School social workers benefit students, community FFA awards presented to students
School can be a tough place for some students and is sometimes a safe haven to others. Teachers, counselors, nurses and administrators are in the schools every day helping students grow towards a meaningful and successful life. Schools consist of a multi-disciplinary team to help support children, and when possible, their families as well. As time has gone on, there has been an increase in professionals outside of the traditional school faculty and staff that have joined this amazing team to contribute to the success of students and families; one of the professional groups is school social workers.
School social workers can be found in several school districts and continues to be a growing profession. The purpose of school social workers is to work with students, families, schools and communities to help enhance a student’s experience. Several factors impacts a student’s learning and school experience such as social and emotional difficulties, behavioral challenges, mental health challenges and economical issues. Social workers are trained to think through complex and challenging situations to find innovative solutions.
Students continue to be introduced to new and challenging circumstances as they develop and grow. School social workers help identify “at risk” students or students in need of supportive services. The overall goal is to help reduce the gaps in service and support for all students. Supportive services can include anything from providing crisis interventions, advocating on behalf of the student to find solutions to reduce the challenges they may have due to a mental or physical disability, or assist in developing programs and policy.
As Pea Ridge continues to be a growing community, the schools continue to develop innovative ways to help create responsible community members. Developing supportive programs and identifying the specific needs of students, Pea Ridge Schools will continue to contribute in the positive growth.
••• Editor’s note: Amanda Childs is the social worker for Pea Ridge Schools.
The annual Parent/ Member night of Pea Ridge FFA was celebrated Monday, Nov. 15.
Every year, after much hard work by dedicated first and second year Ag students, the students are awarded a FFA degree. Fifty first year Ag students, mostly eighth- and ninth-graders, were given the Greenhand Degree Pin, the lowest degree in the FFA.
The Chapter Degree Pin, the highest degree the local FFA chapter can award, was given to 50 hardworking second year Ag students. Every student recognized and rewarded has worked very hard the last one or two school years in order to receive these pins.