School success is not all about academics. Social, emotional and economic factors play a part, sometimes creating obstacles that stand in the way. Helping students and families navigate their way through these obstacles are school social workers.
Wadena-Deer Creek Elementary and Middle School is celebrating "National School Social Work Week," March 7 to 11, by recognizing their social worker, Laura Kiser.
This year's theme, "Putting the Picture Together One Piece at a Time," recognizes the many ways school social workers, like Kiser, help students with academic and social success.
"Mrs. Kiser works hard at making a difference in the lives of our students and families at Wadena-Deer Creek Elementary and Middle School. We greatly appreciate the work Mrs. Kiser does," said Louis Rutten, WDC Elementary principal.
In addition, Kiser's connections to area service providers and resources go a long way to removing many of the obstacles some families may face, be it the loss of a job, housing or a loved one.
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"She is always working to help to make sure our students' basic needs are being met," said Tyler Church, Grades 5-12 principal.
Kiser has taken the lead on both OLWEUS (anti-bullying program) and Top 20 character-building programs at WDC. She researched what was out there and continues to monitor the progress of both of those curriculums.
Kiser has served as WDC's school social worker since 2005. She and her husband, Reggie, have four children and reside in Sebeka.
