• Welcome Ashland Bears! 

    Meet Your School Social Worker

    Ms. Velma H. Walker, MSW,MHA/Ed

    Greetings Families, 

     My name is Ms. Velma Harris Walker, I am your new School Social Worker.

     Let me give you a brief bio about myself. I completed my bachelor’s in nursing from Maryville University and completed my master’s in social work from Washington University of St. Louis.  I bring along over 26 years of experience in helping families, from case management to connecting resources to the family within the St. Louis community. I look forward to helping families and the students to have a successful year.

    As your School Social Worker here at Ashland, my goal this year is to ensure that every student’s needs are met and that they are functioning effectively in their learning environment. I also want to make sure that every student is attending school, attentive every day, and learning to the best of their ability. Showing up for school has a huge impact on a student’s academic success, starting in kindergarten and continuing through high school. No matter how old the child is, families play a key role in making sure students attend school daily because attendance is the key to having a successful school year. 

    We realize some absences are unavoidable due to health problems or other circumstances. But we also know that when students miss school too much— regardless of the reason – it can cause them to fall behind academically.  Your child is less likely to succeed if he or she is chronically absent—which means missing 10 or more days over an entire school year.  We don’t want your child to fall behind in school and become discouraged.  Please ensure that your child attends school every day and is on time. In addition, I am also here to assist families with meeting everyday needs. If you need resources, support, guidance, etc., feel free to contact me.

    My office hours via the phone (cell) 314-400-8501 or email velma.walker@slps.org   will be Monday – Friday 8 am– 6 pm. As a rule, I will respond to inquiries within 24 - 48 hours. I look forward to meeting each and every one of you.