Mission

Professional School Social Workers play an integral part in the pursuit of educational excellence. School Social Workers are charged to analyze barriers to learning and achievement. They develop and implement strategies which reduce barriers to the educational success.

The mission of the School Social Work program is to help students and families make the best use of available opportunities and resources, thus enabling students to fully develop their potential. School Social Workers serve all grade levels and have multiple school assignments.

School Social Workers serve as a liaison between home, school, and community. Direct services provided to students and families include individual, group, family counseling, advocacy, community resources, information, and referrals. School Social Workers also consult with staff and community to address student needs. They interpret school board policies and procedures. They also educate parents and staff on child welfare laws.

Attendance Policy

For further information regarding Wayne County attendance policies reference: Attendance K-12 Policy Code 4400

Regular attendance is necessary to ensure academic success in school.  We know that you support your child's school success.

The North Carolina Compulsory Law (NC General Statute 115C-378) requires every parent, guardian, or other person having charge or control of a student between the ages of 7-16 shall cause that student to continuously attend school. This includes children under the age of 7, once they are enrolled, unless the child is withdrawn from school. Wayne County Public Schools are required by state law to notify parents/guardian when the student has reached (3), (6), and (10) unexcused absences.  Failure of a parent/guardian to adhere to the law is in violation of the above statute. Parent may be prosecuted under the Compulsory Attendance Law if these absences cannot be justified under the established attendance policies of the local school board. Parent/Guardians who are found guilty of not abiding by this law may be subject to a fine or imprisonment or both at the discretion of the court. Please Note the Following:

Please note the following regulations:

1) Parents/guardians are required by Wayne County Board Policy to submit a note signed by the parent/guardian stating the reason for all absences
2) All absences are considered unexcused if a note is not presented to the school within 3 days of the student's return to school.
3) Principals may require certification from a physician or the health department to verify absences for illness.

Wayne County Public Schools may file a complaint with juvenile court counselor when a student is habitually absent from school without a valid excuse.

The School Social work program is founded on the following premises:

• School Social Work is a specialized area of practice within the broad range of Social Work. In North Carolina, School Social Workers are licensed through the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.

• School Social Workers are employed by Wayne County Public School system to enhance the academic mission by providing services to strengthen home, school, and community partnerships.

• School Social Workers bring to the educational process an understanding of the psychosocial development of children and the influence of family, community, and cultural differences as they interact with the educational process.

Roles of School Social Workers:

• Assessment of Student and Family Needs

• Promoting Home and School Communication

• Collaborating with and Supporting School Staff

• Establishing Partnerships with Community Resources

• Implementing Prevention Programs

• Providing Crisis Intervention

• Liaison between Home, School, and Community