SSWAM

Dear School Social Workers and All that love them!

Welcome to the start of an exciting new school year! It is my hearts desire that this year you know your worth and show your worth. Please stand with me as we represent: SHOW ME MO-BILITY. School Social Workers moving Missouri Schools Forward! Promoting academic success Pre-K -12th grade.

Here's your first call to action: send us pictures/videos of you, your students, and staff with school buses. Yep, thats it! Join our Show-Me Mo-bility campaign and be entered into a drawing to win a stipend to advance your social emotional initiatives. Send those captures to: sswam@sswam.org or tag us on Facebook @School Social Workers Association of Missouri.

LaVell Rucker currently works at Central High School, St. Joseph School District, as a School Social Worker. LaVell completed her Bachelor of Science in Social Work at MWSU in 2003 and her Master’s in Social Work at the University of Kansas in 2004. LaVell has worked for the St. Joseph School District since 2003. She has worked with both high school and middle school during her time with the district. LaVell currently works with students individually and in groups. While working with Bode Middle School students in the past, LaVell founded a program called “Each One Teach One” collaborating with Missouri Western Multi Cultural Department by linking mentors with students. She continued this program when working with Spring Garden Middle School students with partnering with Missouri Western football players mentoring with students. This year she is bringing this same program to Central High School students using Medical Professionals, CEO’s, company directors and supervisors as the mentors. In addition, LaVell is a Signs of Suicide Facilitator, pregnant and parenting facilitator, community resource contact, and Families in Transition Liaison. LaVell is in charge of the Campus Cupboard (food pantry) and clothing closet located in her building. LaVell works to make a difference for the kids she works with and strives to provide services to the underserved and at-risk kids

There is so much more to be shared about LaVell as a family member and community leader that is forthcoming as we acknowledge her this school year locally and across the Midwest Region.

Sharon Geuea Jones is an advocate and licensed attorney in Missouri using her two decades of nonprofit association experience to advocate for individual rights, government transparency, and corporate accountability. Her role in rallying students around lobbying for issues that concern them has touched the heart of School Social Workers. Congratulations and Thank You Sharon for being a Friend.

We are thrilled to continue to provide School Social Workers with Continuing Education opportunities! From what I hear you are in for a real treat this Fall...Mark Your Calendars.

MORE INFORMATION TO COME FROM THE CONFERENCE COMMITTEE.

A call to action: Please aid us in maintaining our ability to provide ongoing CEU opportunities by honoring Missouri guidelines for virtual and in person trainings by being visibly present and engaging.

Be the best version of a student you can be :)

Our Quarterly Call to Action Newsletter could never provide real time up to date information and that's why we encourage you (a call to action) to stay connected:

Email: sswam@sswam.org

Website: https://www.sswam.org/

Facebook: @School Social Workers Association of Missouri

Things you can look forward to as you stay connected:

1. We meet the 3rd Tuesday of Every Month. Zoom information will be provided on Website and FB.

2. Board Member Highlights via FB

3. Member Drawing Winners via FB and Website

4. Celebrating Culture via FB

5. Local, Regional, and National Newsworthy happenings via FB

6.Fall and Spring Conference Info via FB and Website

7. AND SO MUCH MORE!

School Social Workers Association of Missouri is so ecstatic about building our network. We believe whole heartedly that we are better together!

Our relationship with The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is nothing short of amazing. We have the opportunity to be a part of the School Based Mental Health Collaborative Initiative with Counselors, Psychologists, and Nurses and to mention we have a State Consultant from DESE that is a part of our Board.

We have also had 'long overdue' contact with the National Association of Social Workers Missouri Chapter (NASW-MO) and are looking forward to their leadership, guidance, and partnership as they stand in the gap for ALL practicing Social Workers in Missouri and the people we serve.