Team New Kent Talks | Episode 18: Here for You: How NKCPS Social Workers Connect Families to Support

Welcome back to Team New Kent Talks, the official podcast of New Kent County Public Schools, hosted by Superintendent Dr. Brian J. Nichols! In this heartfelt episode, we're shining a spotlight on a team that works tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure every NKCPS student has what they need to succeed—not just academically, but in every area of life. Dr. Nichols sits down with Ms. Pam Brooks and Ms. Stella Follett, two of our division's three dedicated school social workers. Together with Ms. Carolyn Kelley, this team serves as a critical bridge between our schools and our families—connecting students to resources, removing barriers to learning, and ensuring no child falls through the cracks. In addition to her social work role, Ms. Brooks serves as our Homeschool Coordinator and Division-Level Military Family Liaison, Ms. Follett serves as our Foster Care Liaison, and Ms. Kelley serves as our McKinney-Vento Liaison. Whether you're a parent navigating a difficult season, a military family new to the area, a student experiencing housing instability, or a foster caregiver trying to support a child in your care—this episode is for you. Ms. Brooks and Ms. Follett walk us through what their day-to-day looks like, the unique challenges facing military-connected and foster care students, and the resources and community partnerships available to NKCPS families who may be quietly struggling but aren't sure where to turn. If today's conversation resonated with you—whether you're a family in need of support, a caregiver looking for resources, or a community member looking for ways to help—please don't hesitate to reach out. You can also check out some of the resources mentioned in today's episode on our website: • Student Wellness & Family Supports: https://www.newkentschools.org/for-fa... • Military Families: https://www.newkentschools.org/for-fa... Subscribe to our channel for more stories highlighting the incredible students, staff, and programs that make NKCPS #AGreatPlacetoLearn. Let's continue to engage, empower, and elevate together, #TeamNewKent! ‪@briannichols9785‬