged for all of the tireless work you do to assist others but to spread the word about the ways you are making a difference in the lives of students and their families as well as provide support and “wisdom” to administrators and educators.
Celebration Ideas:
We have put together a list of activities listed below as well as updated posters you might want to consider.
NYSSSWA Members: Click Here for full access to many more resources after you Sign-In.
Taking Care of You:
- Join or Renew your membership with the New York State School Social Workers’ Association (state) as well as the School Social Work Association of America (national) to support the profession of School Social Work and all of the important work that is being done on your behalf. Members Make Our Mission possible!
- Treat yourself by taking time for YOU! Get a massage, Facetime a friend, read a book, do something you enjoy.
- Organize a School Social Worker Happy Hour after school!!
District Ideas
- In August, send dates to your local union and district office to include in school calendar. (SSW Week is always the first full week of March.)
- Present at a faculty meeting on topics like mental health, bullying, suicide prevention, substance abuse, etc.
- Have Superintendent/School Board recognize the important role of School Social Workers at a School Board Meeting
School Ideas
- Send a “thank you for your support” email to teachers and the principal
- Commit random acts of chocolate all week for staff
- Send yourself flowers, or better yet, have someone else send flowers to your school for you (maybe your principal will get the hint)!
Social Media:
- Get involved on social media.
- Share pictures of you and other staff/School Social Workers and SSW Week activities with NYSSSWA and others to post.
- Send copies to member.services@nyssswa.org
Advocacy:
- Email and/or call your state and national legislators advocating on policies affecting the students and families we serve
- Provide information regarding the role of School Social Workers to staff, parents and/or media
- Present to the school board or at a staff meeting acknowledging SSW Week and your job (bring data).
Special thanks to IASSW & OSSWA for some of their ideas.
School Social Work Week Posters
See some samples of past School Social Work Week Posters from Midwest SSW Council and SSWAA that NYSSSWA has compiled. NOT AVAILABLE
Members Make Our Mission Possible
The New York State School Social Workers’ Association (NYSSSWA) is the only professional association dedicated solely to the visibility and viability of School Social Workers in New York State. Members are essential to our ability to support you and our profession. If you are not a member, join us today so we can continue to provide advocacy and services on your behalf.
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