From March 2-6, Minnetonka Schools joins schools and organizations across the country in celebrating National School Social Work Week. School social workers help ensure that every child feels safe, supported and ready to learn. By fostering strong relationships and creating caring, inclusive environments, they empower students to grow, overcome challenges and reach their goals.

Liz Warden is a school social worker at Scenic Heights Elementary, where she’s worked for nine years. “My role has evolved over time along with the needs of our school community,” explained Warden. “I continue to focus on connecting students and families with meaningful resources, but I’ve also become more involved in proactive, systems‑level work—collaborating with staff to strengthen our school climate and the supports we have in place.”

School social workers collaborate with the teachers and staff in our schools to ensure that students feel supported, safe and secure, helping students monitor and improve their mental health by connecting them with the resources to support their success. 

“Many people are surprised by how broad the scope of school social work is,” continued Warden. “We look at the big‑picture systems that impact student success. School social workers are trained mental health professionals who support students’ social‑emotional well‑being, help address behavioral and academic concerns, consult with teachers and administrators, and connect families with community resources.”

Thank you, school social workers, for everything that you do for our community!