DeSoto Independent School District joins districts, communities, and partners across the nation in recognizing and celebrating National School Social Work Week, observed annually during the first full week of March.
Led by the School Social Work Association of America (SSWAA), this annual celebration highlights the essential role school social workers play in supporting students, families, and school communities. The 2026 theme, “Unite to Ignite: Celebrating Our Impact,” honors the collective strength, dedication, and passion of school social workers nationwide.
Throughout the school year, school social workers navigate complex challenges and rising student needs with resilience and compassion. They focus on supporting the whole child, connecting families to community resources, serving as key members of multidisciplinary school teams, and advocating for equitable practices that promote student success. By uniting students, families, educators, and community partners, they ignite positive change and help create environments where all students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
The profession is often guided by the “5 Cs,” developmental and leadership frameworks that reflect core values in social work practice:
- Competence – Helping students develop the academic and life skills necessary for success
- Confidence – Building resilience and self-belief
- Character – Promoting integrity and responsible decision-making
- Caring – Cultivating empathy and compassion
- Connection – Strengthening meaningful relationships and support systems
Additional models emphasize Courage, Compassion, Communication, Consensus, and Cohesion—principles that are evident daily in the work of school social workers as they collaborate with families and school teams to remove barriers to learning.
The mission of school social work closely aligns with the vision and mission of DeSoto ISD. The district’s vision—to inspire curiosity and consciousness, develop character, build courage, and nurture compassion—mirrors the foundational principles of the 5 Cs framework. Likewise, the district’s mission to ensure all students, without exception, learn and grow at their highest levels is strengthened by the comprehensive, student-centered supports school social workers provide.
“School social workers are instrumental in ensuring that our scholars are supported not only academically, but socially and emotionally,” said Brent S. Mitchell, Interim Superintendent of Schools for DeSoto ISD. “Their work embodies our commitment to developing character, building courage, and nurturing compassion in every student we serve. We are proud to stand united in celebrating their impact.”
Dr. Gene Morrow, Executive Director of Student Support Services, added, “Our social workers are champions for the whole child. They help ensure equity in access to resources, strengthen family partnerships, and serve as vital members of our campus support teams. Their dedication to connection, confidence, and care directly supports our promise that all students, without exception, will learn and grow at their highest levels.”
During National School Social Work Week, DeSoto ISD proudly honors its school social workers for their unwavering commitment to students and families. Their work continues to strengthen school communities and ignite lasting, positive change.
For more information about student support services in DeSoto ISD, please visit www.desotoisd.org
For stories regarding the latest news, events and happenings across the district, visit DeSotoISD.org/Newsroom.