WHEREAS, school social workers are mental health professionals who provide students and families with services related to social, emotional, and life adjustments to school and/or society; and
WHEREAS, school social workers are specifically trained and qualified to identify barriers to learning and achievement, and develop and implement strategies to address and eliminate these barriers; and
WHEREAS, school social workers provide the vital link between the home, school, and community and support services that can make a positive impact on students' academic achievement; and
WHEREAS, school social workers help students achieve increased success, improve interpersonal relationships, cope with crisis situations, learn problem-solving skills, improve attendance, and build self-esteem; and
WHEREAS, school social workers promote the academic mission of schools by fostering educational environments that are safe; have supportive, fair, and responsive policies; and emphasize early intervention and positive behavioral interventions; and
WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina is proud to recognize the importance of social work in our schools and commends the school social workers throughout our state who are working to support our children;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim March 6-12, 2022, as “SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER WEEK” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.