Social Work Services
School social workers are a vital link between the school and home, and work to promote the academic success of all students. School social workers are assigned to every school and are trained to utilize the resources of the community to meet the needs of students and their families. The school social worker is also charged with enforcing the Georgia Compulsory Attendance Law which may lead to court involvement if students fail to attend school regularly.
In -school services to students and families may include:
- Small groups in the area of crisis intervention, grief and loss (Rainbows)
- Program Development to meet a specific need
- Economic Assistance (Eyeglasses)
- Health, Emotional/ Behavioral Concerns
- Issues related to Homelessness
- Special Education Support, Counseling
- Staff Training (child abuse/neglect)
- Crisis Intervention
- Parenting Workshops
As support staff, the School Social worker is available to the administrators, teachers, parents, and school system support personnel. Students may also refer themselves.
Special Projects
The Marietta Attendance Panel promotes regular school attendance by utilizing community based and school professionals to meet with parents and students to emphasize the importance of school attendance. Since its inception, the panel has served over 70 students. The Panel encourages collaboration between the school and family in order to eradicate unnecessary absences and tardies.
Reconnecting Youth (RY) is a group focused on self esteem, school achievement, school attendance, and connecting with other students. RY helps students succeed in school by involving them in activities that help them learn new skills, including (1) goal setting and decision making; (2) improving communications with friends, teachers, and parents; (3) managing stress, anger, and depression; (4) resisting negative peer pressure; and (5) improving school achievement.
Reconnecting Youth meets at Marietta High School on Monday and Thursday after school. RY is facilitated by Adrienne McGahee-Jackson, MCS Social Worker and Licensed Professional Counselor, Dr. Wanda Heath, Licensed Psychologist in collaboration with Kim Skelton Hayes, Counselor for Cobb Community Service Board.
Back to School Project: School Social Workers canvas the community with posters and flyers to encourage early enrollment and school attendance on the “First Day of School”.
Marietta Children’s Fund: This fund was established by the School Social Work Department with a grant from the Marietta Schools Foundation to meet the needs of students when no other community resources are available.
Clothes Closet: Provides emergency clothing, on a limited basis, for children in need. Clothing donations are always welcome, especially boys and girls pants, sizes 5-12, children’s underwear and socks. To make a donation, contact a school social worker.
