High Road School of Wallingford Celebrates Social Work Month
Each March, High Road School of Wallingford recognizes National Social Work Month and the essential role social workers play in supporting students, families, and school communities.
Supporting Students During Social Work Month
At the heart of that work is a dedicated team of licensed clinical social workers, including Natalie Zambrano, school social worker; Jenna Frigo, school social worker; Letitia Townes, operations manager; and Deana Tyler, regional director for High Road Schools of New England.
Together, they provide a range of supports that help students succeed both in and out of the classroom. Their work includes individual counseling, social skills groups, crisis intervention, and ongoing collaboration with families. On any given day, they can be found in classrooms, hallways, and shared spaces, building relationships and helping create a positive school climate where students feel supported and ready to learn.
A Day in the Life of School Social Workers
No two days look the same. The team begins each morning by welcoming students as they arrive and ends the day by sending them off with encouragement. In between, they meet with students for counseling, support classroom engagement, connect with families, and coordinate with outside service providers. They also design and lead social skills lessons that help students build confidence and strengthen peer relationships.
Leadership and Advocacy in the School Community
In leadership roles, Ms. Townes and Ms. Tyler bring a social work lens to the broader school community. They focus on empowering students, advocating for equity, and ensuring systems are in place to support the whole child. Their work helps bridge the gap between academic progress and emotional well-being, while also guiding staff and strengthening schoolwide practices.
“Our social workers are essential to the culture of our schools,” said Ms. Tyler. “They bring empathy, consistency, and expertise to every interaction, helping students feel supported while also equipping them with the skills they need to grow academically and socially.”
The Lasting Impact of Social Work Support
The impact of this work is often seen in both small and significant ways. Social workers may help a family access resources such as food, clothing, or housing, or support a student in building the confidence to participate in class. Over time, those moments add up, helping students make meaningful progress and, in some cases, transition successfully back to their home school districts.
National Social Work Month offers an opportunity to recognize the commitment and care this team brings to the High Road School of Wallingford community every day.
