Frey Social Work

Happy School Year 2009-2010 The 411 From The School Social Worker Megan Allen One of the most basic components of academic success is regular school attendance.  Missing 15 minutes a day from school can total up to 6 ½ days a year!  Just as working adults do not earn a paycheck due to missing hours, our students do not earn an education when missing from their job.  According to Georgia law (GA Code 20-2-690.1), children between the ages of 6 and 16 must enroll in a private, public, or home school program.  School Social Workers (SSW) are responsible for enforcing the Compulsory Attendance Law by working with students and parents/guardians to alleviate the barriers which lead to excessive absences.  The goal of SSW is to provide a link between home, school and community to provide all children with access to fulfill their potential by offering support and resources. The county policy outlines that at 10 or more absences the school administrator and/or school social worker may require a doctor’s statement to excuse absences.  Should SSW interventions not increase timely attendance the Cobb County Court Coordinator may make a referral to Cobb County Juvenile Court for truancy. You can review this policy at the county’s website www.cobbk12.org/centraloffice/adminrules/J_rules/rule%20JE Please be aware that  “when 15% of the student body is absent 15 days or more, we are automatically put on the Federal Needs Improvement List under No Child Left Behind, or the “Failing Schools List,” (in which we will NOT) make AYP –Adequate Yearly Progress.”   Family vacations are NOT excused absences and shouldn’t be scheduled during the school calendar.  Click HERE for a one page printer-friendly Financial Resources info. ***************** August 25, 2009 This letter is to inform you of my role as your School Social Worker and leave you with my contact information. I serve Allatoona High, Durham Middle, Pickett’s Mill Elementary, and Frey Elementary Schools.  My schedule involves me rotating between schools throughout the week, dependent on the needs of these schools.  The mission of the Cobb County School Social Workers is to provide services to students, families and school staff with the primary focus of removing barriers to academic success. In doing so, we work to educate students and families on the importance of school attendance, advocate on behalf of the student in the school system, and work with community partnerships.  If you would like to see a complete list of School Social Work responsibilities see our website at: www.cobbk12.org/centraloffice/studentsupport/socialworkers/  As the School Social Worker, I receive referrals for one or more of the following reasons:   ·         abuse/neglect ·         academic problems ·         attendance/truancy (mandated referral after 15 days absent) ·         economic aid/community resources ·         family needs/disruptions ·         school discipline (habitual, mediation, conflict resolution, etc.) ·         special education ·         mental health ·         crisis intervention (suicidal ideation, self-injury, runaway, etc.) ·         health/medical needs ·         substance abuse  I look forward to meeting everyone!  Megan Allen, LMSW Office: 770-975-6511 Megan.Allen@cobbk12.org