It’s National School Social Worker Week and time for us to wax on about our extraordinary school social worker, Ms. Kaplan.  Since I am putting this post together, I am going to choose the pic…and write my comments first 😊. This pic is from a couple of years ago, when we were back in school, but still […]

It’s National School Social Worker Week and time for us to wax on about our extraordinary school social worker, Ms. Kaplan.  Since I am putting this post together, I am going to choose the pic…and write my comments first 😊. This pic is from a couple of years ago, when we were back in school, but still masked.  If there were ever any doubt about Ms. Kaplan’s dedication to our school family, she quickly put an end to it during COVID.  I snagged the picture from a day that Ms. Kaplan had come into my office, bringing me some things she knew would make me laugh.  She does that a lot…brings in or does little things to let students and staff know she’s been thinking of them.  It makes us feel ‘seen’.  So even though the pic is a little out of date, I’m using it.  Her eyes are smiling, as does her heart.  My comments are also from last year, but after reading them again, I realize that they’re still exactly how I feel about her.  And as you’ll see from the many comments below from staff, many feel the same way. Ms. Kaplan is truly a special school social worker.

Ms. Frederick:  Jenn is one of my favorite people.  Her passion and compassion are unrivaled, and she genuinely loves her students.  This isn’t just a job for her. It’s who she is.  She’s been available to me at any hour when I’ve needed her. When I mention something a student or family might be going through, she’s still sending me resources days later…because she’s still thinking about it.  She really listens.  Ms. Kaplan is FUNNY!  She has a subtle sense of humor, and I love it.  She’s interesting. The great stories from her life have not only made me laugh so hard I’ve cried but given me her perspective with which she serves her students. She’s practical.  Looking at things with a no-nonsense, no-judgement lens, she just sees things how they are, and I appreciate that.  She isn’t afraid to speak up.  During meetings or trainings, I’ve seen Ms. Kaplan speak up when she thought students weren’t being properly protected or considered.  She’s not afraid to advocate because it might hurt someone’s feelings.  She’s solution-minded.  Not just complaining but solving problems.  Jennifer Kaplan is a genuine person who is really good at her job.

Principal Brozene:  Ms. Kaplan brings her calm and inquisitive approach to all situations and truly works to hear students and support them in getting their needs addressed.

Assistant Principal Algarin:  Ms. Kaplan is an amazing advocate for student well-being and academic achievement.  Her role supports a positive school environment by addressing social, emotional, and behavioral challenges and connecting students and families to resources.  Her relationships with students, staff, and families are vital for student success.

Mrs. Klausmeyer:  Ms. Kaplan is the best!  There’s so much more to say about what she brings to BDS that I’m having trouble putting it all into words.  I couldn’t imagine our team without her.

Mrs. Hucker:  Kaplan provides such valuable supports to our students on a daily basis.  She’s an advocate for our students and always there to support those in need. She challenges her colleagues to focus on the ‘whole child’ and helps remind us to provide social emotional learning (SEL) supports to our students!

Ms. Rosales:  Shoutout to Ms. Kaplan for always going above and beyond for our students!  Her dedication, compassion and willingness to take on extra tasks to ensure that every student is advocated for is unmatched.  We are so grateful for all that she does to make a difference every day!

Mrs. Zaeh:  Jen is extremely patient and empathetic.  She makes a huge difference in the lives of our students, who wouldn’t be able to attend BDS without her support.  She is also a great colleague, giving very individualized and clear supports for us to use in the classroom with the students she supports.

Mx. De La Cruz:  Ms. Kaplan is someone I can rely on to come up with a solution to a problem or for a new perspective on a situation.  She really is committed to serving our school and its students, from her efforts of collecting breakfast items to serve hungry students later in the day, to working 1:1 as an ear for listening.  She is creative. She is peaceful. She is one of our school’s best assets!

Mr. Myers:  Ms. Kaplan brings so much genuine care to her work with BDS students.  She inspires me to lead with compassion and kindness.

Mr. Doyle:  She’s an angel amongst mankind, a person who has always put our students and their needs at the forefront of her actions, and someone I look up to whenever I hear her talk about caring for the ‘whole person’, not just the academic side of our young scholars.

Mrs. Jones:  Ms. Kaplan is always available; whenever I want to have a conversation about a challenging kid, Jen is my ‘go-to’.  She sees the good in every child, and I really value that about her.

Mr. Nass:  Ms. Kaplan always advocates for her students and goes above and beyond to support her coworkers and make everyone feel appreciated!

Ms. Harrell:  I can’t let it pass without shouting out the incredible Jen Kaplan. Gentle, warm, caring, and endlessly creative, she embodies what it means to truly support and uplift others.  Her dedication, empathy, and innovative approach make a difference every single day.  Thank you for always being consistent and a great friend.  Thank you, Jen, for all you do!

Officer Baker:  Glad that Kaplan is on my team.  You are a great asset to BDS. Thanks for all you do.

Mrs. Hughes:  Jen Kaplan is one of the best, and we’re grateful to have her at BDS!

Mr. O’Hara:  Jen is so sweet and caring. Her heart is absolutely dedicated to the betterment of our students and staff, and is always readily available with a warm smile and open door.  Our students are so lucky to have her for them every day.

Ms. Anthony:  Thank you for being there for the kids.

Ms. Gray:  Thank you for always being there and always being available!  You truly are a gen and valued…

Shannan Canal:  She continually seeks ways to empower kiddos to manage their emotions.  She provides them with a safe space where they will be heard and cared for.  She not only brightens up the kiddos’ day, but adults, too.

Mrs. Lewis:  Ms. Kaplan is always there to listen.

Ms. Campbell:  Ms. Kaplan is awesome.  She’s always very attentive, on time, and always there for the kids and is a pleasure to know.

Mr. Ndara:  Jen is awesome and looks out for people. Periot.

Mrs. Cafaro-Edwards:  Ms. Kaplan is a safe space for so many students at BDS.  She is so calming, empathetic, kind and gentle.  Our students and staff are truly lucky to have her!

Nurse Kathy:  Ms. Kaplan, who I affectionately call JenJen, is one of the sweetest people I know.  She’s never too busy for me and always has a listening ear.  I’m so grateful for our connection.  She’s the absolute best.

,