School Social Work Week, observed from March 1 through March 7, is a time to recognize the invaluable contributions of our School Resource Specialist (SRS) team. While diverse in their backgrounds, our SRS team shares a common dedication to providing emotional support, guidance, and resources that enhance our students' academic and personal growth.
Our school resource specialists work tirelessly to foster student well-being. Whether through group sessions, one-on-one support, or implementing strategies for overall success, they play a crucial role in creating a positive and supportive school environment.
Throughout the week, we will be spotlighting members of our SRS team and the meaningful work they do. Ana Maria Huerta Lemus, a school resource specialist at Lenihan Intermediate School, is one of many dedicated professionals committed to ensuring students feel heard, supported, and empowered.
Learn more about her experiences and insights by reading Lemus' responses to the following Q&A:
What inspired you to be a school resource specialist?
I enjoyed work and helping our community.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
To see a smile reflected on their faces. They can remembered that staff did everything in our hands to help them.
How do you help students navigate difficult social or emotional situations?
Listening to them, giving them encouraging words, and reminding them that life always presents us with challenges and difficulties so that tomorrow we can learn and become better persons.
What makes Marshalltown’s approach to supporting students unique?
Being open and supporting our cultural diversity.
What does it mean to you to Embrace The Lead?
I want my children and our students grow up in a healthy community and to be to provide them with the tools that tomorrow they ca be our new leaders focused on empathy and family values.